During tthe sixties and early seventies, it was almost impossibe not to see some tee-shirts boasting something to love, for instance, I love NY, I love America,I love love, I love money, etc. Usually a valentine-shaped heart represented the symbol of love
My youngest brother came up with various designs, one which was, I love Africa. I was one of the first to wear his tee-shirts after they left the silkscreens. The I love Africa was eye -catching, and I wore that particular one as a badge of pride.And one day had to defend it's message. On the streets of Cleveland, a white woman halted me and asked, "What's there to love about Africa."
These were times when African leaders were demanding Independence from their colonial Rulers. White and black entrepreneurs in the USA were promoting African culture; wearing dishakies kufis,etc. Responding to the lady's question, I replied, categorically: I love Africa because for years our lifestyles, comfort, security, yours and mine are due to the exploitation of Africa's natural elements and minerals: gold, diamonds, ivory; uranium, plutonium, colbalt, etc. I love Africa because it was /is the cradle of civilisation, my Mother and your Mother. Of course, there were other things I dwelled on. Aterwards, she, without a word, seemingly, awestrucked, walked away. During those moments I heard the song, the Anthem of the times, We Shall Overcome; and had myself asking, who am I, who are we, black people, what have we to over come? The incident inspired the poem, Who Are We.
