It is unfortunate to witness the profusion of negating African identity among Afro descendants in the current culture of the United States.One of the latest trends is to deny African origin, opting instead for ‘indigenous American’. It goes without saying that the American black community is American. They have built the United States, from the inception of its history as an independent nation on the world stages. They have contributed to every single aspect of its development.
If they feel it is necessary to insist on the fact that they are Americans, it is only because there are some who actively try to minimise that contribution, and treat the black community as foreigners in their own country.
However this should not come at the expense of denying Africa and its importance.
It should make no doubt to anyone that by severing its link to Africa, the Black community in the USA is doing itself the greatest disservice, and hampering its development.
First, they should be proud of their roots and origins. Why are European and Asian people in America allowed to maintain a healthy pride in their connection with their diverse continental cultures of origin, while Afro descendants are only allowed to entertain mythical imaginary stories such as Wakanda?
Hearing Hebrew Israelites and other such groups insisting that they are not to be associated with Africa, is a sad exemple of such denials.
The Chinese American community is strong because it did not loose cultural contact with their original roots. Same goes for European Americans or any community in the United States. They enrich their country, and help their communities by their own contribution, based on a true contact with their original culture, not an imaginary one.
In Africa this phenomenon of African denial is simply perceived as racism.
When racism gets to the point where its victims have to hide or deny their identity, it shows how deep the social pathology has reached.
Black Americans can feel empowered as Americans, without having to run from their African origin like from the pest. Marcus Garvey tried. He realised the extent of the damage when Afro descendants will be put before a fake choice of pretend “double allegiance”. But there is no double allegiance in being proud of your rich cultural roots. Such pride makes one a contributeur, not just a recipient of favours. Africa is now a therapy for millions of mentally alienated people.