Asante King Advocates for True Emancipation, Urges Fight Against Poverty and Discrimination
The Asante King has delivered a powerful message of true emancipation during his address at the Emancipation Day celebrations. His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the 16th monarch of the Asante Kingdom in Ghana, highlighted the importance of fighting poverty, crime, and discrimination for the attainment of true freedom.
In his speech at the Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village in Port of Spain, the King mourned the lives lost during the trans-Atlantic slave trade that affected West Africa, the Americas, and the Caribbean. He acknowledged influential figures such as Marcus Garvey, CLR James, Kwame Nkrumah, and Nelson Mandela, who played significant roles in advocating for African pride and inspiring freedom movements.
However, the King questioned whether people of African descent truly enjoy freedom if they are still dependent on others and subject to bigotry and discrimination, even in sports. He emphasized that freedom cannot be meaningful if accompanied by poverty and injustice.
To promote true emancipation, the King proposed two solutions. Firstly, he called for African leaders to pursue a universal declaration that recognizes racial discrimination as a crime against humanity. Secondly, he urged governments to educate younger generations about the great empires of the past, promoting a sense of pride and knowledge of African history.
The King encouraged individuals to reflect on their lives and consider what they are building for their country, community, family, and themselves. He noted that while ancestors were forcibly taken from Africa to work for others, present-day Africans have the freedom to build their nations. The King called for a united approach to educating young people about the true African story and redeeming the scars of the past.
Highlighting the current trans-Atlantic debt trade, where youngsters embark on perilous journeys to former slave-trade destinations, the Asantehene expressed concern about the needless violence fueled by the drug trade in Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean countries. He warned that such violence reflects a sense of despair that could setback affected nations.
However, the King remained hopeful, stating that the African spirit does not waver in the face of adversity. He emphasized the importance of resisting negative stereotypes and defining oneself by accomplishments rather than drugs, violence, laziness, or indiscipline. He listed iconic figures of African descent in sports, music, and politics as examples of striving for greatness.
In terms of the relationship between Trinidad and Tobago and Ghana, the King emphasized the need for collaboration, thinking, planning, and pooling of resources. He also highlighted the opportunities that the green economy presents and expressed confidence in Trinidad and Tobago’s leadership and direction.
As the King concluded his address, he reminded everyone of their shared destiny and the importance of preserving African pride and heritage. He called upon all to prioritize building a better future for themselves, their nations, and upcoming generations. The King’s words served as a call to action, urging people to fight against poverty, discrimination, and injustice for true emancipation.
Overall, the Asante King’s address provided thought-provoking insights and inspiration to strive for a better future, emphasizing the importance of unity, education, and breaking free from the shackles of the past.
