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Conference on State of African Guyanese deemed as “awakening experience”
“Time for Renewal and Empowerment,” was the theme for a special forum on “The state of Black African Guyana,” hosted by the Ghana Day Committee in collaboration with the Cuffy 250 Committee.
The fact-finding meeting which lasted all day yesterday was the first in a series of conversations in the African Guyanese Community which marked the 205th anniversary of the Berbice Slave Uprising.
Following presentations on topics, which included the current socio-economic, political and cultural condition of African Guyanese, were in-depth discussions by members of the audience, aimed at generating needed inputs for the evolution of a plan of action for the African Guyanese community.
Presenters at the forum included African Guyanese Scholars and Activists such as, Hugh Tommy Payne, Nigel Hughes, Andaiye, Mellissa Ifill, Carl Greenidge and Dr. David Hinds.
Professor Anthony Browder
The international panel of presenters consisted of, the acclaimed African-American scholar-activist, Anthony Browder and Guyanese-American businessman, George Abrams.
Professor Browder, the Founder and Director of IKG Cultural Resources, in an invited comment, said that the state of mind of the African Guyanese is, “pitiful.”
Browder stated that this conclusion was made, based on Guyana’s high poverty and crime rate, the amount of black youth being killed by the police, increasing rate of teenage pregnancy among other factors.
He added that what is even more depressing is that the young people of Guyana are being programmed by music, most of which comes from the U.S.A. “They are influenced by the music and they get into activities that end their lives prematurely, and unfortunately, America is a contributing source of the misery in Guyana.”
The Professor stressed that Guyanese men and women need to make a serious and conscious effort to change their perspective of “Self image.” He added that the misconception of one’s image and who we should emulate is also part of the downfall of the African society.
The analyst said that, “pop stars such as Lil Wayne, Drake, 50 cent; Lil Kim, Beyonce and Rihanna have only had a negative impact on how the youth perceive and value themselves.”
He said that singers such as; “Nicki Minaj,” Beyonce Knowles, and Robin “Rihanna” Fenty, only teach our young women that dressing with short pants and dresses is the only way to win the love and attention of a promising husband.
He added that whilst some of these activities stem from a father who fails to validate his daughter, “and letting her know that she is beautiful and worthy”, has left her very vulnerable to the power of negative music, which has been able to manipulate “our women into thinking that this manner of conduct is acceptable.”
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