Imagine That
Chronicle #2
So, the other day I was browsing through the internet and stumbled upon Akon’s interview on the Drink Champs show with Nore and DJ EFN and he said something that triggered me. He was talking about how black Americans should go to Africa and invest there, invest where their actual roots are.
In my opinion is that simple too. Being from an African country myself, I can relate. More so, with all of the social issues that have been going on since the last election, instead of ONLY marching and rallying (which is very, very valuable and important), why don’t we as a people think more strategically? And one of the most powerful tools and strategies of overcoming everything that comes from discrimination is actually building wealth and investments within our own communities. Africa is not as far fetched as many would think. If Akon himself was capable of contributing on supplying electricity throughout cities in our continent, why can’t other wealthy black American leaders do something alike? Instead of complaining against “The Man”, why can’t we reach out to our kind and figure out ways to monetise business and education in Africa to empower the youth that will consequently rule those same countries and probably the world 30 or 40 years from now?
The Colin Kaepernick VS NFL controversy can be tied to what it is that I’m trying to say. Kneeling during the National Anthem is a very brave and honourable move, nevertheless, with all the talent that we have on the football field is kneeling enough? Aren’t we way more powerful than that? Around the time that rapper Jim Jones signed his deal with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, he was talking about his investments and he mentioned Indoor Football (check his interview with FunkFlex on YouTube). He was basically stating that we (the Hip-Hop community, from artists, to Sport personalities, to executives and creatives) could make it happen on our own because we have all the talent needed in the sport to build our own teams (athletes), we own numerous lucrative brands and products that could sponsor the League (execs/business men) and we could do all the marketing by ourselves (creatives). Plus, during half-time we would have our own artists to perform. Still wonder why that idea hasn’t popped off yet, that would’ve been the greatest form of boycott ever seen. Bottom line is: imagine what could’ve been done if we took our time to really focus and build as a unit like we should’ve been doing since way back. We can’t even fathom what it would look like. Remember: The United Arab Emirates are the youngest nation in the world, look at what a great way of thinking has turned them into.
Moral of the story: Don’t cry for crumbs young world, join forces and bake the whole cake yourselves.
Strength is numbers y’all.