Featured Post

The Locked Door with No Key: Why Ohio’s SB 153 Threatens Our Voting Rights

Image
The Locked Door with No Key: Why Ohio’s SB 153 Threatens Our Voting Rights Imagine being told you must enter a building to access your rights—to speak, to be counted, to shape the laws that govern your life. The door is locked, and you're told you need a key. But no one will tell you what kind of key you need. Some folks bring house keys. Others arrive with driver’s licenses, birth certificates, even passports. They jiggle them in the lock—nothing works. They aren’t denied because they’re unqualified. They’re denied because the rules changed without explanation. This is the danger behind Ohio’s Senate Bill 153 (SB 153)—a bill that hasn’t passed yet , but is already knocking on our community’s door. What Is SB 153? SB 153 is a proposed law—not yet passed —currently being considered by Ohio’s state legislature. It would require all voters to prove their citizenship before casting a ballot. That may sound fair on the surface—but the bill doesn’t define what “proof of citizenship” ac...
Post a Comment

Understanding Power Dynamics: Insights from an African Proverb

 Understanding Power Dynamics: Insights from an African Proverb

Here's the allegorical image, capturing a chicken standing before a 'court' of hawks. This scene creatively visualizes the power dynamics and tension, reflecting themes of vulnerability, courage, and the pursuit of justice amidst challenging environments.
Court of hawks

In the wealth of wisdom that African proverbs offer, there lies a profound understanding of life’s intricacies. From Ghana comes a saying that speaks volumes about power, justice, and resilience: "The chicken is never declared innocent in the court of hawks." At first glance, this proverb might seem to simply reflect the natural world's harsh realities. Yet, it unfolds layers of meaning about societal structures, justice, and the importance of recognizing where real power lies. Let's explore the depths of this wisdom, drawing lessons vital for our empowerment and growth.

The essence of this Ghanaian proverb extends far beyond the literal interpretation of animals in nature. It's a reflection on the world we navigate, where the balance of power often dictates the outcome of justice, not the truth or innocence. This understanding is crucial for us as we strive for empowerment, community engagement, and personal development.

  1. Acknowledging Power Imbalances: The first step in our journey is to recognize the power dynamics around us. Like the proverbial chicken in a realm dominated by hawks, seeing the landscape clearly is crucial for navigating it effectively.

  2. Fostering Unity and Strength: There's strength in numbers. The proverb encourages us to unite, strengthening our community ties to face challenges collectively. Together, we can create a formidable force to reckon with power imbalances.

  3. Strategic Engagement: Understanding when and how to engage with power structures is key. We learn from the proverb the importance of strategic thinking and actions that align with our goals for justice and equity.

  4. Empowerment through Knowledge: Education and knowledge equip us with the tools needed to challenge unjust power dynamics effectively. By understanding our rights, history, and the wisdom of our ancestors, we empower ourselves to stand firm in the face of adversity.

The Ghanaian proverb "The chicken is never declared innocent in the court of hawks" serves as a powerful reminder of the realities of power dynamics. It's not a message of despair but a call to action—to recognize, unite, strategize, and empower ourselves and our communities. In embracing these lessons, we pave the way for a future where justice, equity, and our voices are not just heard but are influential.

To delve deeper into the exploration of empowerment, community engagement, and personal and cultural growth, I invite you to join our free e-course at FreeGNJEcourse.com. For a platform to share, learn, and grow with peers who share your vision and values, join us on our Telegram thread @ https://t.me/GNJTribe. Let's embark on this journey together, armed with knowledge, unity, and the unwavering determination to navigate through the complexities of our world toward a future filled with Peace, Power, and Joy.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

GNJ Mall - April 27

Image
It is time once again for us to gather and get the heart of our community pumping. " Market Day" is here and we can't wait to greet you once again. Come out and do your shopping, networking, sharing, and learning. We have made it to our third Mall, and with the help of our ancestors we will have 300 more. We are seriously engaged in NationBuilding, and it is because of you and your participation that we have made it this far. Make sure you help us spread the word by liking and sharing. For those that want to vend it is not to late hit us up @ 614-260-7150, you can also register by following the link:  https://forms.gle/rKoikhMw28EE9NZF8 If you have already registered you can pay at paypal.me/gnj1 or you can use our cash app $gnjmedia: Checkout the flyer:
Read more

How to pour Libations

Image
We pour libations/ to connect with all that is/ and to cleanse our hearts/ I need to start this article by stating this information is based on my personal experience. I have been pouring libations for at least 20 years all over the country and personally. Libations for me is a process of remembering, and connecting or re-connecting to not only the Spirit but everything around us . When we pour libations we are opening ourselves as well as the group to the axe ' of the entire Universe . I first must admit that I do not belong to a group, sect or religious order. I am a lay man who have made a personal connection with the world, and the spirit. By pouring Libations we strengthen these relationship. So let me define a few things first so that we can be on the same page. Libations - the process of pouring or giving a sacrifice to form a connection with this world and the spiritual realm. Spirituality - the state of establishing and maintaining relationships Axe...
Read more

Unlocking the Power of Honor: A Guiding Light for Our Tribe's Future

Image
  Unlocking the Power of Honor: A Guiding Light for Our Tribe's Future In a world where words often lose their meaning amidst the noise, "Honor" stands tall, embodying a profound truth that resonates deeply within the soul of our community. As we navigate the complexities of modern existence, it's essential to return to the roots that define us, leveraging the timeless principles of Honor, Loyalty, and Sacrifice to forge a path forward. This exploration isn't just about understanding a concept; it's about redefining our collective destiny through the lens of integrity and truth. As a community committed to empowerment and personal growth, we dive deep into the essence of Honor—dissecting its impact on our lives and our interactions with each other. This isn't just an article; it's a manifesto for those ready to embody the true meaning of Honor in their lives, propelling our tribe towards unprecedented heights of unity and strength. The Core of Honor: H...
Read more