Our African Roots as Explained by Dr. Carr

Dr. Carr, a professor of African American studies here at Howard University, enlightened us with his lecture on the roots of African culture and the progression of education and wisdom in today's society. He began the presentation by telling us that we are the foundation of life, meaning our African ancestors were the first people, with the first words being traced back to Egypt. This immediately gave me a sense of pride in my heritage. He then went on to teach us about the African diaspora, or forced movement of our people to various countries/regions around the world. Usually when I learn of this, I learn about it in terms of the enslavement and opression of our people and it is taught in a way that arises feelings of sadness or self-pity. However from Dr. Carr's lecture arose no feelings of self-pity, but self-pride rather. To know that it was my people who brought the various cultures and traditions that we know of today to not only the Americas, but the Carribeans, and elsewhere around the world is a powerful understanding and I take honor in knowing this fact: We are the originators of global traditions. Furthermore, I found it interesting that instead of being taught about the miseducation of blacks during slavery, Dr. Carr explained to us the education of blacks during early African civilzation. Our ancestors demonstrated Iwa-Pele, meaning good character in ancient egyptian language and Iwa-I'aiya which is the moral and righteous way of life, in order to educate themselves and others about the language and customs of African culture. By demonstrating these exceptional qualities, our ancestors formed the basis of knowledge and by understanding this origination of early African education and civilization, we gather a better understanding of ourselves and find a new appreciation in the education we recieve today.