|
What does the term “African American” make you think of? It’s a little like telling people you’re an American. Does that mean you’re from North America or Central America or South America? Wouldn’t it make more sense to tell people that you’re from the United States of America? And no, being from Africa does not mean that you are a Black person or a White person, it simply means that your heritage or roots are in Africa. Africa is a continent comprised of many countries. If your roots are in Africa it would be from one of these 54 countries: |
|
|
|
| If you do not know which of these countries your family originally came from but
would still like to identify with your African heritage, you can wear the MUNTU®
symbol, also known as the African-American symbol. Every person on earth has a heritage. . . a history of where their ancestors came from. Rich in history and culture, this heritage should be shared with our peers and children so it can endure and survive, and not disappear like so many aspects of our cultures already have. In 1967 the MUNTU® was created, in a golden form of the continent of Africa with symbolic roots linking the incised map of the United States filled with black enamel back to the Mother Land, Africa. Every person on earth has a heritage and it doesn′t necessarily begin with the city where you were born but rather where your grandparents or their grandparents were born and each of these heritages is rich in history and culture which, in order to survive you should share with your peers and your children so that these diverse histories and cultures will endure and survive and not disappear. As people from around the globe enter the United States seeking religious freedoms, educational opportunities, and the chance for economic growth, it is important that they do not lose their heritages and cultures, which are unique to every nation. We feel that new citizens to the United States should be assimilated into our society, which includes learning the English language and obeying the laws of the land, however they should retain a strong sense of their original heritage. They can then pass on to their children, and others, the knowledge of their own culture, language, and sense of national pride. By knowing our neighbors’ heritage and cultures we gain understanding and lose our fear of the unknown. |