Tuesday, November 26, 2013
WOOLLY HAIR! -BLACK WOOLLY HAIR IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HAIR IN THE WORLD # 1- FROM LARRY MINNS ATI AUTURN ASHANTE ON FACEBOOK!
OBAMA ! -OUR BLACK PRESIDENT CALLS kanye west a JACKASS AGAIIN-!Update-so kanye west can open his slave mouth to say that his white girl should have beat OUR BLACK SKINNED BEAUTY FIRST LADY TO the cover of Vogue?-he is more than a jackasssss!-FROM MTV.COM
FROM MTV.COM

President Obama Calls Kanye West A 'Jackass' ... Again
Nadeska Alexis
April 12, 2012
In September 2009, everyone had a comment on Kanye West's behavior after he interrupted Taylor Swift's VMA acceptance speech — even President Obama. Well, it seems like the incident has stuck with the president, because during a recent interview, when he was asked to choose between Jay-Z and Kanye West, he opted for Jay.In the president's interview with The Atlantic, he of course talked about political affairs, but at some point, the questions veered toward his musical preferences. After confirming that his favorite Throne MC is Jay-Z, the ever-diplomatic Obama threw in a few nice comments about 'Ye. "Although I like Kanye. He's a Chicago guy. Smart. He's very talented," the president said.The interviewer didn't let the subject drop without mentioning that President Obama once referred to Kanye as a "jackass" when he interrupted Taylor Swift's VMA speech, but Obama didn't shy away from the comment. "He is a jackass," Obama replied, with a perfectly even voice. "But he's talented."Even without the whole VMA fiasco, it's clear the Obamas have a very close relationship with Jay-Z and his wife, Beyoncé. Jay has been outwardly supportive of President Obama's campaign from the beginning, and B recently joined a group of celebrities who designed personal swag for Obama's re-election campaign.This week, Beyoncé even penned a heartfelt letter to Michelle Obama, thanking her for being a great role model. "I am proud to have my daughter grow up in a world where she has people like you to look up to," she wrote. The two have previously collaborated on the first lady's Let's Move! Campaign, which targeted obesity in children. Beyoncé reworked her hit single "Singles Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" into "Move Your Body," encouraging kids to get fit.
President Obama Calls Kanye West A 'Jackass' ... Again
Nadeska Alexis
April 12, 2012
In September 2009, everyone had a comment on Kanye West's behavior after he interrupted Taylor Swift's VMA acceptance speech — even President Obama. Well, it seems like the incident has stuck with the president, because during a recent interview, when he was asked to choose between Jay-Z and Kanye West, he opted for Jay.In the president's interview with The Atlantic, he of course talked about political affairs, but at some point, the questions veered toward his musical preferences. After confirming that his favorite Throne MC is Jay-Z, the ever-diplomatic Obama threw in a few nice comments about 'Ye. "Although I like Kanye. He's a Chicago guy. Smart. He's very talented," the president said.The interviewer didn't let the subject drop without mentioning that President Obama once referred to Kanye as a "jackass" when he interrupted Taylor Swift's VMA speech, but Obama didn't shy away from the comment. "He is a jackass," Obama replied, with a perfectly even voice. "But he's talented."Even without the whole VMA fiasco, it's clear the Obamas have a very close relationship with Jay-Z and his wife, Beyoncé. Jay has been outwardly supportive of President Obama's campaign from the beginning, and B recently joined a group of celebrities who designed personal swag for Obama's re-election campaign.This week, Beyoncé even penned a heartfelt letter to Michelle Obama, thanking her for being a great role model. "I am proud to have my daughter grow up in a world where she has people like you to look up to," she wrote. The two have previously collaborated on the first lady's Let's Move! Campaign, which targeted obesity in children. Beyoncé reworked her hit single "Singles Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" into "Move Your Body," encouraging kids to get fit.
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
Friday, November 22, 2013
OBAMA O! -SASHA-FIRST BLACK DAUGHTER IN THE BLACK HOUSE-Causes a STIR with her BLACK unicorn shirt!-FROM thegrIo.com
FROM thegrio.com
Sasha Obama unicorn sweater from ASOS sells out
by Alexis Garrett Stodghill | November 21, 2013 at 3:58 PM
Share
Comment

Sasha Obama set first family watchers agog when she wore the unicorn-emblazoned sweater pictured above to a basketball game on Sunday.
The unicorn sweater from the fashion brand ASOS has since sold out, so popular has the 12-year-old member of the Obama clan made the item.
What caused the buying frenzy? Likely the Twitter buzz spawned by the appearance of the tween at the Maryland event with her family.
"'Nothing in college basketball this season will be cooler than Sasha Obama's sweater,' remarked one Twitter user," according to The Huffington Post. "Another quipped, 'Sasha Obama's unicorn sweater wins.'"
The sweater had been reduced to about $19 from roughly $62 at the time of sudden public interest, but the retailer warned fans of the garment that this item might not be made available again.
"We're not sure at the mo if it'll be restocked, but watch this space," ASOS tweeted from its official account.
Feminist web site Jezebel offered some similar sweaters as options while we wait and see. "You can get this one, from Urban Outfitters," writes Erin Gloria Ryan. "If you feel like $plurging, there's this, by WildFox."
Commenters on the site agreed that the ASOS version is far cooler. Of course, ASOS agrees.
Even the Obamas <3 ASOS. Check out the youngest of the cool clan, Sasha, wearing the ASOS unicorn jumper. Ca-yooooot. pic.twitter.com/kpLNMrR37x
— ASOS (@ASOS) November 18, 2013
Could this be the making of a fashion brand partnership between young Sasha Obama and ASOS? While it is highly unlikely, it does remind one of first lady Michelle Obama's close relationship with J.Crew, who she frequently wears for public events, as well as the luxury label Jason Wu.
J.Crew has also received a boon from Sasha's older sister, Malia. "Malia's J.Crew coat from the presidential inauguration was immediately a hot item," The Huffington Post also reports.
Regardless of where their fashion affinities lie, one thing is clear — both of the Obama girls seem to have the same power to popularize looks like their mom. First lady Michelle Obama was recently found to have created over $3 billion in value for fashion brands through her selection of garments, according to a study. Taste runs in the first family.
Follow Alexis Garrett Stodghill on Twitter @lexisb.
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Sasha Obama's famous unicorn sweater. (Twitter)

U.S. President Barack Obama, daughters Malia Obama and Sasha Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and Marian Robinson (R) attend a men's NCCA basketball game between the University of Maryland and Oregon State University, November 17, 2013 at Comcast Center in College Park, Maryland. Obama's brother-in-law Craig Robinson is the head coach for the Oregon State team. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

U.S. President Barack Obama, daughters Malia Obama and Sasha Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and Marian Robinson (R) attend a men's NCCA basketball game between the University of Maryland and Oregon State University, November 17, 2013 at Comcast Center in College Park, Maryland. Obama's brother-in-law Craig Robinson is the head coach for the Oregon State team. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

U.S. President Barack Obama, daughters Malia Obama and Sasha Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and Marian Robinson (R) attend a men's NCCA basketball game between the University of Maryland and Oregon State University, November 17, 2013 at Comcast Center in College Park, Maryland. Obama's brother-in-law Craig Robinson is the head coach for the Oregon State team. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

U.S. President Barack Obama, daughters Malia Obama and Sasha Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and Marian Robinson (R) attend a men's NCCA basketball game between the University of Maryland and Oregon State University, November 17, 2013 at Comcast Center in College Park, Maryland. Obama's brother-in-law Craig Robinson is the head coach for the Oregon State team. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

U.S. President Barack Obama, daughters Malia Obama and Sasha Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and Marian Robinson (R) attend a men's NCCA basketball game between the University of Maryland and Oregon State University, November 17, 2013 at Comcast Center in College Park, Maryland. Obama's brother-in-law Craig Robinson is the head coach for the Oregon State team. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

U.S. President Barack Obama, daughters Malia Obama and Sasha Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and Marian Robinson (R) attend a men's NCCA basketball game between the University of Maryland and Oregon State University, November 17, 2013 at Comcast Center in College Park, Maryland. Obama's brother-in-law Craig Robinson is the head coach for the Oregon State team. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

U.S. President Barack Obama, daughters Malia Obama and Sasha Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and Marian Robinson (R) attend a men's NCCA basketball game between the University of Maryland and Oregon State University, November 17, 2013 at Comcast Center in College Park, Maryland. Obama's brother-in-law Craig Robinson is the head coach for the Oregon State team. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

U.S. President Barack Obama, daughters Malia Obama and Sasha Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and Marian Robinson (R) attend a men's NCCA basketball game between the University of Maryland and Oregon State University, November 17, 2013 at Comcast Center in College Park, Maryland. Obama's brother-in-law Craig Robinson is the head coach for the Oregon State team. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
Thursday, November 21, 2013
BLACK POLYGAMY IN SOUTH AFRICA- PRESIDENT ZUMA HAS 3 WIVES PROUDLY!-FROM BBC.COM
from bbc.com
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Printable version
Monday, November 18, 2013
GABOUREY SIDIBLE-OURBLACK SKINNED BEAUTY - Is 'Less And Less Concerned With Fitting In'-FROM mhuffpost.com
Gabourey Sidibe Is 'Less And Less Concerned With Fitting In'
Nov 18, 2013
Gabourey Sidibe
won audiences over in her breakout role as an illiterate 16-year-old in the
2009 film "Precious."
Over the past four years Sidibe has acted in numerous films and TV shows, including "Yelling to the Sky," "The Big C," and most recently, she joined the cast of
"American Horror Story"
for its third season.
During an interview with
Parade
about her role in "American Horror Story: Coven," Sidibe opened up about not "fitting in" -- and why that's not necessarily such a bad thing. When asked how she's changed personally and as an actor during her four-year career, Sidibe responded rather eloquently:
Personally, I'm much more introverted than I used to be. I'm less likely to talk to strangers or have loud or emotional conversations in public. I don't make friends as willingly as I did before, so I hold on to my actual friends very dearly. I'm a very careful person now.
As an actor, I'm much more willing to embarrass myself if it will serve the story. I hunger for strange and daring stories. I'm less and less afraid of dark material and that's really saying something, as my first role was an illiterate sexual-abuse victim with HIV. I'm also less and less concerned with fitting in. I was born to stand out. I don't care whether or not people will find me attractive on screen. That's not why I became an actor. I know that more and more with each new role.
While we love her for her boundary-breaking work, Sidibe is no stranger to criticism. In a 2012 interview on Bravo's "Watch What Happens Live," Sidibe revealed that fellow actress
Joan Cusack actually advised her to stop before she had even started
, stating, "Oh honey, you should really quit the business, it's so image-conscious."
We are seriously glad Sidibe didn't listen.
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
Sunday, November 17, 2013
AFRICAN TRADITIONAL WEDDING!-PSQUARE MARRIES ONE OF THE MOTHERS OF HIS.CHILDREN-Lola Omotayo!
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
Thursday, November 07, 2013
"BACK TO AFRICA"-INVEST IN AFRICA-BLACKAMERIKKKANS AND COME BACK HOME!- FROM PANAFRICANVISIONS.COM
FROM PANAFRICANVISIONS.COM
Pan African Visions » Business in Africa, Editorial, Featured, Interviews, Partnership, Perspective » Game Changing Mission? African Americans Could Invest $230 Billion In Africa By 2017
Game Changing Mission? African Americans Could Invest $230 Billion In Africa By 2017
-Jerome Almon shares his vision of getting African-Americans to Bank on Africa
By Ajong Mbapndah L
U.S Businessman Jerome Almon
says it is time for African-Americans to bank more on Africa and
matching words with actions, he is launching a venture that will attract
hundreds of billions of new investments in the continent. Almon, a
veteran who also runs a successful entertainment company says investing
in the continent will create wealth and opportunities for Africans and
will also be economically beneficial to Africans in the U.S. Countries
like India and China have made great progress in part because of strong
ties and it is time for African Americans to have the same level of
engagement with Africa said Almon in an interview to discuss his
initiative with Ajong Mbapndah L
Mr Almon, you have been in the news recently with an ambitious plan to get African Americans invest about $230 billion by 2017, can you break down the vision in very simple terms for us?
It is a simple plan that ask a simple question, “Why should we have to ask others for help when we can help ourselves as Africans. African Americans spend well over a trillion dollars annually, and it does us no good, however investing in Africa through tourism, business ventures, and so on makes Africa financially independent while increasing the wealth and opportunities of Africans on the Continent and in America and it creates a cycle of economic growth for every country and its people in Africa and it makes all Africans everywhere more financially wealthy. It’s just common sense that we do it. We have complete power and control to do as we want with our money and resources-let’s do what’s best for us.
How did you conceive the idea and from the initial reactions you have got, how receptive is the public to your vision?
I looked around and saw nothing but opportunity for the African diaspora to help-especially African Americans with the huge amount of hard currency we spend every year and said to myself it’s time for us to do our share. Africans in every other region of the world were and are doing more than their share. Bottom line it works. The reaction to the plan at first was shock, but when the information was reviewed the people saw how reasonable and workable the plan was and really liked it. The amount of money is less than 8% of African American’s consumer spending. We were once on top of the world economically from Zimbabwe to Timbuktu to Egypt, let’s get back where we belong.
Definitely much could change in Africa with that kind of money, how do you think the money can be raised especially with the economic challenges that many African Americans are facing now?
It is very important that Africans in America not accept whatever they hear in the corporate media. African Americans are constantly told they are poor even though we spend more money than the GDP of all the countries on Earth with the exception of 15 (out of 229 ranked). We are as poor as Bill Gates is-which is not at all. If we spent our money among ourselves as Africans the way the Chinese, Europeans, and Indians, we would create more jobs than there are Africans in America. Equally we are not experiencing an economic downturn in the African American community, we are experiencing the lack of basic economic literacy and the lack of maximizing our potential in this area. For example, my hometown Detroit is bankrupt, but it is not bankrupt due to the lack of money as my website www.detroit1st.com shows. Africans in Detroit spend $30 billion a year, which would make Detroiter’s wealthier than over half the countries on Earth. If you convince someone that they are poor, they will behave as if they are poor. That is why the economic relationship with Africa is so important, think of what would happen if we as Africans followed such a common sense system with all of Africa’s natural resources?! The huge population of young people that can be the next innovators that produce the next Apple or Google, the large amount mineral wealth and natural resources that Africa has puts us as a people in a unique position. It is a matter of just seeing what is right in front of our eyes. The money is there, that cannot be disputed, it is a matter of consolidating it for African advancement. Through a basic media education program with 10 simple facts will allow us all to have a blue print to work from. The biggest issue is not that people don’t have the money and don’t want to help, they don’t know how to help and where to send the money. African Americans give away $12 billion annually to charities that don’t help Africans-American or otherwise. I say let’s spend and invest that $12 billion amongst Africa and Africans. Once you get the truth it compels you to act, it is impossible not to. Look at the fact that Africans from the Continent send more money back to Africa than all the foreign aid combined! There is endless potential if the North American, Caribbean, European, Australian, and South American Africans join in. Actually, it is normal for a society to invest 10% of its GDP into the economy, so we can do it-it happens every day. Any economic distress African Americans have is caused by our lack of doing business with Africans and Africa period. If Africans in America invested in Africa, there would be no poor African Americans-economically this is indisputable.
We have seen a few celebrities with projects in Africa like Oprah Winfrey and a school in South Africa, Isaiah Washington with a foundation in Sierra Leone etc, but many will agree there is still a strong disconnect between African Americans and Africa, why is it that the bonds are not as strong as those between Indian Americans and India or Latinos and South America?
The answer to that question is simple-we haven’t tried. A simple PR and marketing campaign from the African Union and its 54 members directed to African Americans saying “come back home-see what we can do as a people for ourselves, let’s talk, let’s do some things that benefit us all. African Americans should initiate a similar program of gaining membership in the African Union, adopting an African country to visit and work with, and most importantly right now reaching out to the 54 African embassies in America and finding out what Africa needs from us. We will find out that we can do so much together- we have to think big not small. African Americans should also learn an African language, this is a bond that the Chinese, Indians, and Latinos have-a common language. It is natural that we do this, so let’s do it. Our fate in America is the same as Africans everywhere else. It’s a matter of leadership, we need new leadership to compliment current leadership and move Africa and Africans to the next level.
We understand this idea is new, so what is the road map, the plan of action, beyond the first step to get word out there when do we see the first concrete steps towards the realization of the vision?
We must control our own message, currently most news on Africa is filtered through the non African media. We
have enough money and the human talent to have an African Al Jazeera
with branches in Africa and America. This also allows us to educate and
end misconceptions we have of Africa and other Africans, which also
provides great business opportunities in advertising and business
ownership globally. Next we need to set time tables and specific goals
in regards to the funds and projects. This can be easily done with a
diaspora conference in Africa and in America and making maximum use of
the internet and social media. The most important thing in this area
is SHOW the people what great results come from the cooperation. We
need to set a top 10 list of priorities such as education, economic
literacy, infrastructure projects, GDP goals, and so on. We have to look
at this as a grand project with grand results which requires a grand
executable plan. These simple steps are 90% of the solution. African
Americans are spending the money anyway, why not in Africa, why not on
African goods and services? We can all be wealthy together or poor
together, I say let’s be wealthy as a people. Let’s help fund projects
such as The Great Renaissance Dam in Ethiopia. The dam cost around $5
billion dollars
Are there partners you have identified besides African Americans especially in the continent?
I have been contacted by the office of the President of Sierra Leone, the South African government, African Canadian groups, Ugandan, Kenyan, the office of the President of Rwanda through a journalist in East Africa, the government of Tanzania, Nigerian, Angolan, and Namibian businessmen and dozens of other Africans from as far away as Hong Kong. The key is working with the leadership and people in Africa to partner them with Africans in the West and getting lines of communication open and resources to the needed area as efficiently as possible.
As much as things are changing in the continent, there are still leaders in power for over thirty years and counting, corruption is still too rife for comfort and there are countries where democratic values are not respected, how can such realities affect your project?
Democracy is a powerful thing-it automatically changes a lot of things. And one of things it does is create a middle class by its very nature, and that ends the chance of such prolonged rule. At a certain stage in development it is not viable, nor acceptable. Presidents and Prime Ministers come and go, but the country and the people still need power plants, roads, bridges, and technology. The concentration has to be on improving the average African’s life, and the rest will take care of itself. The West, China, India all faced the same issue and concentrated on the economic and infrastructure issues at hand and the democracy came along with the progress in these areas. All of my research and experience in this area shows that poverty creates dictators, and prosperity creates transparency and freedom.
Personally are there any countries that you have visited or some you consider as the kind of models of development and progress you will like to see across the continent?
Ironically, it is Germany, Canada, and China. Germany is a very efficient country. It was the world’s largest exporter up until 5 years ago. When you consider that the country has less than a third of the population of the US and 7% of China’s population, it is amazing. I always saw this as a model for Africa-especially South Africa. With Canada you have nearly as much efficiency and you have a very modern country in terms of infrastructure and human rights. Also with Canada you have a country the size of the US with 1 tenth of the population, which is very similar to most African countries. Canada is also a great model to borrow from in terms of its modern infrastructure and facilities such as hospitals. The country also mirrors African American economically, with our consumer spending being almost identical to Canada’s GDP. This allows for us to see what we SHOULD have with the amount of money we spend. Finally, there are more Africans in America than there are Canadians on Earth, look what they do with their resources and look what we Africans in America do with ours. We should have everything Canada has in America, but also each African country. We can easily do this. With China we see where we should be as a whole. China and the Chinese diaspora are moving as one economically and have been really seriously since the 1980’s-look at the result. If we adopt such a philosophy for Africa with its unmatched mineral and natural wealth we can be where China is in a relatively short period of time. China went from and agrarian society in the 1950’s to dominating the world economically today through its 5 year plan economic system. In these countries we see our potential and future, the keys are having the right vision, efficient execution of a workable plan, and constant monitoring of the feedback data and progress to make the plan more efficient.
With such a great vision, people will love to know who Jerome Almon, we see there is information about music labels you are, involvement in show biz etc, can you tell us who Jerome Almon is and the kind of experiences he has that should make people believe that this is a serious vision and this is something he can provide the right leadership for?
My
background is in economics and political science, I have worked on the
UN Delphi Project out of Belgium, I have attended America’s best
Universities, and I have the real world experience-which is most
important. I have managed one of the busiest retailers in the world. I
speak working Zulu, German, Arabic, and English. I am a
paratrooper and own a successful entertainment company that produces
events that have 1.5-2.5 million fans per event. But what I am most
proud of is my studying the history, geography, and culture of Africa. I
have spent countless hours talking to Africans from university, African
military officers, and African academics about Africa. My heroes were
and are mostly continental Africans such as Jerry Rawlings, Haile
Selassie, Thomas Sankara, Jomo Kenyatta, Nelson Mandela, Kwame Nkrumah,
Samora Machel, Julius Nyerere, Jose Dos Santos, Kenneth Kaunda, Anwar
Sadat and on and on. I have studied Africa since I was 8 years old. It
is Africa FIRST for me always.
After reading this interview if people got interested what should there do, how can they get involved, support or find out more information?
They can contact me at africafirst@thepowerof1trillion.com and visit the website www.thepowerof1trillion.com for basic information which will contain very specific information on the plan this month.
By Ajong Mbapndah L
U.S Businessman Jerome Almon
says it is time for African-Americans to bank more on Africa and
matching words with actions, he is launching a venture that will attract
hundreds of billions of new investments in the continent. Almon, a
veteran who also runs a successful entertainment company says investing
in the continent will create wealth and opportunities for Africans and
will also be economically beneficial to Africans in the U.S. Countries
like India and China have made great progress in part because of strong
ties and it is time for African Americans to have the same level of
engagement with Africa said Almon in an interview to discuss his
initiative with Ajong Mbapndah LMr Almon, you have been in the news recently with an ambitious plan to get African Americans invest about $230 billion by 2017, can you break down the vision in very simple terms for us?
It is a simple plan that ask a simple question, “Why should we have to ask others for help when we can help ourselves as Africans. African Americans spend well over a trillion dollars annually, and it does us no good, however investing in Africa through tourism, business ventures, and so on makes Africa financially independent while increasing the wealth and opportunities of Africans on the Continent and in America and it creates a cycle of economic growth for every country and its people in Africa and it makes all Africans everywhere more financially wealthy. It’s just common sense that we do it. We have complete power and control to do as we want with our money and resources-let’s do what’s best for us.
How did you conceive the idea and from the initial reactions you have got, how receptive is the public to your vision?
I looked around and saw nothing but opportunity for the African diaspora to help-especially African Americans with the huge amount of hard currency we spend every year and said to myself it’s time for us to do our share. Africans in every other region of the world were and are doing more than their share. Bottom line it works. The reaction to the plan at first was shock, but when the information was reviewed the people saw how reasonable and workable the plan was and really liked it. The amount of money is less than 8% of African American’s consumer spending. We were once on top of the world economically from Zimbabwe to Timbuktu to Egypt, let’s get back where we belong.
Definitely much could change in Africa with that kind of money, how do you think the money can be raised especially with the economic challenges that many African Americans are facing now?
It is very important that Africans in America not accept whatever they hear in the corporate media. African Americans are constantly told they are poor even though we spend more money than the GDP of all the countries on Earth with the exception of 15 (out of 229 ranked). We are as poor as Bill Gates is-which is not at all. If we spent our money among ourselves as Africans the way the Chinese, Europeans, and Indians, we would create more jobs than there are Africans in America. Equally we are not experiencing an economic downturn in the African American community, we are experiencing the lack of basic economic literacy and the lack of maximizing our potential in this area. For example, my hometown Detroit is bankrupt, but it is not bankrupt due to the lack of money as my website www.detroit1st.com shows. Africans in Detroit spend $30 billion a year, which would make Detroiter’s wealthier than over half the countries on Earth. If you convince someone that they are poor, they will behave as if they are poor. That is why the economic relationship with Africa is so important, think of what would happen if we as Africans followed such a common sense system with all of Africa’s natural resources?! The huge population of young people that can be the next innovators that produce the next Apple or Google, the large amount mineral wealth and natural resources that Africa has puts us as a people in a unique position. It is a matter of just seeing what is right in front of our eyes. The money is there, that cannot be disputed, it is a matter of consolidating it for African advancement. Through a basic media education program with 10 simple facts will allow us all to have a blue print to work from. The biggest issue is not that people don’t have the money and don’t want to help, they don’t know how to help and where to send the money. African Americans give away $12 billion annually to charities that don’t help Africans-American or otherwise. I say let’s spend and invest that $12 billion amongst Africa and Africans. Once you get the truth it compels you to act, it is impossible not to. Look at the fact that Africans from the Continent send more money back to Africa than all the foreign aid combined! There is endless potential if the North American, Caribbean, European, Australian, and South American Africans join in. Actually, it is normal for a society to invest 10% of its GDP into the economy, so we can do it-it happens every day. Any economic distress African Americans have is caused by our lack of doing business with Africans and Africa period. If Africans in America invested in Africa, there would be no poor African Americans-economically this is indisputable.
We have seen a few celebrities with projects in Africa like Oprah Winfrey and a school in South Africa, Isaiah Washington with a foundation in Sierra Leone etc, but many will agree there is still a strong disconnect between African Americans and Africa, why is it that the bonds are not as strong as those between Indian Americans and India or Latinos and South America?
The answer to that question is simple-we haven’t tried. A simple PR and marketing campaign from the African Union and its 54 members directed to African Americans saying “come back home-see what we can do as a people for ourselves, let’s talk, let’s do some things that benefit us all. African Americans should initiate a similar program of gaining membership in the African Union, adopting an African country to visit and work with, and most importantly right now reaching out to the 54 African embassies in America and finding out what Africa needs from us. We will find out that we can do so much together- we have to think big not small. African Americans should also learn an African language, this is a bond that the Chinese, Indians, and Latinos have-a common language. It is natural that we do this, so let’s do it. Our fate in America is the same as Africans everywhere else. It’s a matter of leadership, we need new leadership to compliment current leadership and move Africa and Africans to the next level.
We understand this idea is new, so what is the road map, the plan of action, beyond the first step to get word out there when do we see the first concrete steps towards the realization of the vision?
We must control our own message, currently most news on Africa is filtered through the non African media. We
have enough money and the human talent to have an African Al Jazeera
with branches in Africa and America. This also allows us to educate and
end misconceptions we have of Africa and other Africans, which also
provides great business opportunities in advertising and business
ownership globally. Next we need to set time tables and specific goals
in regards to the funds and projects. This can be easily done with a
diaspora conference in Africa and in America and making maximum use of
the internet and social media. The most important thing in this area
is SHOW the people what great results come from the cooperation. We
need to set a top 10 list of priorities such as education, economic
literacy, infrastructure projects, GDP goals, and so on. We have to look
at this as a grand project with grand results which requires a grand
executable plan. These simple steps are 90% of the solution. African
Americans are spending the money anyway, why not in Africa, why not on
African goods and services? We can all be wealthy together or poor
together, I say let’s be wealthy as a people. Let’s help fund projects
such as The Great Renaissance Dam in Ethiopia. The dam cost around $5
billion dollarsAre there partners you have identified besides African Americans especially in the continent?
I have been contacted by the office of the President of Sierra Leone, the South African government, African Canadian groups, Ugandan, Kenyan, the office of the President of Rwanda through a journalist in East Africa, the government of Tanzania, Nigerian, Angolan, and Namibian businessmen and dozens of other Africans from as far away as Hong Kong. The key is working with the leadership and people in Africa to partner them with Africans in the West and getting lines of communication open and resources to the needed area as efficiently as possible.
As much as things are changing in the continent, there are still leaders in power for over thirty years and counting, corruption is still too rife for comfort and there are countries where democratic values are not respected, how can such realities affect your project?
Democracy is a powerful thing-it automatically changes a lot of things. And one of things it does is create a middle class by its very nature, and that ends the chance of such prolonged rule. At a certain stage in development it is not viable, nor acceptable. Presidents and Prime Ministers come and go, but the country and the people still need power plants, roads, bridges, and technology. The concentration has to be on improving the average African’s life, and the rest will take care of itself. The West, China, India all faced the same issue and concentrated on the economic and infrastructure issues at hand and the democracy came along with the progress in these areas. All of my research and experience in this area shows that poverty creates dictators, and prosperity creates transparency and freedom.
Personally are there any countries that you have visited or some you consider as the kind of models of development and progress you will like to see across the continent?
Ironically, it is Germany, Canada, and China. Germany is a very efficient country. It was the world’s largest exporter up until 5 years ago. When you consider that the country has less than a third of the population of the US and 7% of China’s population, it is amazing. I always saw this as a model for Africa-especially South Africa. With Canada you have nearly as much efficiency and you have a very modern country in terms of infrastructure and human rights. Also with Canada you have a country the size of the US with 1 tenth of the population, which is very similar to most African countries. Canada is also a great model to borrow from in terms of its modern infrastructure and facilities such as hospitals. The country also mirrors African American economically, with our consumer spending being almost identical to Canada’s GDP. This allows for us to see what we SHOULD have with the amount of money we spend. Finally, there are more Africans in America than there are Canadians on Earth, look what they do with their resources and look what we Africans in America do with ours. We should have everything Canada has in America, but also each African country. We can easily do this. With China we see where we should be as a whole. China and the Chinese diaspora are moving as one economically and have been really seriously since the 1980’s-look at the result. If we adopt such a philosophy for Africa with its unmatched mineral and natural wealth we can be where China is in a relatively short period of time. China went from and agrarian society in the 1950’s to dominating the world economically today through its 5 year plan economic system. In these countries we see our potential and future, the keys are having the right vision, efficient execution of a workable plan, and constant monitoring of the feedback data and progress to make the plan more efficient.
With such a great vision, people will love to know who Jerome Almon, we see there is information about music labels you are, involvement in show biz etc, can you tell us who Jerome Almon is and the kind of experiences he has that should make people believe that this is a serious vision and this is something he can provide the right leadership for?
My
background is in economics and political science, I have worked on the
UN Delphi Project out of Belgium, I have attended America’s best
Universities, and I have the real world experience-which is most
important. I have managed one of the busiest retailers in the world. I
speak working Zulu, German, Arabic, and English. I am a
paratrooper and own a successful entertainment company that produces
events that have 1.5-2.5 million fans per event. But what I am most
proud of is my studying the history, geography, and culture of Africa. I
have spent countless hours talking to Africans from university, African
military officers, and African academics about Africa. My heroes were
and are mostly continental Africans such as Jerry Rawlings, Haile
Selassie, Thomas Sankara, Jomo Kenyatta, Nelson Mandela, Kwame Nkrumah,
Samora Machel, Julius Nyerere, Jose Dos Santos, Kenneth Kaunda, Anwar
Sadat and on and on. I have studied Africa since I was 8 years old. It
is Africa FIRST for me always.After reading this interview if people got interested what should there do, how can they get involved, support or find out more information?
They can contact me at africafirst@thepowerof1trillion.com and visit the website www.thepowerof1trillion.com for basic information which will contain very specific information on the plan this month.
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HealthGHANA!- "BACK TO AFRICA" FOR BLACKAMERIKKKANS!-THIS IS A GOOD COUNTRY TO CONSIDER! -FROM THEGRIO.COM- O SE O ABURO MI-ZAINABU AYIRA!
FROM THEGRIO.COM
O SE SISTER ZAINABU AYIRA!
We are now living in a time when Africa evokes images of vibrancy and growth instead of poverty, war and struggle.
In this context, Ghana is fast becoming a mecca for black Americans who are looking for lucrative opportunities in a new environment. According to recent reports, about 10,000 African-Americans visit Ghana yearly. Currently almost 3,000 American blacks reside in the capital, Accra, the major hub of Ghana.
Signs of a growing trend
While these numbers are not huge, they are still significant. Almost six years ago there were only 1,000 African-American expatriates living in Ghana, so clearly the numbers are rising steadily.
What has attracted them? The fact is this burgeoning nation has consistently enjoyed a peaceful political climate without many threats of internal or external strife since it gained its independence from the British back in 1957. The temperate weather also makes it an attractive choice.
But most importantly, there are elements that could resonate with anyone seeking a more laid back lifestyle. The pristine beaches, affordable living and a sense of spiritual calm that permeates the landscape makes Ghana an attractive alternative to the proverbial American “rat race.”
Ghana is living up to that hype, in addition to being a land of economic opportunity and bountiful resources.
Why relocate to Ghana?
Most Americans are starting to grasp the notion that they may have better luck financially in another country. As the American economy continues to falter, some blacks are finding that places new and unfamiliar could challenge them in ways leading to upward mobility.
Monies saved and invested elsewhere can yield bigger dividends. The educational attainment of many African-Americans can be put to immediate use in countries that have not been able to offer their populations similar luxuries until recently.
Much has been written about American blacks moving to South Africa for these very reasons, but I would like to suggest Ghana be added to the short list of locales for those considering planting new roots in the Motherland.
Technology, teaching and more opportunities
There are a plethora of companies in Ghana eager to recruit foreign applicants. If you are lucky enough to be well versed in all things digital, securing employment with a well-established technology firm is a strong possibility. Organizations such as Blogging Ghana have created platforms for interactivity within the social media realm that are reaching a global audience. Employees of such firms will have the opportunity to be proponents for change in an emerging field.
Or you can more easily start a family business. More than half of the African-Americans that reside in Accra are entrepreneurs. Local chiefs are often more than willing to grant prized land and other resources to budding entrepreneurs interested in real estate development, or other commercial ventures. This could also lead to a lucrative life in farming – or “agribusiness” – for those interested in a totally new, yet viable way of making a living.
Teaching is another highly desirable profession. English is the official language of Ghana; thus, entering academia as a teacher of the language could be one means of entrance into a coveted class. Plus, there are many supports extended to foreign pupils and the qualified staff who instruct them. You and your family could benefit from this aspect of the economy as native speakers.
Realistic challenges to immigration
But nothing comes easy. Newly minted migrants have encountered some issues adjusting to the regulatory patterns and overall atmosphere of their adopted homes. As progressive as Ghana is compared to their regional neighbors, there are still some difficulties that arise when it comes to everyday comfort. Coming from a Western culture creates certain expectations, and the thought of not having stable electricity, or constant running water can be a pain. Yes, this does happen, and may be a deal-breaker.
In addition, government agencies can also be hard to work with and in some cases they can prolong the process of becoming a citizen, which will limit your access to certain jobs. But, for many recent immigrants, aside from the “malaria issue” (which unfortunately is still the norm), settling in Accra isn’t nearly as intimidating as one would imagine.
Most importantly, acquaint yourself with the history of this very diverse country. Many Ghanaians are well traveled and knowledgeable about world affairs, so you have to be able to hold your own.
Weighing options for change
You have to look before you leap, so it’s advisable to visit first before you make such a drastic decision. You should ideally be armed with a well-drafted blueprint of what your vocation will be and have a few promising options lined up to assuage any doubts. Yes, it can take a considerable amount of time to achieve residency, but if you like Ghana and want to take a risk in your quest for a better life, you will likely succeed.
Ghana is the perfect choice if you are looking to experience living in Africa, because it has managed to take advantage of global opportunities, which has allowed the country to develop a comfortable level of stability. African-Americans will enjoy making a life in a place that will make them feel connected and celebrated in a way that they probably don’t fully enjoy in the U.S. as “minorities.”
Plus, you don’t have to be a millionaire in order to live quite decently. Moreover, there are resources available, like The African American Association of Ghana (AAGG), to help make your transition a smooth one.
Overall, you will be living among a people who are just as excited to get to know you as you are to know them. Ghanaians are very hospitable, which makes it easy to make friends and quickly build a network, which is ultimately the key to survival in any foreign country.
That’s what makes Ghana a welcoming and worthwhile choice for African-Americans who might be thinking of relocating to a new land of opportunity.
Follow Ezinne Ukoha on Twitter @nilegirl.
O SE SISTER ZAINABU AYIRA!
Why Ghana is fast becoming a hub for African-Americans
Local
chiefs wait for visiting Dutch Crown Prince Willem Alexander and
Princess Maxima at Elmina Castle April 15, 2002 in Ghana. From Elmina
the Dutch shipped over 50,000 slaves to Surinam and an unknown number to
other destinations in North and South America. (Photo by Michel
Porro/Getty Images)
In this context, Ghana is fast becoming a mecca for black Americans who are looking for lucrative opportunities in a new environment. According to recent reports, about 10,000 African-Americans visit Ghana yearly. Currently almost 3,000 American blacks reside in the capital, Accra, the major hub of Ghana.
Signs of a growing trend
While these numbers are not huge, they are still significant. Almost six years ago there were only 1,000 African-American expatriates living in Ghana, so clearly the numbers are rising steadily.
What has attracted them? The fact is this burgeoning nation has consistently enjoyed a peaceful political climate without many threats of internal or external strife since it gained its independence from the British back in 1957. The temperate weather also makes it an attractive choice.
But most importantly, there are elements that could resonate with anyone seeking a more laid back lifestyle. The pristine beaches, affordable living and a sense of spiritual calm that permeates the landscape makes Ghana an attractive alternative to the proverbial American “rat race.”
Ghana is living up to that hype, in addition to being a land of economic opportunity and bountiful resources.
Why relocate to Ghana?
Most Americans are starting to grasp the notion that they may have better luck financially in another country. As the American economy continues to falter, some blacks are finding that places new and unfamiliar could challenge them in ways leading to upward mobility.
Monies saved and invested elsewhere can yield bigger dividends. The educational attainment of many African-Americans can be put to immediate use in countries that have not been able to offer their populations similar luxuries until recently.
Much has been written about American blacks moving to South Africa for these very reasons, but I would like to suggest Ghana be added to the short list of locales for those considering planting new roots in the Motherland.
Technology, teaching and more opportunities
There are a plethora of companies in Ghana eager to recruit foreign applicants. If you are lucky enough to be well versed in all things digital, securing employment with a well-established technology firm is a strong possibility. Organizations such as Blogging Ghana have created platforms for interactivity within the social media realm that are reaching a global audience. Employees of such firms will have the opportunity to be proponents for change in an emerging field.
Or you can more easily start a family business. More than half of the African-Americans that reside in Accra are entrepreneurs. Local chiefs are often more than willing to grant prized land and other resources to budding entrepreneurs interested in real estate development, or other commercial ventures. This could also lead to a lucrative life in farming – or “agribusiness” – for those interested in a totally new, yet viable way of making a living.
Teaching is another highly desirable profession. English is the official language of Ghana; thus, entering academia as a teacher of the language could be one means of entrance into a coveted class. Plus, there are many supports extended to foreign pupils and the qualified staff who instruct them. You and your family could benefit from this aspect of the economy as native speakers.
Realistic challenges to immigration
But nothing comes easy. Newly minted migrants have encountered some issues adjusting to the regulatory patterns and overall atmosphere of their adopted homes. As progressive as Ghana is compared to their regional neighbors, there are still some difficulties that arise when it comes to everyday comfort. Coming from a Western culture creates certain expectations, and the thought of not having stable electricity, or constant running water can be a pain. Yes, this does happen, and may be a deal-breaker.
In addition, government agencies can also be hard to work with and in some cases they can prolong the process of becoming a citizen, which will limit your access to certain jobs. But, for many recent immigrants, aside from the “malaria issue” (which unfortunately is still the norm), settling in Accra isn’t nearly as intimidating as one would imagine.
Most importantly, acquaint yourself with the history of this very diverse country. Many Ghanaians are well traveled and knowledgeable about world affairs, so you have to be able to hold your own.
Weighing options for change
You have to look before you leap, so it’s advisable to visit first before you make such a drastic decision. You should ideally be armed with a well-drafted blueprint of what your vocation will be and have a few promising options lined up to assuage any doubts. Yes, it can take a considerable amount of time to achieve residency, but if you like Ghana and want to take a risk in your quest for a better life, you will likely succeed.
Ghana is the perfect choice if you are looking to experience living in Africa, because it has managed to take advantage of global opportunities, which has allowed the country to develop a comfortable level of stability. African-Americans will enjoy making a life in a place that will make them feel connected and celebrated in a way that they probably don’t fully enjoy in the U.S. as “minorities.”
Plus, you don’t have to be a millionaire in order to live quite decently. Moreover, there are resources available, like The African American Association of Ghana (AAGG), to help make your transition a smooth one.
Overall, you will be living among a people who are just as excited to get to know you as you are to know them. Ghanaians are very hospitable, which makes it easy to make friends and quickly build a network, which is ultimately the key to survival in any foreign country.
That’s what makes Ghana a welcoming and worthwhile choice for African-Americans who might be thinking of relocating to a new land of opportunity.
Follow Ezinne Ukoha on Twitter @nilegirl.
Your boldness and courage will do doubt provoke thought beyond your imagination. I frankly had not looked at the Great African Re-union with such vividness. Indeed, the African-American engagement with mother Africa is enough to restore dignity and respect of the African. To some, the thought is actually scary.
And you are right; a second scramble for Africa is in the offing seeing that it is the last bastion for growth on planet earth. And on this score, China is first off the blocks! I imagine the word out there is if USA can elect (and re-elect) an African president, Africa is certainly ready for business.
May the God of all Creation, the Holy One of Israel-who has begun this good work in you-be gracious to you and bring this Great Vision to a glorious completion to the glory and honour of His holy name!
Your proposal for an African Diaspora Conference is therefore spot on given the increasingly important economic role African Diaspora remittances is playing in many countries. For instance, I am involved in a Kenya Diaspora initiative whose objective is to harness/mainstream the reasonably large remittances it receives annually for faster economic development.
The African Union estimates that Africans in the Diaspora exceed 170 million! Brazil has of late shown keen interest in the Continent. Perhaps this may be due to the fact that it is home to the largest number of the African Diaspora in the world.
Press on, brother, press on!
Lincoln
Nothing to it except to do it
Thx