There are countless images exploding in my mind, as this life transforming journey advances into its twilight hour. There are so many emotions swirling within me that I struggle to translate feelings to words.
I can only think…
I think of forty fists, every shade of brown, from ebony to milk tea, thrust proudly upward in Bonarto High School’s ninth grade classroom, honoring the struggle against Apartheid.
I think of the chill, shooting up the backs of my calves to the nape of my neck, as forty impassioned voices filled the room with the South African National anthem in the beautiful native tongue of Setswana.
I think of Flora, the principal who created a vibrant oasis of knowledge of the once desolate Ikaneng Primary School, empowered by her ability to “take the T out of can’t”.
I think of the Apartheid Museum and the courage of unflinching throngs of women, marching to free their husbands and children of the bondage of racism.
I think of Steve Biko and Nelson Mandela, leaders, political prisoners, examples of courage and perseverance in the face of injustice.
I think of maropeng, a Setswana word meaning “returning to our roots”. I think of how we are all fundamentally the same.
I think of the seven pillars of the new South African constitution: Democracy, Reconciliation, Respect, Diversity, Equality, Responsibility, and Freedom.
I think of kicking a soccer ball on streets of iron rich, red earth with the children of Soweto. I think of their smiles and youthful laughter.
I think of the future…
I think of Africa…
I think of hope…
~Orpheus
2 comments:
Orf, I want to start by saying this post is going to be all over the place because all this what i've read is so fresh, but i feel it necessary to get some of what i'm thinking out.
First the way these stories take me through the ten worlds is so powerful. Orf to see how you are constantly brought out of a state of anger and frustration to a place of determination and reflection i can as a chain reaction that is sweeping through the entire country and more and more people contribute towards this pathway to peace.
The determination and the dedication the people you've described have, whether through education, teaching etc. I gather has alot more to do, with there contribution to the bigger picture than there individual success. In that each individual you've described is making a contribution towards the future of the country and that there success can only be measure by the success of the country. The example of Sparks and his forgiveness, that he has to forgive to help the nation heal and move forward, in juxtaposition I think of "the American dream" where we measure our success on the individual basis and not on the collective movement of our nation, it has become more and more evident that this ideology is only failing as the divisions of class only becomes greater and greater.
Lastly the Seven pillars really mirror the ideas that are in the SGI which make me believe that South Africa will prevail.
Orf i look forward to hearing more of your stories when you get back.
ur bro,
z.
loddy,
learning of your transformative experiences, your learnings, nurturing your newly discovered and already existing commitments...i can't help but feel excitement about what awaits you when you return to the US.
i'm so happy for you...so proud of you. and yet in reading your blogs, i see that your theory is being tested, and bearing positive results -- "i's really we." so, i should be equally proud and equally inspired by the other wonderful people you have described in your travels. you're reminding me that my living on this planet is more than me...
on this point, i like the comment that zenith has posted, particularly the ideological failure of collective movements as a result of greater and greater class divisions. it made me think of a question: if zenith is right, how ELSE is it possible to salvage or cultivate the idea of collective movement (and ultimately, societal progress)? orf, based on your experiences thus far, what have you learned about the function of education in regards to "i's really we"?
in love,
di
Post a Comment