02
Wakanda
Forever?
We bombarded theaters creating an ambiance that no other movie had. We dressed in our finest Ankara, paying homage to our ancestors; acknowledging that we are indeed descendants of the great Mansa Musa. We transformed movie theaters into red carpet events. We had catwalks and drum circles. We discussed the movie from our various Black vantage points. We asked ourselves if we were indeed Killmonger. And if we said no, we certainly understood the excruciating pain he felt as his rightful title of prince was stolen from him. As the descendants of the abducted peoples from Africa, this movie struck an emotional chord that may have otherwise lain dormant.
Over a year later, does that energy still exist? Were we fooled by the fantasy of Wakanda, believing
that there is a country on the continent that mirrors it? There are articles in this issue that explore the idea of returning to the continent. With Ghana and their complicated repatriation act, many
of us are drawn to the idea of moving to Africa, without clearly understanding that it is a continent of 54 diverse countries that are at varying levels of infrastructural development. There are pros and cons to each country and while what we address is minute compared to all the continent has to offer, we want to give you some idea of what it could be for you.
We implore you to do your research in order to find a country that meets the
qualifications you desire while
understanding you may not be welcomed with open arms. As you seek to reclaim what you believe to be yours, there are some who will see you as an invader,traitor or even a colonizer associating you with the very people you
seek to escape. Some will question why you would leave the land of plenty to return. Others see you as one of the lucky ones who landed in America. However, there will be some who will show you the love you'd expect from family. We want you to be prepared for either. Hopefully this issue will help you to prepared for whatever you decide.