Today is Mother’s Day in Canada. I have no idea which other countries celebrate this on this day. I do know that South Korea also has Children’s Day. As we reflect on and appreciate our dear mothers for giving us life, I think I must also thank Mother Africa.
Mother Africa is the cradle of mankind. Mother Africa is the home to most of my dear ancestors. She is home to my people who were forcibly taken from her and mistreated and enslaved in the Americas.
Mama Africa is home to my culture and true identity. She is home to my Mende ancestors. She is home to my Akan ancestors. She is home to my Igbo ancestors. She is home to my Bini ancestors. She is home to my Esan ancestors. She is home to my Yoruba ancestors.
Mama Africa is home to the vast majority of my ancestors. I am a hybrid human being. I celebrate all of my ancestries, including my various non-African ones. I am a product of not only the horrors of slavery, but the will and triumph of Africans who endured that hell yet survived.
Let is take this time out to give thanks to our mothers – biological and geographical.
Happy Mother’s Day