Sunday, September 4, 2011

Trying to Find My Mbongi


This week Dr. Carr came to class and gave us an idea of what and african/afro 
american studies class would be like. In the lecture he discussed many things such as 
the use of a Mbongi, the importance of knowing African history, and the power of text. 
He first started with the Mbongi. My interpretation of a Mbongi is a sacred place where 
work can be accomplished. Work is a broad term. Work can be studies, prayer, 
andything that needs to get done can be done. Any place can be turned into a Mbongi. 
Right now I am in the library, so in theory, this is my Mbongi. I personally like the idea of 
Mbongi, and I will definitely start using it as a normal word, in an attempt to educate 
people. The second part of the lecture revolved around the necessary action of learning 
about our past. In today’s world we have been taught to think that Egyptians and 
Europeans were the creators of language and mathematics, when in truth, they were 
created by our African ancestors! After hearing this it wanted me to learn more about the 
potential lies I have been told in public school in the south. The last part of the lecture 
dealt with the power of text. In this Dr. Carr explained the importance of text and how 
people can share generational experiences throughout it. I really thought about it and 
this is true. You might not be able to speak to someone who lived 200 years ago but you 
can read a article they directly wrote, so basically its the closest thing you’ll get to really 
communicating with the ancestor. After Dr. Carr came and spoke I am definitely excited 
to take on of his classes in the upcoming years.

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