Why the name: Brazzaville?

On June 10, 2014June 10, 2014 By Dr. Y.In Great Trivia6 Comments

I always wondered where the name Brazzaville came from. At first glance, it would appear to mean “the city of Brazza (la ville de Brazza).” Is this a good guess? and if so, who was Brazza for his name to be given to the capital of an African country. Fortunately or unfortunately, during European colonization, many African cities, and cities throughout the world, were renamed after the first European explorer passing by or after some European ruler. Examples are countless: Leopoldville (modern-day Kinshasa), Port Louis (capital of Mauritius, named after Louis XV), Northern and Southern Rhodesia (Zambia and Zimbabwe resp. – named after Cecil Rhodes), etc. Other cities have seen their names ‘europeanized’ such as Canton (Guangzhou, in China), Bombay (Mumbai, in India), and many others.

Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza (by Paul Nadar)

Brazzaville is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Congo. It is located on the shores of the Congo River. It is the only capital in the world facing another one, Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo: Brazzaville and Kinshasa are separated only by the Congo river. The Pool region and surroundings of Brazzaville had been an African crossroad for centuries. In the Lari language, the regions of Mfoa and Mpila were known under the name Mavula, or “the place to get rich.” Laris people still refer to Brazzaville that way; however the name Mavula is anachronic since in 1880, the region’s inhabitants were Bateke. The site of the future capital was known as Nkuna, and was a Batéké village. Brazzaville was founded on 10 September 1880 by an Italo-French explorer, Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, after whom the city was named, Brazza-ville or the city of Brazza. The local leader, Makoko of the Téké, signed a treaty of protection with de Brazza which subjugated his lands to the French Empire (he was probably fooled by the French, as was common practice with the colonizers). The city was built four years later in order to become a competitor with Léopoldville (now Kinshasa) which was built by the Belgians on the other side of the river. The site was occupied from October 1880 until May 1882 by a small squad of troops led by Senegalese Sergeant Malamine Camara, who prevented the land from falling into Belgian hands.

It was actually Malamine Camara who created links with the local populations, and made them sign with the French. Malamine was very loyal, and when Savorgnan left for France for a few years, Malamine stayed behind, and convinced the local populations through his good manners to side with the French. It is so sad that today, history mostly remembers Savorgnan de Brazza, and that even that capital is named after him, when it was the Black Senegalese soldier who fought for the French, led the troops, and convinced the locals.

The French officially established control over the area by the Berlin Conference of 1884. The city became the capital first of the French Congo, and then of French Equatorial Africa, a federation of states which encompassed Gabon, the Central African Republic and Chad. In 1924, the Congo-Océan railway was brought into service which linked Brazzaville with the port of Pointe-Noire. During World War II Brazzaville, and the rest of French Equatorial Africa, remained beyond the control of Vichy France. In 1944, Brazzaville hosted a meeting of the Free French forces and representatives of France’s African colonies. The resulting Brazzaville Declaration was intended to redefine the relationship between France and its African colonies after the war.

Today, Brazzaville is a bustling city of more that 1.5 million inhabitants. Affectionately called Brazza, it is the heart of the Republic of Congo. To learn more about Savorgnan de Brazza himself, check out Brazza.culture.fr. Enjoy, Brazza!

A few words on Joyce Banda’s Exit

On June 6, 2014June 6, 2014 By Dr. Y.In Great Moments2 Comments

I have to say a few things about the latest presidential elections in Malawi. Mrs. Joyce Banda lost the presidential elections in Malawi, coming out a distant third in the elections. She had become interim president of Malawi after her predecessor Bingu wa Mutharika died in office in 2012. Peter Mutharika, a former foreign minister and brother of the predecessor, won with 36.4% of the vote, Lazarus Chakwera came 2nd with 27.8%, while Mrs Banda came third with 20.2%. Peter Mutharika was sworn into office on Saturday. Mrs. Banda had denounced serious irregularities, and wanted the whole election to be annulled; the high court rejected her request to block the release of results. Mrs. Banda then issued a statement congratulating Mr. Mutharika on his “victory in a closely contested election” and said she was “leaving office a happy person.” We are all happy that Mrs. Banda is conceading victory, even though we are not quite sure how 36.4% vs. 20.2% can be called a “closely contested election.” She leaving office “peacefully” is to be saluted.

President Banda of Malawi kneeling to President Kikwete of Tanzania?

However, Mrs Banda lost my respect the day I saw a picture of her kneeling in front of President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania: she claimed that she was a custodian of Malawian culture which made Malawian women kneel down when greeting men as sign of respect. That was the day, she went down in history for me: how can the president of a country kneel in front of other presidents? Are they not equal? Is she saying her country is kneeling to all the others? Did she forget that Malawi’s population also comprises men, who, following her logic, should not be made to kneel to greet other men? Mrs Banda was named 71st most powerful woman on earth by Forbes magazine in 2012, and 47th in 2013! Even Mr. Kikwete could not boast such a ranking. Just because Malawi is small does not mean that its head-of-state should bow to neighboring countries’ presidents. Did she see Angela Merkel of Germany or Cristina Fernandez of Argentina kneel down to anybody? If not, men should be kneeling down at Angela’s feet as she is the strongest leader in the euro-zone.

I decided to give her the benefit of the doubt, and listen to those who said the picture had been ‘photoshopped’. That was until I saw other images of Mrs. Banda carrying buckets of water on her head, trying to “help” village women with their tasks of fetching water. Why not provide free water so that these women will never have to carry buckets of water on their heads again? Another image was of Mrs Banda seating on a floor mat in the dust at a village gathering, while her security guards (all men) were seating in chairs around her in three-piece suits. What in the world was that? Was that the position of the African woman? Was that “humility”? Somehow, I never heard of Queen Nzingha, or Ranavalona I, or Queen Amina, or Amanishakheto kneeling down to anybody. In fact, Queen Nzingha had one of her servant form a human bench so that she could sit in a position of equality with the Portuguese governor of Luanda (who had refused her a chair). So who was Mrs. Banda mimicking then?

President Banda carrying a bucket of water

As head-of-state, one should represent the nation, not seat in the dust and claim “humility”, or “closeness” to the people. The job requirement for president is not gender-specific: the job is not for a woman or a man, but for a leader. Once a leader, nobody cares how “humble” you are, but people care about you providing good healthcare, electricity, water, the minimum to lead a decent life, and negotiating at the table of nations in their best interest. Whoever is head-of-state, male or female, represents the sovereignty of the people of the country. I heard people saying “she is a quality African woman, well-trained by her culture.” Goodness gracious: she can stay a quality African woman in her house, but not as head-of-state, as she represents ALL the people of Malawi, not just women.

In all fairness, higher pressures are put on women when they become presidents. They are singled out, and their mistakes overblown… but as presidents, they should represent their ENTIRE constituency, and serve ALL fairly… not fetch water on their heads, or kneel down to greet men, or sit in the dust. This was (and still is) her time to teach, educate, and elevate women in the Malawian society. The time is for thinkers, and leaders, not paraders!

Proverbe Ntomba sur les apparences / Ntomba Proverb on apparences

On June 4, 2014June 4, 2014 By Dr. Y.In Great WisdomLeave a comment

Cancrelat, continue de t’enduire de fard noir, la poule ne s’y trompera pas (Proverbe Mongo, Ntomba – République Democratique du Congo). – Un malfaiteur sera vite demasqué, ses manières le trahiront.

Cockroach, keep coating yourself with black mascara, the hen will not be deceived (Mongo, Ntomba proverb – Democratic Republic of Congo). – A thief will quickly be unmasked, his manners will betray him.

Maya Angelou in Her Own Words

On May 30, 2014May 30, 2014 By Dr. Y.In Great Literature4 Comments

Here are some quotes by Maya Angelou herself. Feel and enjoy the wisdom!

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“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Interview for Beautifully Said Magazine (2012)

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”

“Never make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option.”

“I believe that each of us comes from the creator trailing wisps of glory.” – Interview with the Academy of Achievement (1990)

“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” – Excerpted from Letter to My Daughter, a book of essays (2009)

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” – Angelou’s Facebook (2011)

“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” – Letter to My Daughter, a book of essays (2009)

“I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.” – Interview with Oprah for Angelou’s 70th birthday (2000)

“We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.” – The Art of Fiction No. 119, the Paris Review

“It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, to forgive. Forgive everybody.”

“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” – Angelou’s Facebook (Jan. 11, 2013)

“Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.” – Date unknown

“I believe that every person is born with a talent.” – Date unknown

“One isn’t necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.” – Interview in USA TODAY (March 5, 1988)

“If you’re always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.”

“Listen to yourself and in that quietude you might hear the voice of God.” – This was her final tweet, posted on 23 May 2014.

“Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou

On May 29, 2014May 29, 2014 By Dr. Y.In Great Literature, Great People1 Comment

Yesterday, the world lost one of its greatest poets: Dr. Maya Angelou. The first poem of Maya Angelou I came across was “Phenomenal Woman,” which really resonated with me. It was read at a bridal shower I attended in Harlem, and I just loved every single word of it. Before that, I had read Maya Angelou’s first book I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings and also watched the movie. Maya Angelou’s life was not easy: she was raped at age 7, a teenage mother at age 17, a restaurant cook, a prostitute, and a pimp. She turned her life around, was a professional dancer, singer, actress, and a journalist in Egypt and Ghana. She won several Grammy awards. She walked with the greats of this world: Malcolm X whom she met while in Ghana and was going to work with before his assassination, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., James Baldwin, Billie Holiday, Oprah Winfrey, and so many others. President Bill Clinton asked her to read a poem at his inauguration ceremony in 1993, making her the second poet in American history to do so. Her reading of that poem, “On the Pulse of Morning” won a Grammy award. President Obama presented her with the presidential medal of freedom in 2011. She was a professor at Wake Forest University.

To think that this woman never went to college, never had a PhD, and yet she was a bestselling author, and a professor at a major university. Billie Holiday once told Maya Angelou that she would be known in this world, but not for her music. Indeed, Maya Angelou was known throughout the world, definitely not for her music, but for her writings, and particularly for her poetry. Her life is a testament to truth, and passion: live your passion, do what you are most passionate about, and it does not matter where you come from, or how many degrees you have, you will excel and touch countless lives. Here is one of my favorite of Maya Angelou’s poems: “Still I Rise.”

Still I Rise

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may tread me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don’t you take it awful hard
‘Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines
Diggin’ in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I’ve got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history’s shame
I rise
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain
I rise
I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.

Maya Angelou

The Story of a Dam

On May 27, 2014May 27, 2014 By Dr. Y.In Great Legends & TalesLeave a comment

HERE was a great drought in the land; and Lion called together a number of animals so that they might devise a plan for retaining water when the rains fell.

The animals which attended at Lion’s summons were Baboon, Leopard, Hyena, Jackal, Hare, and Mountain Tortoise. It was agreed that they should scratch a large hole in some suitable place to hold water; and the next day they all began to work, with the exception of Jackal, who continually hovered about in that locality, and was overheard to mutter that he was not going to scratch his nails off in making water holes.

When the dam was finished the rains fell, and it was soon filled with water, to the great delight of those who had worked so bard at it. The first one, however, to come and drink there, was Jackal, who not only drank, but filled his clay pot with water, and then proceeded to swim in the rest of the water, making it as muddy and dirty as he could. This was brought to the knowledge of Lion, who was very angry and ordered Baboon to guard the water the next day, armed with a huge knobkerrie. Baboon was concealed in a bush close to the water; but Jackal soon became aware of his presence there, and guessed its cause. Knowing the fondness of baboons for honey, Jackal at once hit upon a plan, and marching to and fro, every now and then dipped his fingers into his clay pot, and licked them with an expression of intense relish, saying, in a low voice to himself, “I don’t want any of their dirty water when I have a pot full of delicious honey.” This was too much for poor Baboon, whose mouth began to water. He soon began to beg Jackal to give him a little honey, as he had been watching for several hours, and was very hungry and tired. After taking no notice of Baboon at first, Jackal looked round, and said, in a patronizing manner, that he pitied such an unfortunate creature, and would give him some honey on certain conditions, viz., that Baboon should give up his knobkerrie and allow himself to be bound by Jackal. He foolishly agreed; and was soon tied in such a manner that he could not move hand or foot. Continue reading “The Story of a Dam” →

Proverbe Bamiléké sur plaire à tout le monde / Bamileke Proverb on Trying to Please Everyone

On May 21, 2014May 21, 2014 By Dr. Y.In Great Wisdom1 Comment

Ce qui plaît aux chefs, ne plaît pas toujours aux notables (proverbe Bamiléké – Cameroun). Impossible de contenter tout le monde à la fois.

What pleases the kings, may not always please the dignitaries (Bamileke proverb – Cameroon). It is impossible to please everyone at the same time.

Why the name: Malawi?

On May 19, 2014January 21, 2020 By Dr. Y.In Great Trivia8 Comments

I have been thinking about the meaning of the name Malawi for a while now. For starters, Malawi is a country located in southern Africa, and it is the second country in Africa to have a female President, Joyce Banda. So what does Malawi mean?

The origin of the name Malawi is a bit uncertain; it was originally attributed to the lake itself: Lake Malawi. However, its origin is believed to be linked to the ancient Kingdom of Maravi which flourished in the area in the 15th century AD. In reality, Malawi means ‘Fire flames‘, evoking the rising sun scintillating on the waters of the lake. This is clearly drawn on the flag of the country.

Malawi is a landlocked country bordered by Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique. It is a country of high plateaux, with the Shire Highlands in the South, and the Nyka uplands in the north. The Great Rift Valley runs through the country from north to south. Lake Malawi, Africa’s third largest lake and second deepest, runs to the east of the valley. The total area of the lake occupies approximately 20% of the country, and forms its eastern border with Mozambique and Tanzania. Lake Malawi is affectionately called the Lake of Stars.

The first Europeans in the regions were Portuguese in the 16th century, and later on David Livingstone made it up the Shire River up to Lake Malawi in 1859 to establish a British presence in the region. The lake was then called Lake Nyasa, with Nyasa meaning Lake in Yao language. In 1891, the British established the British Central Africa Protectorate, which included Malawi and the protectorate was renamed Nyasaland in 1907. The country gained independence from the British on 6 July 1964, renamed itself Malawi, with Hastings Kamuzu Banda as president. Lilongwe is the capital of Malawi, and is located in the central region of the country. The country’s currency is the Kwacha, which means ‘dawn‘ in local Nyanja and Bemba languages.

Malawi is affectionately known as the warm heart of Africa. Enjoy the fire flames country located in the highland of southeastern Africa, between Zambia, Mozambique, and Tanzania.

‘Women of Africa’ by Sekou Touré

On May 16, 2014May 16, 2014 By Dr. Y.In Great Literature, Great PeopleLeave a comment

So many of our revolutionary leaders have written books, poems, and essays. The great Thomas Sankara, our African Che and president of Burkina Faso, wrote about empowering women, people, getting away from debt, and the Burkinabé revolution. Amilcar Cabral not only wrote poems, but also revolutionary essays. Agostinho Neto, the first president of Angola, also wrote poetry, just as Senegal’s first president Leopold Sedar Senghor. So it seems quite natural to find out that Sekou Touré, the grandson of Samori Touré, the only African president to say ‘NO‘ to France and de Gaulle, also wrote poetry. So here, I leave you with a poem by Sekou Touré, on Women of Africa, and their rightful place in the revolution.

Women of Africa,

Women of the Revolution!

You will rise up to apex

You will journey endlessly

At a walking pace of the social Revolution,

To the rhythm of cultural progress,

In the train of economic boom

To the great and beautiful city

Of the exacting ends

And were in leading

Your brothers, your husbands and

your children…

Women of Africa,

Women of the Revolution!

Equality is not offered,

It must be conquered.

To emancipate the women

Is to rid the society

Of its blemishes, its deformities

The conquest of science,

The mastery of Techniques

Will open to the Women the way

That of intra-social combat

Rendering her “subject and no longer object”.

-Ahmed Sekou Toure

Proverbe sur le respect des autres / Proverb on respect of others

On May 14, 2014 By Dr. Y.In Great WisdomLeave a comment

Quoique petit, le poivre est fort par sa saveur piquante (Proverbe Bayombe – Republique Democratique du Congo). – Tout homme a sa valeur, on lui doit du respect.

Although small, the pepper is strong by its pungent flavor (Bayombe Proverb – Democratic Republic of Congo). – Every man has his worth, he should be respected.

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