Africa is a land of people that pay particular attention to and are proud of their identity, heritage, culture and Ubuntu (Utu or Harambee or Humaneness).
We spoke to one of my nephews over the festive season that he should never compromise his identity, heritage, culture, Ubuntu and UbuTolo (tribe) no matter what conditions he faces as he goes forward. As we said that to him I realised that one of the greatest stories based in West Africa was based on that and spoke exactly to what our forebears expect from us.
AN AFRICAN STORY OF GLARING DEHUMANIZATION
The story of Kunta Kinte, immortalised in Alex Haley’s novel “Roots,” is a powerful reminder of the atrocities of slavery and having an indomitable African human spirit despite the conditions that you are subjected to. This is based on a recount of the true genealogy of Haley’s own family history. Haley traces his ancestry back to Kunta Kinte, a Gambian man enslaved in America in the 18th century – one of the harrowing examples of the colonialists’ forced conversions of Africans into Americans as a forerunner to the black community in the United States of America today.
Haley, an African American citizen who suggests that he is a seventh generation descendant of Kunta Kinte, indicates that he travelled to the Gambia and conducted interviews with elderly Gambians, uncovered records and oral traditions supporting Kunta Kinte’s experiences. Though the story seems comparable to many African genealogical accounts, it is a compelling narrative that speaks to many conveniently avoided topics on African history. Haley wrote a reawakening tale to tell the truth of how Africans have always been abused and dehumanised in the name of utter racism, slave labour and used as an inexpensive option to build some of the most thriving economies from Europe and the Americas. Haley is said to have spent over 12 years researching the content of this story and also used some of the information that was already publicly available. Kunta Kinte’s story serves as the foundation for Haley’s narrative, creating a compelling and deeply personal account of slavery, survival, and identity.
As a Gambian warrior torn from his people and forced into bondage in 18th-century America, Kunta’s journey is a testament to the brutal realities of the transatlantic slave trade.
Kunta’s struggle to preserve his dignity and cultural identity amidst unimaginable cruelty resonates deeply, especially in modern Africa and South Africa, where our own history of oppression and resilience runs parallel. His refusal to forget his name, language, and roots – despite the dehumanising conditions of slavery – speaks to the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
Watching this as a Novel translated into a motion picture can make you cry literally as it makes you see how far we have come as Africans. Attempts have been made by our conquerors to reduce our people into a species below homo sapiens whose only role is to serve and be disposed of when it suited those in power.
A CHILDHOOD AND IDENTITY STOLEN
Kunta Kinte was only 17 years old when he was captured by slave traders in 1767, torn from his village of Jufureh in the Gambia. The trauma of his enslavement and the loss of his freedom would haunt him for the rest of his life. His slave masters who ‘owned’ him and the ones who received him in Northern America (United States of America) the Wallers, subjected him to physical and emotional abuse, stripping him of his identity and childhood.
BRUTALITY OF SLAVERY
Kunta Kinte was subjected to unspeakable cruelty, including physical abuse, emotional trauma, and cultural suppression.
Kunta Kinte had gone out to the outskirts of his village in Gambia to fetch some wood in the 1600s. Whilst in the forest he was captured by colonialists dealing in slave trade across Europe and Americas. He tried to resist but was overpowered.
Shackles and the Journey
Kunta Kinte, the ill-fated young warrior from Jufureh, was subjected to the cruel instrumentality of shackles during his enslavement. The unforgiving metal cuffs encircled his wrists and ankles, a palpable manifestation of the brutal suppression he endured.
He was forced into a ship sailing on to the Americas. The transatlantic journey, an odyssey of unmitigated suffering, saw Kunta Kinte shackled alongside fellow captives, their movements restricted and their dignity affronted.
Sold to the Highest Bidder
Upon arrival in America, the shackles remained, a constant reminder of his reduced circumstances. He was sold like you would when you want to sell one of your cows. His new owner was John Waller and would often resort to continuously chaining him, further emphasizing Kunta Kinte’s status as a chattel.
‘I am not Toby’
Kunta Kinte was always at ear with his slavemasters. They called him ‘Toby and he refused to accept always insisting, ‘I’m not Toby’. Every time that he did not accept this name he was punished mercilessly.
Kunta Kinte’s refusal to acknowledge the name “Toby” was a potent assertion of his identity and resistance against the dehumanizing institution of slavery. The name “Toby” symbolized the erasure of his cultural heritage and autonomy, imposed upon him by his enslavers. By rejecting this name, Kunta Kinte reaffirmed his Mandinka roots and the dignity of his true self, exemplifying the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression.
Attempts to Escape and Amputation
Kunta Kinte tried to escape over four times. He was always caught and punished.
Farmers usually castrate cattle to control their levels of aggression and improve the quality of meat produced from them. He was, as other slaves, treated like an Animal. He experienced one of the most horrifying actions that an individual who calls himself ‘civilised’ would impose against a fellow human being. The owners, after recapturing him, gave him a choice between castration or having one of his feet cut off as punishment. To avoid having both inhuman acts performed on him all at the same time, he chose the latter, which became a lifelong reminder of oppression. One of his feel was cut off by the slave owner. He was beaten, whipped, and even branded, leaving him with scars that would last a lifetime.
Marrying Another Slave
He met an African woman who was also a slave, who became a co-parent to the Kinte descendants that continue to live in the USA. Kunta Kinte fathered a daughter, Kizzy, who the Wallers sold as a slave to another slave owner. The new slave master raped and impregnated her.
RELEVANCE TODAY
The relevance of Kunta’s story today is undeniable. From systemic inequalities to cultural appropriation and identity politics, we’re still grappling with the legacy of colonialism and slavery. His story is a call to action: to acknowledge the past, confront the present, and work towards a more inclusive future.
The physical and emotional abuse inflicted upon enslaved individuals like Kunta Kinte finds disturbing echoes in contemporary instances of police brutality and violence against marginalized communities. Conversely, Kunta Kinte’s resistance and resilience in the face of oppression mirror the ongoing struggles for social justice and human rights worldwide.
The transatlantic slave trade’s brutal legacy also severed African Americans’ connections to their ancestral heritage, stripping them of their cultural identities, languages, and traditions. This loss of identity has had a profound, intergenerational impact, contributing to ongoing struggles with self-esteem, cultural disconnection, and community fragmentation. Many African Americans continue to grapple with questions of belonging, seeking to reconnect with their African roots and reclaim their cultural narratives.
Similarly, within Africa, colonialism, apartheid, and racism have dispersed communities, disrupted cultural practices, and erased identities. In South Africa, apartheid’s forced relocations and “Bantustan” system deliberately fragmented ethnic and cultural groups, leading to the erosion of traditional ways of life. Some ethnic and cultural groups have vanished or been severely diminished, their languages and customs lost to the ravages of oppression. Consequently, the dispersions have given way to a diluted version of reality within African groups, where authentic cultural expressions are often marginalized or commercialized.
In South Africa, this has meant that some cultures and languages have disappeared, taking with them the histories, stories, languages and knowledge of communities. The loss is immeasurable, and the impact is still felt today. Kunta Kinte’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging and confronting this past, rather than perpetuating a culture of silence and erasure. Like Alex Haley did, Africans living must trace their stories without being forced into submission by the minimalist knowledge perpetuated by those who benefit from the poor record of our history.
I always insist that the current generation owes future generations an account that explains the current state and the past that we inherited. Our forebears went to their graves carrying their stories which in some cases have been orally retold with varying degrees of accuracy. Africa must start telling her own stories. Many must publish on the same or even similar topics as this will help a quality supply of knowledge of Africa by Africans.
The resilience and determination of Kunta Kinte and other enslaved individuals inspire us to continue the fight justice and equality. As we reflect on his legacy, we are compelled to ask: how can we work towards a future that acknowledges and addresses the historical injustices of slavery, apartheid, and colonialism, while promoting a more equitable and just society for all?
LEGACY AND IMPACT
As we grapple with issues like land reform, economic inequality, and social justice, Kunta Kinte’s legacy urges us to confront the ongoing impact of historical injustices. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, cultural pride, and the human quest for freedom.
In many ways, Kunta Kinte’s story parallels the experiences of many Africans today, who continue to grapple with the legacy of colonialism and slavery. From the struggles for land rights and economic empowerment in South Africa to the ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises in countries like the DRC and Somalia, the echoes of history are still felt.
A PERSONAL REFLECTION
As I reflect on Kunta Kinte’s legacy, a personal experience comes to mind.
As a student at an institution of higher learning, an official at the Library insisted that my name was difficult to pronounce, difficult to remember and that, perhaps, she should use the English name on my Student Card. Whilst I understood the potential challenge existent I was also discouraged by her lack of effort in attempting to pronounce my name. That she was white complicated matters further. I do not blame my parents for giving me a middle name that is English but when this lady insisted in an instructive way that going forward she’ll be using the English name I felt the rage of Kunta Kinte who refused to be called ‘Toby’ rising inside me. Every time she called me by that name I ignored her. I had to be served by officials that used my African language name and I co-operated. An attempt to bullishly reconstruct another person’s image so that it fits your single minded approach laced with elements of superiority complex is an act that should not be tolerated or accepted.
MOVING FORWARD
Kunta Kinte’s story gives us the following instructions:
A. His determination to preserve his identity and culture, despite the brutal oppression of slavery, serves as a powerful inspiration for modern Africa. Kinte’s resilience reminds Africans of the importance of drawing strength from their heritage and resisting forces that seek to erase their histories.
B. We need to preserve our cultures. Kinte’s efforts to hold on to his Mandinka roots, even in the face of enslavement, highlight the importance of preserving African languages, traditions, and customs. As Africa navigates the complexities of globalisation and cultural homogenization, Kinte’s story underscores the need to safeguard the continent’s rich cultural diversity.
C. Kunta Kinte’s story demonstrates how crucial it is for Africans to reclaim and celebrate their identities, unapologetically challenging narratives that seek to define them otherwise. In a world where Africa is often reduced to stereotypes, Kinte’s legacy encourages Africans to assert their agency and define themselves on their own terms.
D. The importance of community and solidarity is another key takeaway from Kunta Kinte’s story. His relationships with fellow enslaved individuals demonstrate the strength that comes from community and solidarity in the face of oppression. In modern Africa, where diversity is a hallmark, Kinte’s story highlights the need for Africans to come together, celebrate their differences, and support one another in the pursuit of justice and equality.
Ultimately, Kunta Kinte’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and confronting the past. His narrative urges Africans to confront the legacies of slavery, colonialism, and apartheid, acknowledging the past’s impact on the present and working towards healing and justice. By confronting the past, Africans can begin to build a more equitable future, one that honours the resilience and strength of those who came before.
KNOWING IT’S WRONG AND DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT MAKES YOU COMPLICIT
It is Haile Selassie who said, “Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted, the indifference of those who should have known better, the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most, that has made it possible for evil to triumph”
Doing nothing about injustice also creates serial complainants out of us. For a political system to thrive there are actions that we have to take instead of limiting our participation to complaining about the status quo or even quo ante. No one is going to return our identity, dignity and worth to us. Submissiveness is the root of the continuously existent misdeeds in society. Human beings tend to rely on sudden implosive and explosive disasters to realise the power and strength that they’re sitting on. Change is in your hands.
Kunta was only 17 years old when he defended African identity, culture, heritage and Ubuntu. My nephew and his age group are pivotal passengers in the wagon that should take Africa to its true freedom.
As an individual you should ask yourself what you have done to sprinkle the fruit of freedom. Kunta Kinte lived three and a half centuries ago but his refusal to be called ‘Toby’ remains a rallying call to action for all of us. What legacy would you like to leave (when that time comes) for those that come after you in maintaining or fighting for their rightful space in society?
Tatenda!!!