Whenever there are advances for African freedom and self-determination, African Americans, in particular, should always be able to define mutual interests, opportunities and responsibilities to aid and assist our brothers and sisters in Africa. The Republic of South Sudan is the newest nation in the world and will become the 193rd member of the United Nations.
Independence
Day for the Republic of South Sudan was as recent as this month. President
Barack Obama stated, "A proud flag flies over Juba and the map of the
world has been redrawn. Together, we can ensure that today marks another step
forward in Africa's long journey toward opportunity, democracy and
justice. I am proud to declare
that the United States formally recognizes the Republic of South Sudan a
sovereign and independent state upon this day, July 09, 2011. After so much struggle by the people of
South Sudan, the United States of America welcomes the birth of a new
nation." We agree with
President Obama's perspective and analysis about the significance of the newly
established Republic of South Sudan. But we would like to deepen our memory and perspective on this momentous
achievement from an African American perspective.
Too often
in contemporary times, Africa is still viewed by too many Americans as that far
off place where centuries ago, millions of people were enslaved and forcibly
brought to the Americas for the sole purpose of one of the most brutal
manifestations of human slavery and economic exploitation that the world has
ever witnessed in history. Yet for
African Americans we are more and more aware of how our plight here inside the
United States of America still involves our long struggle for freedom, justice,
equality and empowerment. But for
the grace of God and the sacrifices, toil, courage and steadfastness of struggle
by past generations of Blacks in America and throughout the displaced African
world, we would not be able to recognize and celebrate the progress today that
African people and all people continue to make toward a more just and empowered
humanity.
Our
concern and care is for our brothers and sisters in both the Republic of South
Sudan and those who remain in the Sudan, to the north of the Republic of South
Sudan. The whole of the Sudan and
including the Republic of South Sudan ought to be the focus for all who care
about Africa. The 50 years or more
of deadly, self-destructive civil war has caused so much misery and
suffering. It is good now that the
civil war, despite some continued violent border clashes, has finally ended
with the declaration of independence and sovereignty of the Republic of South
Sudan being officially recognized by the world community.
African
Americans should see clearly that once again there are significant and
immediate economic and growth opportunities in this new African nation. Of course, some of the world's economic
powers are already lining up to go after the vast quantities of oil and natural
gas that are known to be some of the world's largest discoveries located in the
Republic of South Sudan. China has just announced that they will
invest millions of dollars in infrastructure development for the South Sudan.
The U.K., France, the U.S., and other post-industrialized economies have all
expressed their desire to work on development projects in this valuable mineral
rich nation. At a time of very high unemployment in the African American
community, this is a great moment in history for African American business
leaders to develop new business relationships with Africa, and in particular
with nations like the Republic of South Sudan.
I believe
the greatest resource, however, that is in the Republic of South Sudan today is
not its oil or natural gas, but it is its millions of people who have high
aspirations and hope for a better quality of life. Thus, if Black owned businesses: the Black Press, colleges and universities, churches and
other institutions that serve our communities would reach out to the Republic
of South Sudan, it would raise the potential for ongoing sustainable economic
development and educational joint ventures to be established. Africa awaits Black America. Giving back to Africa will bring a long
lasting benefit to our brothers and sisters in Africa as well as to our
brothers and sisters in our communities across America.
President
Obama in his statement about the Republic of South Sudan reminded us what Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr. once said about independence occurring in Africa. The President affirmed, "Decades
ago, Martin Luther King reflected on the first moment of independence on the
African continent in Ghana, saying, 'I knew about all of the struggles, and all
of the pain, and all of the agony that these people had gone through for this
moment.' Today, we are moved by the story of struggle that led to this time of
hope in South Sudan, and we think of those who didn't live to see their dream
realized. Now, the leaders and people of South Sudan have an opportunity to
turn this moment of promise into lasting progress." As we salute the Republic of South
Sudan, let's extend a helping hand. The future holds great promise.
Dr. Benjamin
F. Chavis Jr. Is Senior Advisor to the Black Alliance for Educational Options
(BAEO) and President of Educational Online Services Corporation.
