A Gay, Deaf and HIV Positive South African Activist

CNN's African Voices has once again brought another interesting story out of Africa. This one, out of all so far, is definitely the most interesting of all of them. Take a look.

In this video, for those of us who are not hearing-impaired and/or know how to sign, the most interesting thing I think can be learned is how similar those who are hearing impaired are to those who are not. Who would have thought there was a "gay" way to sign, like there is to speak? This leads to another discussion in how certain "norms" can transcend any language.

Real Housewives of Atlanta Visit South Africa

I would be the world's biggest liar if I said I didn't enjoy watching Bravo's highest rated reality TV show "Real Housewives of Atlanta." Seriously, this show never fails at having me laugh either at the silly women (which half of them are not married so I don't know what qualified them as housewives) or the downward spiral of the production value per season.

Anyway, I'm not really going to go into a full fledged analysis of the show (plenty of fan blogs do that rather well already and with Nene Leakes's celebrity status growing, the analyses will not cease anytime soon), but I would like to delve into the most recent episode when the women minus Kim Zolciak plus Marlo Hampton began their ten day excursion in South Africa (or Africa, as they incessantly address as if South Africa represents the ENTIRE continent of 53 countries and 3,000 languages). This excursion is good for African-Americans who have never been outside of the United States before and more so because it's a visit to an African nation. It shows that despite the stories of poverty and disease that seem to almost always come out of Africa (despite this being only one sided) there's also a lot of wealth and prosperity. I stated a while back the value of going abroad, no matter where it is, and the best part is one of the best ways to be educated about the world around you and to better understand your own culture. But this trip for the housewives was not for education - this was for laughs and "good TV."

What's vexes me more than the fact that some of these women are ignorant (Nene) or pretentious (Phaedra) is who REALLY arranged this - and I am sure that Phaedra only brought up the idea, even if she did. All this modern day buffoonery falls into the hands of their executive producer, Vice President of Bravo, Andy Cohen. He probably didn't say "Let's put these animals in their natural habitat" but, like they say, actions speak louder than words.

All the fans know that these women have had a lot of tension since the middle of the previous season and more tension was piled on with the arrival of the guest housewife (who'll probably replace Kim), Marlo. There was bound to be a fight somewhere (and as many are learning about reality TV, producers tend to orchestrate how things will progress) and the animalistic mudslinging between Marlo and Sheree, heightened with strange and eerily exotic noises, is probably just a small glimpse of what is bound to happen next.

We're entering Black History Month and what we have to show for black people again perpetuate black caricatures. This time, they are that of the 21st century. But like in the past, a white man has capitalized on exploiting black caricatures and all Americans have accepted it as okay. And I do not care that Andy Cohen is gay and Jewish. Being a minority in the US and capitalizing on the caricature of another minority does not make it excusable. This episode clearly was an example modern day blackface.

Am I going to keep watching this show. Of course. Should I? Yes. Any medium is worth reading, watching or hearing because it's someone else's viewpoint, even if you disagree with it. In fact, if you do disagree with it, then you have more information to back up your own opinion. Being well informed is the key to success in an ever-shrinking global world. Plus, there's something oddly refreshing about mindless TV after a thought provoking work week.

Zara Opens in South Africa

 The first major (and fashionable) global clothing retailer to hit the African Continent is none other than Spanish retailer, Zara. According to Africa Review, the clothing giant is targeting the growing middle class in South Africa.

This is following Wal-Mart's big purchase of South African retailer Massmart, which has (or had) stores in 14 African countries.

Now, is the world finally beginning to see the growing economies of Africa, especially since now many African nations have economies with growth outpacing those with "developed" economies?

This looks like people are finally beginning to notice, after nearly a decade of sustained growth in several African countries, that this "dark continent" is not really as dark as many mainstream media sources try to make it seem. There is REAL potential on the continent - and now numbers are showing and businesses that are not fairing as well in the developed nations due to several economic woes are looking to places that they may see now (or again) as untamed lands.

There's really no taming to do, but really products to sell with people who are ready (with thick enough wallets) to buy them. Today, I read a few stories about Ghana and it's steady economic growth (which has been for beyond a decade) and the amount of people that have moved out of poverty, even though most of the economic growth is centered southern part of the nation and around Accra, it's commercial, financial and official capital. However, there are talks and things in the works to help even out the growth through the country.

Now that Africa is again the New Frontier (maybe that's too early to say), maybe the diversity of the continent will actually be seen.

It's Never Too Late to Say: "Happy New Year!"

After a nice long break, I'm back! There have been SEVERAL things in the news that have been going on in the black world since the last time, and here are a few highlights - some funny, some serious, and some just down right messy.

Obama Sings

All I can say is watch. As many of you may know, I'm not a Obama supporter, but I think all can admit this makes one chuckle at least a bit.



Etta James Dies at 73

The legendary Etta James passed this morning in Riverside, CA from complications with leukemia, according to an article posted by New York Times. Her name is currently a top trend on Twitter, along with her signature song, "At Last."

Promoter for Nas Held Hostage in Angola

Okay Africa posted a suspicious story about a New Year's Eve concert in Luanda which featured Nas. Nas didn't show up and instead was livin' it up in Miami. Apparently, someone is angry and demands the $300,000 payment for Nas's appearance to be repaid, and all additional expenses. Until that is repaid, the promoter (who is Angolan) will be held. Okay Africa has said that the details are kinda iffy, but I am sure they will have an update as soon as all the details are in order.

Zara Opens It's First Store on the African Continent

I have a more detailed analysis of this here, but in short, Zara opened it's first store on the continent in a posh mall in Johannesburg not too long ago, reported by Africa Review.

Pres. Wade Spends Millions to the Arts in Senegal

Arguably, this is a mess. The 85-year-old Senegalese president is has already spent several million dollars on what he's dubbed "Cultural Park." Most recently, the next addition to Cultural Park will be the Museum of Black Civilisations. Good note - this helps bring tourism and spreads awareness of the diversity of black cultures. Bad note - will this help elevate the many in Senegal that are living at or below the poverty level? We'll see. See more at Africa Review.

Nigeria Anti-Gay (Marriage) Bill

I've been thinking about some of the issues I have with the fight for gay rights in most of sub-Saharan Africa, mainly it's approach from the West (or should I say the former colonizers).

There's a condescending nature of the West when they tell African nations: "We'll pull aid from countries that pass anti-gay legislation." The United Kingdom's Prime Minister David Cameron said something of a similar vein not to long ago.



Before I go into it, I do believe every minority group in every country should be treated and respected as a human, regardless if you are a racial, ethnic or sexual minority. More so, whoever you sleep with is only your business, as long as you're not having sex with them in public.

The part that bothers me most about this is not even the recent legislation being passed in Nigeria or some that may be passed in other countries, but the passive aggression coming from the West. "They're all on a journey and we want to help them get there," said David Cameron. But did you ASK these nations what is their journey and WHERE they would like to be? You assume that these nations want to be like the West? Many of them want to be African. If you listen to some of the homophobic rhetoric of these leader, despite their bases for the argument, they want to make sure their country has a strong African identity. Do I believe anti-homosexuality laws define an African identity? Hell no. But I also do not believe that African nations should be told aspire to be "Westernized."When you begin to realize African cultures are not backward and they need to be TAUGHT how to think, then maybe change can happen. African countries, based on all the resources they have are more than capable of making their countries work for them. Plus, many of their economies are doing better than many Western nations at the moment. Didn't Angola just offer it's former colonizer Portugal aid?

Now that we are in a post colonial and increasingly global society, the approach of these Western nations to anti-gay policies in Africa should not be "we won't give you money" but instead understanding how to approach the issue that would be effective in an African nation and not basing it on how things are done in West.

To be quite honest, African cultures are very active cultures, especially when it comes to politics. When Africans are angry, we are angry. That's why protesting almost always turns into bloodshed and militant groups form. Do I support this violence? No, not at all because in the end the statement is made at the cost of innocent lives. However, I understand where it is coming from - the mind.

In the United States, when laws are created to protect the rights of minority groups, it doesn't change the minds of people by any means, but because the culture is passive, little is done to challenge the laws which in turn changes HOW people discriminate against minority groups (for example, "white flight" from Northern US cities from the mid 1960s onward).

In South Africa, considered the most liberal African country, who have had laws to protect the LGBT community for around a decade now, corrective rape toward lesbians is still rampant, if not worse than before, DESPITE the laws to protect women from rape combined with the laws created to protect lesbians. In many African countries, people don't passively obey a law simply because it's in place. Instead, the laws will be completely ignored unless the mindset is changed.

If the greater society of an African nations believes homosexuality is sinful, they are not going to support any legislation that protects gay rights. However, if there is dialogue between groups, a compromise can be reached and a change in the mind can begin. It will be a slow process, but in the end, Africans from both sides of the aisle can live peacefully. After that, there's a much higher possibility of this kind of legislation being supported by the majority. This does not mean the West needs to interfere, but instead support dialogue when asked.

Long story short, when the need is there, they'll ask. The West needs to stop assuming Africa needs them. What Africa needs right now are more leaders who are more interested in their populations than their bank accounts.

Training Africa's Future Leaders

I saw this and thought about the program I help run, but this is at a far greater scale and goes beyond international boundaries, but, at it's core, the same goal.



This grassroot effort to change Africa as it is already changing, for the most part, for good, might help solidify the change and continue to make necessary improvements to put the continent at it's full potential. We'll have to wait for another decade or so to see the results, but I think this is in the right direction.

Question of the Week - Part 2: "Are there rich people in Africa?"

I'm a bit late posting this question, like two weeks late. This is from someone in Korea.

Question: Are there rich people in Africa?

Answer: Yes. Plenty. I know several Western news media tend to mostly show Africans in poverty (which there's a lot of that, too), but they also forget that several African countries are leaders in production of some resources we take for granted, like gold, diamonds, oil, to name a few. Of course, where is all this money going? Mainly to the African businesses owned by Africans, of course!

The wealthiest black person on the planet is Nigerian and lives in Nigeria. His name is Akilo Dangote, founder and owner of one of Africa's largest multinational conglomerates, Dangote Group. I mentioned him before on my blog in regard to solar energy in Africa, particularly in Angola, South Africa and Nigeria.

There's a list of the wealthiest Africans on TheRichest.org, and Akilo Dangote is, of course, at the top.

Nigeria, Angola and South Africa Should Invest in Solar Power

Nigeria, Angola and South Africa are three of the most prosperous countries in Africa. Nigeria and South Africa are the most influential not only throughout the continent, but increasingly in the world. If these two countries begin to focus more on green energy alternatives, not only will they fuel their economies, but they will be Africa's green leaders. If Angola follows suit, it could potentially be in the top 5 of Africa's largest economies and people could even move out of poverty at rates like those in China and Brazil.

An obvious resource, Africa receives a lot of solar energy throughout most of the year. In fact, North Africa alone receives so much that it is estimated that there's more than enough to provide electricity not only for the region, but also for neighboring Europe and the Middle East. Imagine the potential of other African nations combined. Furthermore, it is a clean and renewable resource, which translates to less pollution (which means fewer people being sick) and poverty reduction. It can also be used on a small scale to power remote towns and villages, as is being done in several African countries now.

Let's look at Nigeria first. Nigeria is currently Africa's largest oil producer and it's third largest economy (maybe the second, since Egypt still has a lot of stability issues at the moment). Also, Nigeria is still plagued with infrastructural issues, the main complaint being it's electrical grid. If a Nigerian invests in this (especially if it is the world's richest black man, Akilo Dangote, owner and founder of Dangote Group, West Africa's largest conglomerate), the money to be made would be incredible and the jobs created would be astounding. On top of that, the energy provided would affect every aspect of business and raise the living standards (Nigeria has one of the highest in Africa). For immediate solutions, Nigerian governments on the state or even federal level could give incentives to businesses and developers that invest in solar energy. What Nigerian would not want to wave good-bye to their loud, smokey generator? I know the businesses would be more than happy. Mr. Dangote, I seriously think this should be your next endeavor. You will not only make a great investment for yourself, but also for you country in one of the best ways.

Angola, which has experienced astronomical growth since it's nearly three decade civil war has ended in 2002, is quickly becoming an African powerhouse - and the world has taken notice. It's global notoriety has even made it's capital and largest city Luanda the world's most expensive for expatriates. However, Angola currently has one of the widest income gaps in Africa, and most of it's poverty is in the rural areas. Investment in small to medium scale solar energy projects, especial in remote areas, would close the income gap and even quicken the pace of developing schools, hospitals and other public facilities that have been closed or destroyed during the war. All of these things are necessary for continued economic growth and to raise the standard of living and Angola is currently relying on their oil wealth.

Finally, we have South Africa, Africa's largest economy and sometimes even considered with the BRIC. South Africa has not been have infrastructural problems or a dire public service problem like Nigeria and Angola respectively, but they are going to have a severe environmental problem if they don't stop investing in coal plants. Last year, the World Bank contributed nearly $3.75 billion to South Africa to construct these toxic factories in an effort to avoid a power shortage. Seriously, that is one of the worst excuses I've heard. We know a power shortage is looming, but resorting to the dirtiest option will simply cause more problems and only prevent one.

Despite each country's unique problems, there is one problem each country has: lack of human capital. Most importantly, for any economy to grow, it needs human capital. If there is not enough power, there's no way to train the people needed to fuel the economy. If people are suffering disease due to the pollutants from a coal plant or from mining coal, that would mean less people able to work. If homes are without electricity, how will these workers store food and how will their children do their homework? A common saying in Nigeria is "charity begins at home." If you're not doing well at home, how will be able to do well at work. Investing in solar energy does more than keep the lights on. It's a lucrative business investment that can last a lifetime with little to no harm to the environment and the people.

Africa on New York's Runway

Over a week ago was the fabulous (yes, I did use that word) Africa Fashion Week in New York. This annual event was directed and created by Nigerian-born fashion entrepreneur and owner of the fashion agency Adiree, Adiat Disu. Hopefully, by the end of the week I will have a review of this fashion presentation, from a guest blogger. Meanwhile, I'm going to do two things: feature one of the designers that were present and put in my commentary (of course).

The designer I would like to feature (which had one of the few, if not the only, line for males) is South African Stiaan Louw. My favorite attribute about his clothing is you can see the influences of traditional attire from various cultures across the continent, yet it has a modern and forward vibe. I can see a bit of Nigeria, and a bit a of Egypt and of bit of Sudan and of course South Africa in many of the pieces. The colors are brilliantly muted, giving the lyrical drapery of the garments sense of masculinity. Finally, it LACKS prints, which seem to be the standard when one thinks of African clothing. The pictured outfit is one I'm considering for inspiration for my style (it's from Joburg Fashion Week 2011).

What do I think about Africa Fashion Week in New York? Well, I think it is brilliant. It is one of the BEST ways to bring the talent of Africa to the Western world (especially the United States, since the views of Africa are still very narrow/one-sided). Having a taste of Africa in your own country ends the excuse: "Oh, I can't learn about Africa because it is too far/I don't have the money/I don't have the time." There are things that relate to each person in this nation that have a taste of Africa in it. If you like spicy food, go to a West African restaurant. If you love fashion, go to Africa Fashion Week. If you like to dance, go a to community center and see if they offer an African dance class. If you're in business, check out the stock markets in Nigeria, Angola, Ghana, South Africa, any African nation. If you're bored and online, Google or Wikipedia an African nation (or even read some of the posts on my blog). Whatever it is you like to do, it's in Africa, just like it is in the United States, South Korea, the UK - anywhere. You just have to open your mind and get out of your damn box (yes, I said it). Stop making excuses and do it!

People in Soweto GETTIN' IT

Just watch this video from CNN International and tell me if you can keep up with the pace. I know I'll need to practice.

I'm already thinking of playing Shangaan electro at a party. And the producer behind it, Richard Hlungwani, seems to be having too much fun with his job. I tried really hard not to laugh or shake it. Anyone want to start a dance crew?

Scandal, Witchcraft and Cheaters - OH MY!

The stuff I am reading today is serious off the chain. I mean, some of this stuff sounds like a storyline for a Lifetime movie.

In short, a 47-year-old South African woman had an affair with a South African rugby player by the name of Deon Helberg who was dating her daughter. Because the Deon called off the affair, she plotted with Nigerian "crooks" to kill the him. However, her plan backfired because the "crooks" immediately informed authorities of her plot. She supposedly dabbled into witchcraft and visited witch doctors. I think we should all read the whole article and I will give you updates on this madness as it come around.

I have a problem with this crazy lady on many levels (as I am sure many of you do after reading the story). First of all, why were you sleeping with your daughter's boyfriend? That is some low level stuff that a mother should not be doing. Secondly, I know the stereotype of Nigerians on the continent is that they are crazy and crooked, but not all of them are like that, which was shown here (however, since she paid them, they may have taken the money then told the authorities, something I would have done, LOL). Lastly, she's visiting witch doctors and experimenting with witchcraft? Was this rugby player that good that you had to get into the supernatural? She has lower herself and it is sad.

The people I wonder about is the rugby player, Deon Helberg, and his now ex-girlfriend. Of course, Deon was stupid and weak, as many of us know, but how would this affect his career? And the girl...how would she look at her mother now? As this story continues to develop, I will have more information. I can see this being a made-for-TV movie within the next year.

Exclusive Interview - Brought to You by the Columbia Chronicle

As I have been talking about for weeks now, Shannon Kook-Chun was in Chicago and talked about his acting and all that jazz. He sat with the beautiful MTV Africa VJ Fikile Moeti, commonly known as "Fix." I found this interview intriguing and gives those who missed out on his live Q & A a chance to get some answers.

International Education Week at Columbia College = AWESOME

Currently I am tired from the madness that many that are a part of International Student Organization at Columbia College understand as International Education Week. This insanity may be exhausting, but some how, it has been an enlightening experience.

Today was International Fair, which featured the Travel Mobile (which had a lot of decor, courtesy of the student body at Columbia), delicious food, a flamenco dancer and a belly dancer. People who missed this, I feel sorry for you.

This week, there are TWO events the focus on African issues (one more than the other). Tomorrow evening will be a screening of the award-winning documentary, "This is Nollywood." For those of you who are unfamiliar with Nollywood, get familiar real fast and real quick, because it is currently the third largest film industry in the world and it is based in Nigeria. Even though many of the films from Nollywood are close to a fail when it comes to production value, the reason why the industry is doing so well is that it focuses on unique and modern African stories in an African way. The movies can transcend the continent a lot easier than movies from Bollywood or Hollywood. However, it looks like the production value for Nigerian films may begin to change as quickly as Nollywood became a booming industry, since there are a select few filmmakers that are not only maintaining the African content, but also are focusing on the cinematography.

The other event focuses on a rising star from South Africa, who plays Zane Park on the award-winning teen drama Degrassi: the Next Generation, Shannon Kook-Chun. Of course, I have spoken about this a few times, but what is more interesting the buzz that it is getting throughout Chicago. Interestingly, people assume that this event is simply about Degrassi, but it is more so about several cultural/ethnic issues that are important to acquiring a global worldview. If it was simply about Degrassi, any actor from the show could have been chosen, but Shannon was picked for a particular purpose.

Firstly, he is of Chinese and mixed ancestry and was born and raised in South Africa during the infamous apartheid era. What many Americans sometimes fail to understand that the issue of race, especially during apartheid South Africa, is well beyond the "simple" of issue of black and white (or black versus white) and still is in post-apartheid South Africa. Race relations on every corner of the world definitely are much more complex than many can comprehend and South Africa is/was no exception. This is a rare (and FREE) opportunity to ask someone who grew up during and after apartheid (that is not black or white) deep questions about his experience.

Secondly, he plays an openly gay character. This is a two-sided coin that must be explored. For someone who is Asian to play a gay character in a TV show that is shown in North America is almost groundbreaking. As many may have noticed, the depiction(s) of Asian males on many television shows can be rare and limited. Usually, they fit in one of two stereotypes: smart, shy and asexual or a karate master. For someone to play an "unconventional" role helps break the stereotypes of the Asian male and shows the diversity among those that are Asian. Shannon plays Zane Park, a cool, confident gay male. Also, he plays a gay character, helping to break the stereotypes of gay men in the media.

Thirdly, Degrassi is not the only show he is in. He has been able to show his versatility as an actor by being in multiple productions (one of them a feature film soon to be released). In the popular Canadian drama, Duhram County, he plays a gangster (again, breaking the Asian male stereotype). This is informative for aspiring actors for improving their trade.

My point, overall, is that you can't simply judge a book by it's cover (I know, cliche). But you have to dig beyond the surface and see the roots. The whole point of International Education Week is to encourage people to become more aware of how global our environment is becoming. Having this knowledge is key to not only being well-rounded, but being the person who is at the top of the pile for a job (and we all want money in our pockets, don't we?). Putting "Degrassi" in the event title was a marketing scheme to draw fans in, but the real treat is what you learn from the experience. Learning about a booming movie industry outside of Hollywood let's you know what the (potential) competition is on a global scale (or maybe even what market you can tap into to set yourself a part from other filmmakers).

I'll leave you all with this - "Curiosity killed the cat, but at least the cat died after learning something."