Tag Archives: afriqtalk

I CAN’T STAY QUIET ANY LONGER! SAYS TAWO

 

These last few days have been nothing but gut wrenching. What has happened to George Floyd, Eric Gardner, Michael Brown, Ezell Ford, Tamir Rice, Joseph Mann, Sandra Bland, Christopher Davis, Antwon Rose II, Breona Taylor and countless others is beyond acceptable and nothing more than a show of pure evil. We have a problem in this country and you would be foolish to try to downplay it or sweep it under the rug.

America has always been a nation with evil dark demons lurking in the air. A nation where race has been the single biggest factor on how you progress and the box you fit in. Blacks and Browns have every right to be MAD! Every right to be frustrated and desperate. 400 years of oppression. 400 years of our culture being drained, manipulated, reshaped and mass manufactured. This should not be up for debate. Point. Blank. PERIOD!

The police force in this nation needs a total and complete psychological overhaul. A restructure that puts community first. A police force that has, instilled in it a more humane way of dealing with problems. At the same time if you know me you know I am a realist and someone who doesn’t get pushed around by the media. I am not for the “status quo” even within my own community. All cops aren’t bad just as all people aren’t bad or in relation to what is going on: As to all black folks aren’t bad. In my own personal experience (and believe me I have done my fair share of craziness that sometimes I wonder how I am still alive).

I have came across so many good and amazing cops. Yes I’ll say it again: I have came across so many GOOD and amazing cops. Take that how you will. Still we have to hold accountable the bad apples among the bunch and persecute them to the highest levels of government. But at the same time let’s not add injury to insult by taking what the police in this country “should stand for” = like servants of the public, protectors of all people, advisors, and mentors as an EXCUSE to degrade its institution and purpose.

Some may not know it or care to admit it but a lot of people would not be alive today if it wasn’t for a law enforcement officer directly or indirectly doing their job. Now to some, what I just mentioned sounds appalling and unfathomable. I will tell you that’s what we need to strive and fight for. The anger and pleas in the streets during the last few days of protests and riots are very well deserved and I feel your pain to the core of my being.

Let your voices be heard! But once again I am a realist and someone who looks at things from all angles to form ideas and opinions. YELL! SCREAM! Destroy the cop cars and say the names of the fallen! But when you start mindlessly destroying the city and your own local black community your message starts to have zero meaning because at the end of the day these would be the same people who would rob someone like Floyd in broad daylight for a gang initiation.

I am not speaking to all cities as a whole but to the ones I’ve seen where black boys I know personally are destroying things. And I’m no fool; I know a lot of the people are PEACEFULLY protesting. I see that and I am here with you! You spit on the cops or destroy their vehicles, once again I am here with you and I understand the fury.

But to those who are blindly inciting violence and say it’s for George Floyd or black lives…SHAME ON YOU!!!!!! Not only are you destroying your own local black community, you are playing right into the hands of the white supremacist and those who fear us! They will only buy more guns and get more prepared. I guarantee half of you do not want a civil war (your anger is telling you do but I promise you the reality will be shocking and painful. More painful than what you see now).

I don’t want to even begin to address something that is killing us more in this country: black on black crime. But it is not about that right now (we need to have that conversation sooner rather than later). Some are going to hate me for saying this but race relation in America has come along way and has and will get better. We just have to now focus on the systematic element of it and root it out. Majority of the core racists in America are older folks from a different time. We younger generation is a much more inclined and compassionate bunch and I’m happy for that.

It’s unfortunate that we currently have a President that is an inhibitor of malicious energy, but we have the power to kick him out! “Racism isn’t getting worse, it’s getting filmed” – Will Smith. Right now it is about you making sure your voice is heard and heard the right way! GO AND VOTE! And I’m not only taking about for President but for Attorney Generals, Sheriff’s, Mayors, Reps, Senators, Governors. Vote on amendments, on propositions. A lot of y’all black folks don’t vote! Even non-felons. Create more dynamic organizations that are adamant and agile with getting things done. This is where a lot of white people can come in. FULLY partner up with us minorities and let’s get things going. Stage blackouts and boycotts. Not just right now in the heat of the moment but until we get this country fixed.

I’m not saying it’s a perfect system or path, but I guarantee you in the long term it will pay off. This isn’t a battle that will be won overnight with riots, but by generations through the PEN! And it might not be something you want to hear. BUT HEAR IT! AND HEAR IT LOUD! We are better than this. Go educate yourself. Learn more about your culture. Visit Africa and see your land. Become more open minded. More enlightened. Learn more about the political system than the gang system. Yes the cards are stacked against us. It’s always been. It only makes us stronger.

To those who didn’t destroy anything, yet are cleaning up… GOD BLESS YOU! To those who caused the destruction yet are back in your neighborhood laughing or excited about it. GO TO HELL! United we stand. Divided we fall. Together we can truly make this nation great! God bless you and God bless the United States of America!

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Undefeated Nigerian Superstar – Gifted Cole

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Gifted Cole Chiori, is an undefeated professional boxer based in the United States- originally from Nigeria. Gifted is a welterweight fighter, with a current record of 11-0. He has fought professionally In Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, and the United States.

His last bout, was internationally televised by Super Sports from Accra, Ghana, and was attended by President John Mahama, and over 25,000 spectators. The fight was stopped in the 6th round, as his opponent could not continue.

Gifted won the official Intercontinental WBF Title by way of knockout on November 9, 2013, against German opponent Tom Reiche. The self- promoted event in Atlanta, was graced by thousands of his Nigerian supporters and dignitaries from all over the United States. He has earned the respect and admiration of fans all around the world, and continues to entertain them with his unique style of fighting. Chiori was also honored by the Minister of Works Honorable Arc Mike Onolememen at the prestigious ‘Face Award USA’ for Sports Athlete of the Year in Atlanta, GA, and has many U.S. based Nigerian fans who greatly support his efforts.

Gifted is currently training to fight his next opponent this July in Australia and plans to promote several more fights before the end of the year in the United States, and possibly in Nigeria. He sees the potential for the growth of boxing as a major source of entertainment, and has his eyes set on bringing boxing back to Nigeria in a big way. His campaign to ‘Bring Vegas to Nigeria’, will require stakeholders that share in his vision to make Nigeria a desirable location to breed and promote elite professional boxing.

Gifted is proud to continuously provide guidance for less fortunate youth through his charity work in Nigeria. He has single- handedly funded and promoted boxing clinics and tournaments for at risk youth, and does his part to provide them with the necessary equipment and facilities to sharpen their skills in boxing. Many of the participants are being groomed by Chiori’s team for a career in boxing, with hopes of bringing them to train and fight in America in the form of an exchange program. Chiori is looking forward to partner with anyone who shares in his vision, and welcomes all support.

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For more info about Cole contact us at afriqtalk57@yahoo.com or visit our contact page.

PRESS RELEASE – IAAN 2013 GLOBAL SUMMIT ON NGO EMPOWERMENT 09/5-8/13

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Over 1000 participants from various parts of Africa, Caribbean and Latin America will attend the International Association of African Non-Governmental Organizations (IAAN) 2013 Global Summit on NGO Empowerment scheduled for September 5th 2013 to September 8th 2013 at the Hilton Hotel Rockville MD, in the United States of America. The theme of this conference is “Empowering NGOs in the Age of Globalization” Attendees include NGOs, Business men and Women, Political leaders, Philanthropists, Investors and other stake holders.

IAAN believes that NGOs are at the center of sustainable social and economic development, poverty reduction and environmental protection. When NGOs are empowered societies benefit. In today’s complex world, it’s increasingly important for NGOs, the private sectors and governments to work collaboratively to help meet the Millennium development goals (MDGs) as it relates to issues concerning women and children. NGOs in developing nations face major challenges in their efforts to meet the MDGs, largely due to lack of resources and funding. These NGOs are typically founded by individuals, who despite their financial challenges are doing the best they can to better the lives of their fellow man.

IAAN strives to create global awareness and harness resources internationally to enhance their services to various communities. For this year’s conference we are bringing together NGOs, the private sector and political leaders from various parts of Africa, Caribbean and Latin America and philanthropists to engage in discussions on how to work collaboratively to help meet the Millennium development goals (MDGs) as it relates to issues concerning poverty in
developing nations. The conference will also feature International speakers with a variety of topics, ranging from Human Rights issues to Global Health, Information Systems Technology, Climate Change and Sustainable Technology.

At the award night, the NGOs that have shown excellence in their service to improve the lives of the poor will receive awards and grants to enable them continue the good works. IAAN is the voice for thousands of NGOs in developing nations who are doing great charity work. IAAN creates global awareness for our member NGOs, through networking regionally and internationally, while assisting them in enhancing their programs and activities; this includes restructuring the NGOs if need be, for global competition. We share a vision in which African people are empowered to improve their daily lives.

Additional information can be found at our website at www.inafricangos.org

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – THE 4TH ANNUAL NIGERIAN LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 2013

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THE 4TH ANNUAL NIGERIAN LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 2013

New York, NY – June 12, 2013: On August 16-17, 2013, LEAD Nigeria will host the 4th Annual Nigerian Leadership Summit at the Hotel Pennsylvania, downtown New York. Guided by the theme: “Developing a Roadmap for Engaging the Nigerian Diaspora in Development”, the summit will provide an opportunity for Nigerians in the diaspora especially the youth to extensively discuss and equip themselves with strategic information, knowledge and resources necessary to make viable contribution to Nigerian development by acquiring the skills and tools needed for engaging their fellow peers in good governance and societal development.

Specifically, this year’s summit will focus on how the Nigerian Diaspora-based and Nigerian-based youth can work together to generate and share new ideas, learn about best practices of creating empowerment programs and project management, create opportunities to collaborate and forge partnerships that will enhance the prospects of developmental change within the Nigerian youth population, while shaping a broad development vision as the center piece and framework of cooperation between youths and the government.

As part of the leadership summit, from August 12-15, 2013 – Lead Nigeria in partnership with The Council of Young African Leaders will host 40 Nigerian youth leaders and activists from Nigeria for a 3 day Leadership Empowerment training retreat focused on building their leadership, organizational and community service skills with the goal of designing and organizing a project of choice to be carried out in Nigeria, a project that will impact the lives of members of the community within a year.

A special feature of the Nigerian Leadership summit 2013 will be the launch of the LEAD Nigeria fellowship program. The LEAD Nigeria fellowship program will provide selected Diaspora Nigerians annually with the opportunity to participate, intern, volunteer or work on a program of choice in Nigeria for 3 months in areas such as youth empowerment, leadership development, entrepreneurship, media, healthcare, education and vocational skills training, providing an in-depth understanding of issues threatening the survival and development of youths and young people with an intensive mentoring and training module to develop relationships with on-going projects and highly committed and accomplished youth leaders working collaboratively to motivate and inspire their fellow peers in particular and their community in general

The Nigerian Leadership Summit is expected to attract about 200 participants from across the United States, Canada, the UK and Nigeria, with emphasis on providing opportunities for current youth leaders and professionals leading developmental change campaigns and initiative to actively be involved and engaged in the programs dialogue.

To register for the Nigerian Leadership Summit 2013, Click Register Here

For sponsorship, partnership and all other form of support and inquiries, email events@leadnigeria.org

For more information about past Nigerian Leadership summit programs, Click Here

AWARD WINNING NIGERIAN MUSIC DUO BRACKET HONORED BY THE CITY AND STATE OF PHILADELPHIA

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Award winning and top selling contemporary Nigerian-style African-pop duo Bracket, after receiving citation from the city and State of Philadelphia at the African American Museum on Friday August 3rd, 2012, highlighted the exciting stage line up at the 5th Annual ACANA African Festival on Sunday, August 5th, 2012 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The festival took place at the River Stage on the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, a part of PECO Multicultural series.

Stage performances represented the African countries of Nigeria, Liberia, Congo,  Sierra Leone, and many others. They performed along with the musical sensation Bracket will be the sensational LIB Queen from Monrovia, Liberia, Rafiya, a Congolese artist, and Jay Q from Sierra Leone.

Other performers throughout the day included: Black Diamond, Peter Cole, Chillton Jah James, Rotimi & De Afrophonik Crew, and Sista Rose. Dance is also an important highlight of the ACANA African Festival. Also, taking the stage was the world famous Universal Dance & Drum Ensemble.

In previous years, ACANA Cultural Festival had brought on stage such big name artists like Maxi Priest of Jamaica, Trinidad’s queen of soca music Joan Tigress Rowley, as well as Liberia’s Gebah Swaray of the Safari Band. This year’s event featured Bracket who were set to repeat the success of the previous festivals, until they got rained in during their performance. See the below preview of concert.

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Along with presenting sponsor, PECO, the festival is also sponsored by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts through the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, AfriQtalk, Brown Family Shop Rite, Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health, Children Crisis Treatment Center, , Arik Airlines, Western Union, Cozen O’Connor, Philadelphia Mayor’s Commission on African & Caribbean Immigrant Affairs, The Welcoming Center, Chester Ave. Business Association, Funtimes Magazine, Liberian United Women In Progress,  PNC Bank, and IT Solutions.

Bracket is one of the top selling contemporary Nigerian-style African-pop musicians. Bracket’s music is a composition of traditional Nigerian rhythms with contemporary pop and hip-hop influences.