The Beautiful Ones Have Been Born

Photo credit: Pexels

A Eulogy for the African Child.

Dear child,

I saw you being born. Wide-eyed, as though you knew that you had to be vigilant. Unlike us, who came forth unaware.

You are a beauty to behold. Dark skinned, with thick black hair. Mama has being taking care of you since you were formed in her belly. With prayers and vitamins.

I saw you growing up. You enjoyed a lot of things we didn't. School bus, snacks and mobile phones. You are privileged to have little or no scars from flogging.

Life is easier for you. You have Mama and Daddy's attention. Ask, and you shall receive.

Of all the greatest gifts, you have access to vast information. Unlike us who had only our parents, neighbours and religious leaders to guide us.

Our lives were shaped in large part by them.

But I see you struggle with too much information. You're unsure of what is beneficial or destructive. And there's a limit to how much time you can live in uncertainty.

So you've made your choice.

Just go with the flow. Swim in the ocean of pleasure. Make it by any means possible.

You think, if it's trending, it must be good. After all, it's the time of your life.

I understand. You're still so young. But I tell you something, you are not like us. You are Gen-Z. The last generation of hope Africa has.

So wake up!

You are different. Born in a different season. At the most critical time in history. With the most powerful tool that has evaded Africans for centuries. Self-discovery!

You are smart. Your mind is sharper than ours. You lack the resources. I'm sorry, we failed you. But you can create anything from what you have. That's your advantage.

So think about solutions and inventions to the challenges that plague our continent.

You are compassionate. Do not accept the foreign beliefs that you are all that matter. Ingrained in black tradition is brotherhood. We look out for one another. No other race loves its own like us.

Give your innocent love, for the universe will ensure that it comes back to you.

You are beautiful. Whether you are 3 or 7 feet, flat-nosed or pointed, fair or dark-skinned, you are black. Black is beautiful, tailor-made for you.

Do not try to change your physique. You will still not be approved by those you desire to please.

Hold on, approval based on colour is no approval. For he who cannot accept you for your colour, is not worthy of you.

You are noble. Your ancestors were kings. Carry yourself with grace. Never be intimidated.

Speak with your natural accent. Your local language is your identity. Pride yourself in your local attire and food. You were groomed to be respectful. You are either a Prince or Princess. You have no other identity.

Do not be swayed by strange beliefs.

You are Powerful. Your strength is feared. You would survive under the most inhumane circumstances. Survive? You'd thrive!

Your resilience is a mystery. You have the stamina to go on. You're designed to not stop until you succeed.

Yes. Succeed.

That means consuming the evil plaguing our continent with your good.

That means breaking the political, social and economic chains Africa has been under.

That means changing the narrative the outside world has of us.

That means putting Africa on the list of great continents.

That means reaching for the greatness inside of you.

Never accept the thought that you are too small.

Arise, for the universe favours you now.

All things are ready for you to take the stage.

For the Beautiful one has been born.

That is you, dear child.