African roots return to Detroit

By Roshaun L. Harris

Wayne State University played host to the International Roots Symposium and panel discussion Saturday April 29, 2006 hosted by fellow journalist Cliff Russell, host of American Black Journal.
The event was a historical occasion marking the first trip by Secretary of State for Tourism of the Gambia Dr. Sharon Wafa-Ogoo to the United States. The city of Detroit, along with Wayne State University, used the forum to recognize Dr. Ogoo and commemorate her historic expedition.

The panel discussion encouraged a rich dialogue between scholars, people from the community, and college students. Among the topics of discussion was the disconnect between Black Americans and Black Africa. Panelists spoke about the numerous assumptions made about Africa, stemming from the media’s distorted reflection of African culture. They discussed how black youth were mostly affected by this disturbing trend, making them feel less connected to their African counterparts.

The panel also took time out to recognize the achievements of two young Detroit students, Lashonte Luke-Owens and Alisha Bellemy, both 6th graders from Thurgood Marshall Elementary. The two young ladies took home 1st place awards in mathematics at the Academic Games in Atlanta, GA. The young women showcased the potential in the black inner-city community and the necessity for community members to foster their growth by helping them connect to their African roots. The results of such a collaborative could set a precedent for remarkable change.

The panel on media and politics was hosted by Community Media giant Bankole Thompson, author, journalist and on-air personality. This particular panel discussed the direct relationship between political regimes, the media outlets they control, and how that control has hindered the relationships between blacks in America and in Africa.

“The media tells us that Africa is this calamity, that it’s the Dark Continent, it is not,” said Thompson when he spoke about the media’s role in the perception of African Culture.

The panel also focused on the positive aspects and the potential new media brings by exposing the truth about African Culture.

The New Africa Channel was a concept introduced at the panel. A spokesperson from their collaborative displayed a video presentation of some of the themes and programming that will be seen on the Africa Channel.

The panel also discussed bridging the gap economically between Africa and Black America. Panelist enlisted four factors for productivity amongst Africans and black Americans: capitol, entrepreneurship, labor, and land. Blacks in America have access to capitol, labor, and entrepreneurship, but they lack the vast amount of rich land that the Africans now claim ownership of. The two forces need to combine their assets to move forward in a competitive global economic landscape.

To end the ceremony Rep. John Conyers (D-Mi), Dean of the Congressional Black Caucus spoke on behalf of the city and its communities to Dr. Ogoo’s delegation commemorating Dr. Ogoo’s landmark journey to Detroit, and presented her with a plaque and kind words reflecting the new relationship they hope to build.

“As a legislator, I am able to help bridge the gap between the citizens of Africa and the United State, but also bridge the gap between the countries as well,” said Conyers.