President Kofi Annan...?

Well, Ghanaian's polled appear to be so proud of what they believe Kofi Annan has achieved that they would vote him in as president in 2008. As proud as I am of him (for purely sentimental reasons), love him for the history he has made, the wonderful pictures he took (yes, I have a serious crush on uncle Kofi) and some of his gangsta moves - remember when he spoke out against the invasion of Iraq and the US government (He was an Ashanti man, afterall - born in Kumasi, if you need the proof)? OK, so he quickly remembered that he was head of the world's Diplomatic Body and tried to temper his comments, I know what he really meant.... but I digress...

Point is, for all of his historical and heroic significance, let us make sure that his politics work for Ghana before we go and elect him because he is a superstar. If we were to elect every Ghanaian that raised our profile, then Michael Essien would be our deputy. No need for that.... and when did Annan's hair go from salt and pepper to white??! Must be Bolton and his crew...

It's the little things

It’s been a rough couple of weeks here in GB land, but there have been a few moments of greatness. Starting with a wonderful performance by Wunmi at SOB's in NYC last night who stated categorically that she refused to take on the labels other people put on her. 'Everyone calls me the queen of AfroBeat' she said (well, something to that effect anyway), 'but I am not. I do what I do. You put Sade is Sade's Box, Bjork in Bjork's box, so why not put Wunmi in Wunmi's box?! I do what I do. Then she proceeded to slay the audience with her brand of music, which the GB shall henceforth call Wunmibeat (hahaha).

It was a historic moment for all that know her. Then this morning, on the way into manhattan, while psyching up for another day on the grind, I saw a wonderful looking woman, dark chocolate skin with a very low afro, dyed blonde and striking eye makeup. I normally don’t feel that look, but she looked amazing. I stood in awe, I caught myself, but it was too late, she had already caught me - or so I thought. It turned out she was looking at me. Before the subway doors opened, she mouthed, ' I'm loving your jacket, its cute'. I laughed at her, and said, and I was just admiring your hair! We both chuckled, wished each other a great day.

My Lens: New Orleans

OK, I have spent the past two days editing a 12 minute film that I was super proud of into a 5 minute film that I am also proud of for this edition of My Lens. I have uploaded it onto My Tube, for your amusement This is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uz4H2gbfqDQ

I saw some of it. I hope you get to see all of it, because I had NO weekend, Its good, check it out.

Jay-Z in Ghana

Yeah, it's been a long time, I shouldn't have left you...
Why the silence? I hear you say?!! Well, indeed..the trip to New Orleans knocked The GB for six. Then, a short break to The GB out of the country. But we are back... You will hear all about New Orleans, through the lens of the people who live there soon. And looking ahead, we anticipate an interview with Nigerian-British recording artist Wunmi - she has a new (rather excellent) album coming out in the next few months...

Anyway, saw this interesting post about Jay-Z and his travels to Africa:

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/entertainment/artikel.php?ID=110621
Tickets for Jay Z’s October 6 concert in Accra go on sale this week. They will sell at 600,000 cedis (ordinary) and one million cedis (for VIP seating).

The concert, to be staged at the International Conference Centre, is billed to be one of the biggest ever in Ghana. Jay Z arrives in Accra on October 4 on his private jet with girlfriend, Beyonce Knowles. He will also be accompanied by an entourage of about 30.

Jay Z’s concert in Accra forms part of a worldwide tour (supported by the United Nations and the music channel, MTV) to raise awareness about global water supply problems. In Africa, he will also perform in South Africa and Tanzania.

Charterhouse, which is organizing the show, says Jay Z will use the tour, which he calls ‘the African pilgrimage’ to learn as much as possible about the continent. He will also look into the possibility of collaborating with some local artistes. “Based on discussions Charterhouse had with his record label [Def Jam records], he intends to unearth some talents whiles in Ghana,” says Chris Attoh, events manager at Charterhouse. “What we found most exciting is that he requested to be furnished with some of the hottest hiplife songs in the country and he intends to remix them to create something awesome during his concert here.”

Meanwhile, Charterhouse is partnering with the mobile content provider, Mobistar, to run a competition which will make it possible for some 300 people to watch the Jay Z concert for free and get some photo opportunities with the super star. Phone subscribers will be required to text ‘JAY Z’ to the short codes to be announced soon. The top ten ‘texters’ will win VIP tickets and get the chance to take pictures with the legend.

New Orleans...

I set off for New Orleans early on Friday morning, and I have to say I am slightly apprehensive about it. On one hand, I cant wait to get there an talk to the people who are making a huge difference, the people who are fighting for the right of ALL New Orleans residents to return to the city, despite the efforts of some to keep some people out.

On the other hand, I may be reminded of how heartbroken, and how angry I was last year when the Government abandoned the citizens. I almost got that angry the day after watching Spike Lee's documentary, when the very well meaning New Orleans Citizen Rockey Vaccarella met with George Bush. Call me cynical, but that was exactly the kind of PR that George Bush was begging for. But it wont help him deal with the heat he will no doubt get this week, as people are reminded about what Brownie, Bush et al didnt do.

The Heavies and NOLA Levees.

No, I have nothing clever to say, just two things:

The first being - This summer, The Brand New Heavies are back with a new album, called Get Used to It. Go and check it out - it's worth it. It's been a long time, and N'Dea Davenport is back in the mix after several years away - which is just a wonderful thing. Now, while we love Carleen Anderson (come on, sing along, 'Apparently Nothing, nothing apparently...' hmmm, is the GB officially Old Skool now?? Guess so...), and yes - their stint with Siedah Garrett on 1997's Shelter was pretty darned good too, things just seem a little better with The Heavies and N'Dea.

In other news, Spike Lee's latest documentary, When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts premiered on HBO in the US tonight. It was powerful and sobering. If you can watch it, do. And you should check out the documentary film by Royce Osborn (he is also a New Orleans Native and Katrina survivor) called All on a Mardi Gras Day. The GB will be heading to New Orleans on Friday, August 25 for a few days. Look out for some reports from the area - as well and an interview with Royce Osborn on the September edition of My Lens.

Watch this: 'Terrorism isnt the issue, the Issue is Power': A short PSA from Electronic Lebanon

'In the weeks after Israel launched its attack on Lebanon, a team of New York-based artists, designers, and multimedia producers converged on a warehouse location in Brooklyn to create a Public Service Announcement for Electronic Lebanon'. The PSA features Suheir Hammad, Danny Hoch and others. It was apparently projected onto buildings on Saturday night in Brooklyn and Detroit. It's short, to the point and poignant: http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article5473.shtml

Want to know what is happening on the ground in Lebanon? Read on...

It was reported this afternoon that Lebanon and Hezbollah agreed on the UN resolution. Just minutes before, I received this report from Judith LeBlanc, the National Co chair for progressive coalition, United For Peace and Justice. She is in Beirut right now, with a small US peace delegation. I wonder what the people on the ground think about the decisions made 'upon high'.

--------------

Eyewitness Report
Beirut on Day 29 of the War

By Judith Le Blanc
United For Peace and Justice National Co chair

On day 29 of the war, Beirut is a blend of many realities. The facts are that 1,000 have died, over 3,000 have been injured in Lebanon. Most are children. Whole villages and sections of cities have been evacuated, and life continues.

Every night there are new bombings of apartment buildings in Beirut and homes in southern Lebanon. Tyre has been blockaded and every major highway has been bombed. The United Nations says their humanitarian aid programs are paralyzed now.

Some Lebanese feel that the world has abandoned them. Many believe that Lebanon will survive as it has in the wars of the past. Time is not standing still. With every day the situation becomes more dire.

The spiral of continued war and failed diplomatic initiatives leaves the Lebanese government unable to make a full accounting of the extend of the damage to the infrastructure or the impact on the economy.

Families are trying to survive together and when possible they have sent their relatives to Syria or other countries even further away. One man who waited in line behind me to use the pay phone told me he sent his wife and children to another country. He stayed behind because his 90 year old mother refused to leave her apartment. He said

There are the families crowed into apartments waiting for the war to end. The families from the south of Lebanon sit under tarps for another day in Beirut's parks while others sit in public schools.

Cars form long lines at the few gas stations open while their drivers periodically erupt. into arguments.

Not too far off shore oil tankers are wait behind the Israeli Naval blockade while the hospitals report that they only have two days of fuel left. The tankers won’t move with out written permission from the Israelis.

While the banks are the only business running on regular business hours, they fear that many loans will not repaid.

Small clothing stores are having sales for no shoppers. A French owned store laid off 200 workers. At the protest outside the store, the workers said why do you lay us off in a time of need? Most workers are on half days if at all. Others are being forced to take their vacation time.

In the Hamra neighborhood where Muslim, Christian and Druze live together small shops stay open while periodic power outages compel the use of small generators. It is less than 2 miles away from the southern neighborhoods bombed in the last few days.

Haret Hraik, a neighborhood in southern Beirut, has been bombed for three nights in a row. Almost all the small shops are closed except for an occasional tire repair shop. We went to photograph the damage. When we got out of the car there were many press photographers who asked where we were from. We went on to another block where a group of men were watching the bulldozing of buildings bombed two nights ago. They asked where we were from, of course, and then they offered us chocolates!

We talked of the war and its impact. At one point, a man came up and asked what media we represented. He was from Hezbollah. They have set up guards and street patrols. He told us where to go to register to get an inside tour. The second time we were stopped, a man on a scooter pulled the car over.he told us not to photograph at all and gave us the address to register for permission.

Amongst the rubble of a bombed out building, I spoke with a man named Idriss. We were watching the bull dozing of a building that had been bombed two night s before. He had lived in New York City before Sept 11. When he was deported from the US, the immigration officials told him they were sorry, but because he is Arab and Muslim he would have to leave.

We chatted about New York City and he asked where I lived. When I told him that I can see Yankee Stadium from my bathroom window, he wanted me to go see his good friend Sami at his corner store at 161 Street in the Bronx.

He spoke of the senselessness of the bombing, but also reminded me that the bombs were sold to Israel by the US. I took his picture and promised to go to see his friend.

Over the past three days, many have said that Hezbollah is not the issue now. It’s the war. Some have said that Bush and the Israelis began this war to split the people along religious lines. More than one person said they believed this war was planned long ago. Some also believed the bombing was to force the people to decide to be for or against Hezbollah.

At noon time, as we photographed the clean up of one bombed out neighborhood, we were told by the press that another Israeli air raid had happened.

We thought we saw leaflets falling outside our window. Now they are reporting on CNN that yes, leaflets are being dropped in central Beirut. That has been the practice before a bombing. CNN is reporting that the Israeli government has decided to bomb closer to the center of the city.

There are many realities that are going on here. There is hope and there is fear. There is also a struggle to bring people together and lay the basis for a better future even while the end of this war is not in sight.

Filed UK Bomb plots - Who is a real terrorist, part three

This is what the CNN ticker said during its coverage on Friday, August 11:

'ITV: One suspect may have worked at Heathrow Airport'.

Many, many South Asians who were born, went to school and live in and around West London have jobs at Heathrow (five terminals yo, that's a lot of jobs). One can only imagine how they are feeling right now, afterall, in this climate of fear, people are increasingly becoming less trusting of each other. So, not only are South Asian men (who may not even be Muslim to start of with, but hey, who is asking? Certainy not the people attacking them) increasingly feeling under suspicion from the rest of the community because of the actions of a few; those who work in Heathrow Airport are now probably in fear of their job security. I am sure they certainly don't feel comfortable right now.

Meanwhile the politicians are trying to get as much political capital out of it. And its not like people around the world aren't skeptical about what happened this week. Read this, for example http://www.tehrantimes.com/Description.asp?Da=8/12/2006&Cat=2&Num=017

It feels like we're in a 'Superman' film or something. It's bad enough when you can't trust your politicians to tell us the truth, but when so many people actually suspect that their politicians are cooking up something serious up for political gain - you know we're in deep doo doo.

Its official, Africans are in fashion.

OK, OK, OK. So, you have probably heard about the Keep A Child Alive Campaign featuring Gwyneth Paltrow, Liv Tyler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Iman et al. If not, let The GB break it down for you. It's a campaign featuring pictures of these stars, with some African....er... accessories and stuff...with the caption, 'I Am African'. And its caused a stir in many quarters. First off, let's point positive. The Keep A Child Alive Campaign is one that people really should probably check out. The goal is a good one, as explained in it's title...And the people involved in the campaign to eradicate AIDS in the continent of Africa have had much success and obviously figured that, as we are living in the era of celebrity culture, the only way to get people's attention is to get some celebs to endorse the cause, right? Right! No one would disagree that celebrity endorsements can help - and if the celebs want to help out a cause they care about, great!...So, what's wrong with this picture??:





















Now, here is the thing. When The GB was sent the message, (by someone who knew that this would provoke a reaction...!), it caused some confusion - and amusement. Here is an (edited) snippet of The GB's response back:


'Isht. I don’t even know where to start... on the face of it, I thought it was a move to say that human kind started in Africa, and that we all come from the same place - which I thought was bold, even though Gwyneth doesnt look like any African I know. Then I read the words on the ad and my head nearly blew off... What are they trying to say? Really?! Are they saying that if AIDS affects one of us, it affects all of us? I think that is what they THINK they are saying, but that isnt the message anyone is getting. I DO think that they are saying, Gwyneth likes Africans, and you should too... And what is with the stripes on her face??...Oh, they are 'African' tribal paint marks, I seeeeeeeee...and is that necklace supposed to be from Africa?...Whoo, I need to go, I need to laugh some more.

And it seems that The GB wasn't alone in feeling like well meaning liberals got it WRONG AGAIN. If people stopped talking ABOUT and started talking TO each other, I bet we wouldnt have this mess. Did anyone from the Keep A Child Alive Campaign talk to people of African descent - other than the superstars involved in the campaign - about their thoughts on the campaign, and its message, given the longstanding problems of negative portrayals of Africans in the Western media (think: flies and swollen bellies, dancing in the streets after a coup/sporting event...hacking some kind of tree... arrid desert, get the picture??!!) Looking at the response to the campaign, it doesn't feel like it. Can anyone say FOCUS GROUP??! The picture below, comes from Gawker.com. Read and laugh until you weep:

Note to all men...

So, tonight: I am returning home (alone) from an excellent night out with my friend. As I am walking home, I stop to adjust something and some young bratty man-boy (he is also on his own), half my size starts to holla at me. I ignored him. I turned around to make sure he was gone, and guess what? He was following me! My instinct told me not to walk home, because, if he worked out where I lived, there could be problems (I have been in this situation before, this move worked last time). So, I stopped, thinking of how I could make him go away. He asked me my name. I asked why. He said he just wanted to know. He asked if he could walk me home, I said no. Then (and take note MEN), he asked me if I want sex.... I told him where to go (in no uncertain terms) and continued my journey home, only this time, I speed walked, and spent my time looking behind my shoulder, to make sure that New Jack Virgin wasnt following me home. This is not the first time I have been in this situation. And I know I am not the only woman who has been subjected to this madness. A few years ago, some dude purposely got on my train (he was originally going in the other direction, he told me) , proceeded to stare at me throughout the 30 minute journey, then (almost) followed me home. I say almost because when I realised that there was no stopping this individual, I decided to stop and ask him what he thought he was doing (it was daylight, I felt that I could get away with it). So, I asked him if he had a sister. He said yes, and I asked him if he would appreciate his sister telling him that she went out on a date with some guy who followed her on the subway. He said no, the conversation ended there, and he thankfully took his ass back on the subway into the city.

Men, talk to your brothers. The ones, who think they are fresh or just need to get some; the ones who feel that they can ask a random woman to give them what they want. Enough already. Tell them there are ways to get a woman's attention, and asking for sex, two minutes after asking a woman her name, just isnt cool. Neither is following them. Tell them they could get in trouble for that - if not with the police, with the woman's family/man, or worse/better yet, the woman herself (when her foot connects with his groin). And tell them that crass talk like that doesn't make the ladies feel nice. I realise things really aren't good on the equality front (dont give me that, 'but women have great jobs' line, we still dont have equal access to power...), but this is taking the piss. The irony is I had just finished reading a great book by Jill Nelson, which made me feel empowered, but this situation left me feeling vulnerable, and on the defensive again.

If I see the brat again I am kicking him in the goolies (nuts to the rest of the world).

LISTEN My Lens: Hip Hop and Politics. Who is the Monkey...?!

Well, you will have to listen right to the end of this show to know what I am talking about! First off, thank you for the positive feedback on My Lens. Hope you enjoy this months show as much as you enjoyed the last one (if not more). On this months show, we look at the ways that Hip Hop has enacted political change, and present a report from the National Hip Hop 'Political Convention, featuring voices from The Pioneers and Powerbrokers of Hip Hop Culture'. Voices featured include: DJ Paradise, formerly of the X Clan (remember the African pendants that everyone wore back in the day? He is one of the people responsible for making us think they were smart and cool - which they were...), King Kamonzi of the Universal Zulu Nation, David Nelson, one of the founding members of The Last Poets - the group that many cite as a bedrock of modern conscious Hip Hop Culture - and the first group to freestyle and Davey D, Hip Hop journalist. In the second part of the show, we touch base with WANLOV, the Romanian-born, Ghanaian-bred rapper about the influence US Hip Hop had on his career, his politics and much more. Check it out, its a good 'un - but please note, that ONE of the songs uses language that might cause offense. Hey - its better that we let you know, right??!


MP3 File

Introducing...British Brother

Ever wondered what a right wing socialist thinks about?! Then read a NEW BLOG, written by a British Born Jamaican Brotha, who, unless he tells me I can give out his name, shall remain anonymous. Guess what it's called?? British Brother. Yes, HE spells 'Brother' properly (unlike the 'Blend). OK, he isn't a right wing socialist... he's more of a libertarian (hahahaha), but whatever you want to call him, the blog will be very entertaining. BB's already cussed inconsiderate people on the subway (his wife is pregnant and those nasty ass people wont give up a seat for her), and the man referred to as the British Prime Minister - the man, the 'Blend will refer to today as Tone B.

In the meantime, stay tuned for the AUGUST edition of MY LENS: Putting our lives back into context. Its gonna be TIGHT. You'll get a report from the National Hip Hop Convention, plus an interview with the international man of Hip Hop, Wanlov. Its a great interview. Check it out on August 1.

More tomorrow...

It's too hot to do anything

Hmmm. While Britain has sent resuce ships to get its citizens out of Lebanon, the US will be sending an ageing ship to the country to collect citizens. And those citizens have to sign a note promising to pay for their rescue. Tell me that isnt messed up. As a listener said on RadioNation with Laura Flanders, yesterday, that there are echoes of Hurricane Katrina all over this... I could go on and on about this ever escalating crisis, but I wont. Cause I wont stop ranting. But that said, I can't say too much today, cause, its too darned hot... HOT. HOT!! 100 degrees people!! And it will be HOTTER tomorrow!!

Reality Check: It's hard out there...

If you have a few moments, please watch this AMAZING, SAD and BEAUTIFUL online slideshow. I got this from the people at Global Information Network. The slideshow highlights the experiences of the many Africans who travel from the continent to Europe - via Spain - to try to find work - and what many believe to be a better life. And before anyone out there jumps off on their tirade about people going over to 'steal' jobs, or work for nothing, think for one little second about WHY people all over the world are trying to find jobs that 'pay better' elsewhere in the first place. Immigrants - on the whole - aren't trying to leave what is familiar to them just for the hell of it; they look elsewhere because they need to survive. So far this year, more than 10,000 Africans have arrived in boats on Spanish beaches.

The song that is played during the slideshow is called ‘Sunugaal’ - or "Our Canoe", and is composed by DJ Awadi, one of Senegal's best known rappers and producers. He says that he has friends who have died, '...some arrived in Spain but said they had survived after their boat sank and others had drowned.' He also says that if Sunugaal does exceptionally well after its online exposure, he may consider doing the same with other songs. Here is the link to the slideshow: http://www.studiosankara.com/sunugaal.html

World Cup Cold Turkey...? NEVER!! (pt 2)

What was THAT final about??! I was not a happy child yesterday. France lost on penalties, and Zidane head-butted a player (and, while I think that was a silly thing to do, I do agree with those who say he was provoked).

Well, for those of you who want more international football action and a) live in the UK and/or b) want to check out new and interesting programs via the internet, you should definitely look out for 'Inner City World Cup'. If you want to see what REALLY happens when people from different nations compete on a 'level playing field' (soreeee), and want to see some real culture clashes (sorreeeee again), then, this is probably the programme for you! 'Inner City World Cup' is about an 'alternative' World Cup tournament held in London at the same time the FIFA 2006 World Cup. It doesn't just document the tournament, though, you'll get an insight into the social and political implications of this meeting of cultures - and a real look into 'multi-cultural London', as 'participants reflect on life as an immigrant... discuss the difficulties of being accepted, as well as the positive opportunities this “mini-world cup” provides for integration with different ethnic communities'.

The programme comes courtesy of the people at The Community Channel (nice one Abigail Dankwa), and is getting some good press. Read about what the British paper 'The Guardian' has to say about it here. For those who don't live in the UK, get more info at www.communitychannel.org

ALREADY!!!!!!

Less than 5 mins and Les Bleus have scored! Blimey! Zidane scored! Wow!

World Cup cold turkey? NEVER!!

Well, as mentioned in previous posts, due to certain cultural affiliations, the fact that France has only won the tournament ONCE before (vs Italy's THREE times already), and (quite frankly) France's performance during the tournament, the GB is going to go with Les Bleus, rather than the Azzurri.

Let's hope this final is better than the last World Cup final in which Brazil (who...?!! tee hee) beat Germany. And let's hope that the BOYS - the BLACK STARS return in 2010! In the meantime, check out an interview with Kwabena Ofori, a Ghanaian sports journalist, who reported on this years World Cup, for the radio show Afro-Dicia, on KPFK (Skip the (confusing) intro, and click on the listen link - before Saturday, July 15). He summed up why this World Cup has been so special for a lot of Ghanaian's - and Africans, during the interview. Listen out for the part where Ofori says that hearing the Ghanaian national anthem being played during the tournament made him cry. AND keep listening for the Hi Life CLASSIC BOSOE by Joe Mensah! Shame they didn't play all 200 hours (ok, just kidding - just under 10 minutes, really...) of the song. But those old Hi Life songs do go on FOREVER, or at least that is how it felt when you were dancing to them with your parents (or the funky uncle or auntie) who interrupted your play time and forced you to dance with them, at 'functions'.

And, because all roads lead to Ghana, in this World Cup as far as the GB is concerned (!!), the last word on THIS post goes to UN Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan (yesssss, predictably, a Ghanaian), who, on July 8, reflected on why observing events at the FIFA World Cup in Germany has left the UN green with envy:

'Today is an exciting day for all speakers of the universal languages of football as the emblem of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa has been unveiled. The United Nations fully relies on this language as it promotes fair play, which is the blueprint to build a better world. After all, in 2005 at the World Summit the sport was described as a mean to foster peace and development.

The World Cup makes us in the UN green with envy. As the pinnacle of the only truly global game, played in every country by every race and religion, it is one of the few phenomena as universal as the United Nations. You could even say it's more universal. FIFA has 207 members; we have only 191. But there are far better reasons to be envious.

First, the World Cup is an event in which everybody knows where their team stands, and what it did to get there. They know who scored and how and in what minute of the game; they know who missed the open goal; they know who saved the penalty. I wish we had more of that sort of competition in the family of nations. Countries openly vying for the best standing in the table of respect for human rights, and trying to outdo one another in child survival rates or enrolment in secondary education.

Second, the World Cup is an event which everybody on the planet loves talking about. People sitting in cafés, anywhere from Buenos Aires to Beijing, debating the finer points of games endlessly, and expressing themselves on the subject with as much clarity as passion. Normally tongue-tied teenagers suddenly becoming eloquent, confident, and dazzlingly analytical experts.

I wish we had more of that sort of conversation in the world at large. Citizens consumed by the topic of how their country could do better on the Human Development Index, or in reducing the number of carbon emissions or new HIV infections.

Third, the World Cup is an event which takes place on a level playing field, where every country has a chance to participate on equal terms. Only two commodities matter in this game: talent and team work. I wish we had more levellers like that in the global arena. Free and fair exchanges without the interference of subsidies, barriers or tariffs. Every country getting a real chance to field its strengths on the world stage.

Fourth, the World Cup is an event which illustrates the benefits of cross-pollination between peoples and countries. More and more national teams now welcome coaches from other countries, who bring new ways of thinking and playing. The same goes for the increasing number of players who, between World Cups, represent clubs away from home. They inject new qualities into their new team, grow from the experience, and are able to contribute even more to their home side when they return. I wish it were equally plain for all to see that human migration in general can create triple wins - for migrants, for their countries of origin, and for the societies that receive them.

For any country, playing in the World Cup is a matter of profound national pride. For countries qualifying for the first time, such as my native Ghana, it is a badge of honour. For those who are doing so after years of adversity, such as Angola, it provides a sense of national renewal. And for those who are currently riven by conflict, like Côte d’Ivoire, but whose World Cup team is a unique and powerful symbol of national unity, it inspires nothing less than the hope of national rebirth.

But Germany is the real winner of this World Cup. Even if the team did not reach the Final, they had already won as this was the best World Cup ever and united the German nation behind a glorious effort. Germany can truly talk the language of football.

The Global Blend does AUDIO TOO!

The GB has added a new piece to it's media empire (tee hee). It's a new podcasts called My Lens: Putting Our Lives Back in Context. It's a monthly radio magazine program that works on a similar premise to this blog. It takes a look at the world through a different set of eyes. The difference is, YOU get the chance to listen to some of the people that The GB interviews over the course of a month! This month on My Lens, you will hear thoughts about how the Ghanaian Diaspora community in London responded to Ghana's achievements during this world cup, and then you will hear from Bob Watada, the father of Ehren Watada, the first commissioned soldier (from Hawaii) to refuse to go to Iraq. The other great thing about the show is that I get to showcase some of the great music that I stumble upon - this month: Wanlov, a half Ghanaian, half Romanian rapper, living in California (you know, the kinda person The GB digs) and his music is really really good. Click on the player below to listen.


MP3 File

Diaspora Ghanaian's want to return to start a revolution

Very interesting indeed. This was originally posted in the Ghanaian Chronicle.

Ofori Ampofo, the leader of the group, called the National Party (and who currently resides in the US, where else?! OK, I am being glib, but still..) looks set to launch the party on Saturday, July 1. The article continues...

'...He told The Chronicle in an interview that the group had decided to descend into the local political scene because of, “The blatant mismanagement of the nation’s affairs and the massive squandering of the little resources of the country...“The people must be made aware that their conditions ought to have been better if they had had good leaders since independence.'

You can read the rest here:
http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=106633

Party up yuh self...

The Black Stars are returning home (to Ghana) today and will be met by a party - the nation is going to let them know how proud it is of their footballing warriors (I haven't had much sleep, OK?!!).

'The Ministry of Information and National Orientation in conjunction with the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports will on Friday June 30 organise a grand welcoming party for the senior national team, the Black Stars, when they arrive from the World Cup in Germany in recognition of their performance.'
http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=106655

Sounds like it will be a tonne o' fun - I wonder if, when they return to their countries of work (England, Italy etc), if their Diasporan communities will let them know how much they are appreciated?!

Whitney, Arnie and David Hasslehoff say 'Stop the Madness'

Oh, hell to tha no (as good ol' Whitney would say). So, I am out of order for doing this, but Whitney Houston in a anti-drugs video, called stop the madness? Dang. But that aside, its a gem, features David Hasslehoff (in that tired old Knight Rider leather jacket...), LaToya Jackson and Arnie. They are all telling us to stop the madness. While I am sure the attempt was very earnest, given what most of the artists involved have been involved in since, it's all a little ironic, really: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5zJvX3pIY4

THANK YOU BLACK STARS! ROLL ON SOUTH AFRICA 2010!!

OK, the boys didn't win their match, they missed ample opportunity to score, but they didn't disgrace themselves - they did us proud. The score didn't represent the quality of Ghana's play (apart from their inability to convert their possession into goals!!). Even Brasil's coach had to pay our boys a tribute. But it was no walk in the park for Brazil, they worked for those goals. However, we saw why Brazilian players get paid the big money. It's simple - they are able to convert their possession into goals easier than Ghana can - right now... But you know what? We should only look at this experience as a success - and build on it.
Some say that Ghana's defeat is a setback for Africa to maintain its quota of five teams in the tournament. I don't think so. I think the continent needs to take this experience and run with it. And Africans KNOW how to make something work for us - its what we do. So, enough already!! That coming from me shouldn't be taken lightly, because I can be quick to write things off if they don't go the way I want them to. So here is my suggestion. Let the Ghana national football squad know that you thought they did us proud, send a letter, an email! No, its not wack, how else are they going to know that people across the world appreciate them?! I am writing mine right now...

Meanwhile Spain lost 3-1 to France (so Ghana is almost in good company - and what I mean by that is that the teams lost by a similar margin...). That was painful for Spain. They were level until the last 10 minutes of the match... wow... So who to support now that the tournaments most ethical team is out of the running?! I have three choices (in no particular order): Brasil? They are always a favourite, but I dunno - its hard given today's result, but that said, if they win, we feel better about our loss, I guess.. or maybe France? A lot of brothers on the team, I am always down for supporting the Diaspora - and given that Luis Aragones, the Spanish coach STILL refuses to apologize to Thierry Henry for the racist comments he made toward the Frenchman, I have a little more sympathy with the French team. Then, of course, there is In-ger-laaaand (England to you...), well, its the country that I was brought up in, after all!! But no matter what, from here on in, the World Cup, wont QUITE be the same for me!! Thank you Black Stars for your kick-ass performance! And long may your rise continue!!

I now know why grown men lose their minds at football matches...

Well, its the morning of the Brazil v Ghana match, and I am reflecting on the past week. I really do get why people just lose all common sense when it comes to football matches now. I thought I did before, because I have always been passionate about 'the beautiful game', but Ghana's inclusion on this tournament has taken it to another level. It's like self inflicted torture. It's self inflicted because I want to watch and I want to know what is going to happen, and its torture - well, maybe trauma - because I find myself emotionally drained at the end of each match. I get nervous just before, wound up during and (so far), completely elated, at the end of every match! It's nuts! They should put a health warning up before each match!

Well, I am off, need to get ready. Whatever happens, the boys kicked ass, serious ass...

Torn loyalties for Ghana's African Brazilians

http://in.today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=sportsNews&storyID=2006-06-26T002405Z_01_NOOTR_RTRJONC_0_India-256715-1.xml&archived=False

By Orla Ryan

ACCRA (Reuters) - When Ghanaian chief Nii Azumah the fifth sits down on Tuesday to watch the country's soccer team play Brazil for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals, his loyalties will be divided.

He is one of an estimated 2,000 direct descendants of a group of 70 Brazilian slaves who bought their freedom and returned to the continent of their ancestors nearly two centuries ago.

"I call myself a Ghanaian. In my mind I will support Brazil, but in my heart it is Ghana. In my mind, my descendants are from that place, no matter what I should be with them," Azumah said.

"If it had been any other team, I would have supported Brazil 100 percent. But I was born, bred and educated in Ghana (so I have to support Ghana)," he said.

Azumah's great grandfather was a leader of the first Tabon, so called by Ghanaians when they heard the new arrivals reply Ta Bom (I'm fine) to the Portuguese greeting of Como Esta (how are you?). He is now the chief of the Tabon.

"I am very, very proud, I am very proud of my ancestors, my family, almost everything that constitutes (being) a Tabon," said Azumah, who has never been to Brazil.

Four-time winners of the African Cup of Nations, the Ghanaian football team earned the nickname the African Brazilians in homage to the world champions, Brazil.

Ghana will play Brazil on Tuesday after clinching a place in the second round of the World Cup finals in Germany.

The links between the two countries were forged by the slave trade, which saw hundreds of thousands of West Africans sold to the Caribbean, Brazil and America -- parts of the world which remain heavily populated by people of African descent.

BRAZIL LANE

Many freed Brazilian slaves returned to West Africa, settling in Ghana, Nigeria, Togo and Benin and their presence is still visible in the seaside heart of old Accra, Jamestown, where the dilapidated Brazil House stands on Brazil Lane.

Said to have brought the first scissors to Accra, the Tabon set up a tailoring shop in Jamestown's Scissors House, still home to many Tabon people. They dug the city's first wells, a skill learnt in Brazil.

The modern Tabon are integrated into Accra's Ga tribe but their food, dance and song -- some of which contain Portuguese words -- reflect their Brazilian heritage, and many want stronger links with Brazil.

"I would like to go to Bahia (in Brazil) and meet as many black people as possible. Some of them are entrepreneurs and could join us here in Ghana," he said.

Lawyer Nii Azuma Nelson, also a Tabon, believes Brazil could do more for his community. "We think Brazil should give us a little more recognition, we have ties, we have families there.. We are the poor relatives, they are the rich relatives," Nelson said.

What the world could learn about Religious respect from the Black Stars

Here is a cool report from the Ghanaian Chronicle about the post USA match celebrations:

'From Ho, the Volta regional capital, Samuel Agbewode reports that residents defied a heavy downpour and filled the streets with jubilant youth singing ‘borborbor’ and ‘jama’ songs from the Civic Centre, through the K.K. House traffic light junction to the central market near the main lorry park...'Read the rest here: http://www.ghanaian-chronicle.com/thestory.asp?id=10433.

There is also an interesting piece in the Daily Telegraph, from the UK. Its interesting, but not surprising, I guess, given the current political climate, how the 'Muslim's living side by side with Christians' angle is of interest in this piece published in the British newspaper. Once you get over the stupid talk about Ghanaian coach, Ratomir Dujkovic's CV, which, according by Simon Hart, 'reads more like that of an Amnesty International outreach worker than a football coach', the stupid comment about the penalty (how many times do we have to say it, it would have made no difference...) and the fact that it is a piece published in The Daily Telegraph, a right-leaning broadsheet newspaper from the UK, there are actually some interesting obsercations made about the role of religion and diversity in Ghanaian society...

"In this group of Ghana Black Stars we have Christians and Muslims and both groups pray together. One player leads the prayers and the rest follow him. If it's a Muslim who is leading the prayer, all the group will pray with him. If it's a Christian, they do the same."

The religious tolerance within the squad perhaps explains why, in the aftermath of Ghana's 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic, defender John Pantsil saw no problem with pulling an Israeli flag from his sock and dangling it in front of the cameras for the benefit of supporters of club side, Hapoel Tel-Aviv.

But the gesture brought widespread condemnation throughout the Arab world and even sparked a debate about who was the bigger enemy - Ghana or the United States. The controversy was eventually defused by an apology from the Ghanaian football federation, who blamed the incident on the player's "naivety".

After the United States match, there was a similar innocence as the Ghanaian players explained why they had become the only African nation to make it through to the knockout phase. Sulley Muntari, the talented Udinese midfielder who missed the United States game through suspension but will return on Tuesday, stressed the importance of the pre-match prayer. "We talk together and then we pray to God that He should give us strength and the powers to play well," he said.

You can read the rest here:
http://wc2006.telegraph.co.uk/Document.aspx?id=677A924F-8E91-488A-9D8F-33C1401DF05A

Raps problem with Oprah

A few months back, some rappers - Ludacris, 50 Cent and Ice Cube - openly expressed their displeasure with Oprah Winfrey, saying that she didn't promote rap music. Following this, she went on a morning show, hosted by Ed Lover, on Power 105.1, and faced some tough questions about her attitude toward rappers. Check out this piece by Yvonne Bynoe, called Rappers Aren't Feeling Oprah's Love, which gives an analysis on the situation. I agree with her, Oprah shouldn't have to promote something if she doesn't want to - and if people have a problem with that, then they are just going to have to hug it out: http://www.alternet.org/story/37815/

Football, nation building and national pride

While talking to a friend about Ghana's win, I explained to her why I felt so passionately about it. It's like this: It's the first time that I have felt that the place where my family is from, (where the people look like me and I am accepted, even as someone born and bred outside of the country) is being recognised for its achievements. This is a completely emotional reaction, but at the same time, the reaction comes from a historical and political place. I can't (and won't) deny it, African's have something to prove to the world - and to ourselves. We 'need' to remind people that we are worthy, and to under estimate us is a mistake. It's about respect - and where better to prove it, than in a sports setting? On the sports field, your only weapon is your skill. Performance enhancing drugs aside, money isn't going to help you overcome your opponent. But it's still a battle - of wits and a battle for national pride. And just as Cameroon and Nigeria did before them, Ghana ('the tiny african nation', according to the New York Daily News), made the point (again) that African's can compete in an international setting and should be given the respect accorded to other (read: white) teams, on the sports field - and beyond. So, to beat the best European teams, and beat the US - percieved by some as a 'big' team, because of its political and economic strength - and huge levels of confidence - is a massive statement to the world. HUGE. Why do you think Michael Essien said that the Czech win was for the people of Africa? But it's not just about skin colour - The Irish felt the same way around 10 years ago when they gave the English football team a run for its money in the mid to late 90's; Cameroon felt the same way, as did Nigeria when they proved their detractors wrong at 'round about the same time. I bet the Brasilians thinks that every four years when they bring the trophy home!

So now, it's Ghana representing the continent of Africa - and her Diaspora (uh huh, I know African American's who supported Ghana when they played against the US - for political and emotional reasons). If you dont belive me when I say that we feel like we have something to prove, read this editorial from the Accra Daily Mail:

Ghana 2 USA 1

| Posted: Friday, June 23, 2006

What else can we say?
No superlative would be able to describe this historic performance and so we shan't attempt any.

All that we can say is that our country can indeed MAKE IT! We are not talking just about football and sports, but also all those departments that propel a people towards progress and development.

We are talking here of science, technology, good governance, architecture, art, music, medicine, education and all the gamut of activities that add up to create a rich culture.

As we asked in an earlier editorial, in these fantastic achievements by the Black Stars where was NPP; where was NDC. In other words, the over-policisation of issues leads only to hubris and dispersal of national effort and energies It is Ghana all the way that is taking us to these dizzying heights at the World Cup. If we start thinking and behaving Ghanaian, we shall surely MAKE it.

God Bless Our Homeland Ghana.

Well done, ayeekoo Black Stars.

Jon Jon Jon...

Jon Stewart, comic darling of the political left in the US (who I think is quite funny, myself, most of the time) made some cheeky-ass comments about the USA's loss to Ghana. I belive he said, something to the effect of, 'There is no shame in being beaten by one of the African contintents least malourished nations'.

Huh. I see...I am telling you its getting too much! There is no shame in losing to a team that just played better than you you know??! We may be smaller than you, you may have more money than us because (and dont make me go there), but, you still lost. We still beat you, no matter how you look at it the result is the same!

Hmmm, A Big Bonus for the Black Stars from the government

I seeeeee. The boys will get some nice compensation for getting out of the group stage...
'The President of the football controlling body in Ghana, Mr. Kwesi Nyantakyi confided in The Chronicle that a special package, including huge financial component, has been earmarked for the team - provided they qualify for the knockout stage...' Read the rest here: http://allafrica.com/stories/200606210753.html

Meanwhile, 'Because every TV set in Ghana will be used, South Africa-based gold producer Gold Fields Ltd. will cut power usage at its mines in the country. “We were asked to cut down on our power use during the World Cup,” Terence Goodlace, the head of international operations for Gold Field, told an analysts' presentation this week.'

So, being the suspicious type, I started to wonder who these Gold Fields Ltd. people are, and what wondered what I would find if I followed the money. I haven't started work on the 'follow the money' piece of this - yet. But I did find this out: Gold Fields is an official sponsor of the Ghana FA WEBSITE, and, it seems that in 2001, there was a gold mining incident that left people with contaminated water (I know this isn't unusual). See this link, from No Dirty Gold: http://www.nodirtygold.org/wassa_district_ghana.cfm. Here is a quote:

'On October 16, 2001, a tailings dam burst at the Tarkwa gold mine in the Wassa West District of Ghana sending thousands of cubic meters of mine waste into the Asuman River and contaminating it with cyanide and heavy metals. The Tarkwa mine is operated by Gold Fields Ghana, a South African gold mining company. The disaster left more than one thousand people without access to drinking water. Virtually all life forms in the river and its tributary were killed. Hundreds of dead fish, crabs, and birds lay on the banks of the river and floated to the surface.'

Not to put a dampener on things, but looking away just because we are celebrating makes no sense either, does it?? This sporting event seems to have revealed more about the government's priorities, don't you think??

AYEEEKO Ghana!!! Ghana with the wind?? No chance!!

Yes, people, I heard them all. The headline writers were ready to help us pack our bags, but no, we're not going anywhere just yet. Instead, its the USA that (according to The New York Daily News) 'Ghanas' - geddit? gonners - Ghanas?, yeah, OK, I know... The Black Stars beat the USA 2-1. Now, the thing is, the USA seems intent to blame that penalty on their woes.

The fact is, dubious penalty or not, it doesn't really matter, because Ghana had plenty of other chances to score and probably would have done. Moreover, even if Ghana DIDN'T score, Ghana still would have gone through to the next round, so either way you look at it, the penalty doesn't really mean didly squat, does it? Meanwhile ESPN's commentary has had me on the floor with laughter. First off, they had pretty much confirmed that US manager Bruce Arena was out of a job before they even interviewed him. That's just not fair, from most reports, he's done a very good job with the US team. Then came the clanger. The commentators acknowledged the fact that Ghana had taken a half day off (true dat) and that one company had stopped gold mining so that all Ghanaians could watch the match from their homes (electricity was needed, see) 'so we shouldn't underestimate the importance of this match to the Ghanaians'. Well, thank you. A 'congratulations, you won, we are disappointed, but still, you won' would have been just fine. Thankfully, it took a SCOTTISH MAN (told you they were nice people - and hell, I was born in Scotland, so Scotland cant be that bad, eh?! tee hee) to point out the fact that Ghana actually has a GOOD team, and Essien is one of the best forwards in the English Premier League, so they should not be under estimated.

Thank you nice Scottish ESPN pundit for pointing that out to the haters. Ghana has a good team and should be taken seriously - even by Brazil, who hopefully won't hand our asses to us on a platter on Tuesday... hahahaha. In the meantime, another sports writer gives his take on team USA's loss: http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_3969444

But you know what? Why wouldn't Ghana win? Anything is possible, right?! And Ghana has nothing to lose, so hopefully the Black Stars will play their hearts out and do us proud again. The team has made Ghanaians on the mainland - and plenty more in the Diaspora very happy http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/talking_point/5099264.stm

(image, courtesy of Accra Daily Mail)

John Pantsil the footballing diplomat and what is the confusion about 'The Lake House'??!

Wow, the Jerusalem post really took to heart the gesture by John Pantsil...
Flag gesture warms Israelis to Ghana http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1150355536400&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Ouch. Dunno what was going on there, but that move confused the hell outta me, disturbed my westernized political sensibility - and caused controversy. I dont think he was trying to make a statement about the Israel-Palestine situation. I DO think he just wanted to thank the country of the team that he plays for. But why he couldnt just hold the flag of his club I do not know... BUT, he most certainly wasnt making a political statement. And if anyone co opts what he does to make a point, well, that just isnt cool? The Ghana FA apologised and said that he didnt realise the political implications. That is not to say he is stupid. And to be honest with you, Africans are hardly ever factored into any discussion related to Israel-Palestine, or in most other global discussions, unless its about fair trade, or health, so I think those people who claim his flag waving is a sign that he is for or against any one side in this conflict are being presumptuous.

Now - and as a totally unrelated side note, Having heard that some people were confused by the film 'The Lake House', (and to see if that Speed-style Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves magic was still there), I decided to go and see the film myself. It was a'ight. Reeves didnt look as nice as he did in Speed (people, I know you know what I am talking about -- can you believe that was 12 years ago?? Dang.); he cries a good cry and yes, if Bullock's marriage to Jesse James doesnt work out, (and really do I wish them all the luck in the world..) I think there is a future in a Bullock-Reeves union. I wasnt upset with the ending, it was totally hollywood (read between those lines). But, in answer to those people who were confused, I have only this to say; Yuh na see Quantam Leap?! Bullock's character was able to change their fate, because because through their letters she worked out what was going to happen in HIS future (cause he is two years behind her), and knowledge is power, yo'. It also helped that her character could drive like a beast to that blasted lake house. So, at the end of the film, the audience is watching TWO realities - based in the same time frame - unfold. In HIS reality, we are taken back to the start of the film, just before the 'incident'. At this point, she is unaware of who he is.. The film then cuts, to HER REALITY, very different, where she knows who he is and is trying to get over heartbreak. When the penny drops for her (still in her reality), the question becomes, can she get get back to the house in time to warn him in time, so that they can have their 'second' (first go around - hence the references to the Jane Austen novel, and hence the suspense). See...?! Jeez. If Scott Bakula leaping in time, changing people's fate, in a tight-ass futuristic 'space' suit, with a cigar smoking hologram as his only friend, can do what he did for I dont know how many years, Bullock and Reeves certainly can do what they did. Dont think too hard about it, its entertaining romatinc Sci-Fi people, dont sweat it.

Cha man.

On the future of African Football

OK, so I have become obsessed with the state of African Football, I am allowed, arent I?! Here is an interesting piece by Marcel Desailly, who was born in Ghana and played for France:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/5096012.stm

Two days and counting...




(courtesy of BBC)

What we need to win

These are our options, if the St Louis Dispatch has it right:

1. Ghana would advance with a win
2. Ghana could possibly win with a tie, if the Czechs beat Italy by a few goals.

We have no choice but to win this match. Landon Donovan of team USA says this:
'I have no doubt we can beat Ghana. We need to have the same effort, same commitment and we can beat them. We need to get four points and we'll see where it puts us. Maybe we don't get the luck we need, maybe we do."

Indeed. Its all to play for and I sincerely hope the Black Stars kick some ass. I am getting increasingly nervous about this...!

Commentators on the World Cup

OK, so, the goal that the US 'scored', was actually an own goal by Italy, right?


The commentators on ESPN are hilarious. they are breaking down what the US needs to do in order to get through to the next round. Good on them. Yes, the US needs to beat Ghana, and I think Italy needs to lose to the Czech republic, if memory serves me right. Forgive me, but dont the US need to score a goal first?! I dont mean to be bratty, but let me enjoy my little 'Black Stars' enduced high. That said, I wont take anything for granted, Thursdays match is still very important and the US players will give it their all - and two of our key players will be sitting this match out, so still, I am sure there will be plenty of drama...

Anyhoo - its all about Brazil today. Brazil vs Australia today - hey anything can happen, but I dont think we will get any surprises in this match.

In the meantime, here is an interesting comment from Cameron Duodu in the guardian about racist commentary on the part of British footie commentators (obviously written efore the second match)... well, racist British commentary isnt unique, the Americans use their fair share of 'vibrant', 'strong', 'powerful', undisciplined', in their footie commentary when there is an African / South American / Caribbean team in the mix ('The Brazilian's play the game like children play the game, with so much joy and passion... or my personal favourite: 'it's like they are all doing the Samba, just not at the same time...'): http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/cameron_duodu/2006/06/all_quiet_on_the_ghana_world_c.html

That said, its not all negative, this piece was quite nice: http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/internationals/article1090218.ece

I think I might start a daily list of classic 'colonial' comments. Feel free to add to the list. You see my first two suggestions.

Ghana beats the Czech Republic - Now, THAT is what I am talking about!!

Yes, after a frustrating loss to Italy, the boys come back to make us happy! And of course, its just my luck, I dont get to see the match, no, because I am busy trying to sell a car and prepare for my working day... Kinda topped off a crappy week to be honest, but I am not going to get miserable about it, the fact is, the Black Stars' win made my week. yes it did. I even wore my football jersey during the day in honour of the match and subsequent win. But it took two people close to me, neither of whom are Ghanaian to tell me what was going down. Yes, I got word of Ghana's first goal via text. And when it got too much for me, I resorted to calling my parents home, where I was taunted by my auntie, who happened to be screaming at the TV while Ghana threatened to score a third goal.

Oh, its happy days here - and the other great thing is that the honourary Ghanaian family (which consists of British-born Pakistanis living in Brazil, Irish natives based in NYC and Iranians, who have adopted Ghana, following their loss earlier in the day - sorry, but you know...) is representing too. And let me take the opportunity to say how fine the team is looking. Yes indeed...

Its just wonderful... I hear that there were parties in Ghana - and I am sure the UK contingent represented well. But shame on this dude for getting caught during the festivities. Men are men wherever you go... But still, whatever. (photos courtesy of www.ghanafa.com). Nevertheless, onward and upward - until Thursday, where Ghana faces the U.S of A.

Black Stars v Italy - whats up with that second goal??!!

A friend commented to me how the World Cup brings out the craziest kinds of nationalism in people, and I had my moment this evening - with an Italian fan, no less! I happened to be wearing my Ghana team top today, in support of the Black Stars -- and passed the said Italian gentleman on the street. Picture it: two people, wearing football jersey's in USA - the nation that doesn't even know what 'soccer' is... We had a moment of recognition. It was like we were kindred spirits, I could see that he wanted to say, 'Sister, you are watching the World Cup too?!!!' And I wanted to answer, 'Yes! Yes, my brother, I do!!'. Then everything slowed down. I realised he was wearing an Italy top. He registered that I was wearing a Ghana top. There was a moment of confusion, and well... put it this way, we could have been two people who had bumped into each other in the street, a week after a nasty breakup.

But, let's talk about these Black Stars. This is what the Ghana Captian, Stephen Appiah said about his team after their 2-0 loss: '...We have to learn from our mistakes and not repeat them against the Czech Republic..."

What happened boys? Ghana wasnt outclassed by Italy, first things first, no matter what the press says. The team actually stood its ground. Although, they need to start actually SCORING some of those goals they try for. Essien, was wicked, definitely one of the standout players - he showed me why they paid him the big bucks, but boy, that second Italian goal was PAINFUL man. What was going on??!

What can I say, I am into my football - so much so that I shocked a new friend who watched the Ghana match with me today. He didnt realise I had it in me, what can I say... I even had to call my dad in the UK to vent. I still hurt. That second goal didnt have to happen man... That said, I was watching hisory! The first time Ghana was in the World Cup - and they were my team!!

Ugh, lets just hope that the Black Stars' next match isnt a replay of today. I dont think I could handle it. I do the math correctly, if Ghana draws with the Czech Republic and beat the USA (3-0 to the CR, is all I can say...) Ghana could still get through on goal difference. But realistically, Ghana needs to BEAT both teams. Just that simple.

And as much as I love the Black Stars, some of the team needs to work on their acting skills, that dive was hilarious... good try though...

Ghanaians - where you at?!!!

Yeah, that is the closest spelling I have to it, especially using western character, you know, I cant find the 'oh'... WHERE ARE YOU??!! My world cup experience starts TODAY, Ghana v Italy (yeah, I have had an eye on England too, but Ghana is my team, really, for a variety of reasons, which I wont go into today...) I live in NYC, so I feel like a minority anyway, as very few people really understand the significance of the World Cup, so I am dying here! I live pretty close to a large Ghanaian community, but the fact is, Ghanaians - West African's dont usually go out to bars to eat and drink - so I DUNNO where I can watch the match with other Ghanaians - short of travelling all the way to the BRONX! I cant be doing that. I love my fam, but that is a long-ass way to travel... So, I am copping out, and watching the match, with some friends at a West African bar in Brooklyn. Yes Brooklyn. We all decided that we couldnt go to a bar filled with Italians. That would have been bad, and as my friend told me, he wasnt sure if he could count on me to to the business if he got in a fight (little does he know hahaha - joking...). So Brooklyn it is. But come on!! WHERE ARE THE GHANAIANS AT?! Lemme know for next time. And Good luck to Ghana today....

Ozwald Boateng coming to a TV Screen near you!

Oh, this made me YELP in public... I was walking along Broadway, when my boyfriend yelled, 'hey! Check out the poster on the bus! Its Ozwald Boateng!' (or something like that). And low and behold, it was the beautiful man himself! I screamed like a teenage girl. Really, I did. Well, it was more like a yelp. I helped because first of all, its always nice seeing the Boateng's face, and second of all, seeing a Ghanaian surname on a bus (and one that is shared by my cousin...), doesn't happen very often, so I was kinda shocked... After three buses adorned with his beautiful face passed, we were able to ascertain that he has a new program, which will be broadcast on The Sundance Channel, called House of Boateng. It starts on June 22 for people in the US, or who have access to the Sundance Channel, and looks like it will make interesting viewing - if not, well, at least we can all get to see his lovely face.

You give me the sweetest taboo...?: Love and Race in ‘Something New’ with Sanaa Lathan and Simon Baker

Something New is a great film! You heard me! That’s right - I said it! The GB LOVED the co called chick flick, which came out on DVD this month. Yes, Blair Underwood and Simon Baker are (mighty) pleasant on the eye, but the films exploration of a taboo subject was really moving (even with its corny parts). The film is perceptive, honest and smart where it counts. And ow many films are there that come from a Black woman’s perspective? Not many. How many of them deal with inter racial relationships honestly, apart from Spike Lee's Jungle Fever? Don’t even try to tell me about ‘Guess Who?’ Starring Ashton Kutcher…

Something New is about an African American business-woman, Kenya McQueen (played by Sanaa Lathan) who is looking for her Ideal Black Man (played by the one and only Blair Underwood). The thing is, she ends up falling fo a (whisper...) White Man (played by Simon Baker).

The issue of inter-racial relationships, especially between a black woman and a white man, is a touchy one for a lot of people. Positive images of black people at work, play or in love are rarely seen in the world’s media. And this, along with the fact that there has never been an honest public discussion on the legacy of racism, slavery or colonialism means that the issue of inter-racial dating is divisive. People who date or marry someone outside of their race are more often than not judged as somehow rejecting themselves, rather than accepting love. But, as Alfre Woodard, who stars in the film points out, black women in mixed relationships are often conflicted and hypersensitive to the judgments of wider society. Its not surprising, then, that some people claim that Something New advocates rejecting the brotha, no matter how perfect he is (the Ideal Black Man), for ‘The White Guy’ who plants flowers for a living.

But that isn’t what the film does – and The GB wouldn’t be raving about the film if it did. The film advocates taking a chance at real happiness and love by opening up, or ‘Letting Go and Letting Flow’, as Kenya and her girls (all rich, attractive, professional women, looking for their Ideal Black Man) say. And letting go isn’t chasing the hot, white dude for the sake of it – for a different flavor. ‘Letting Go and Letting Flow’ is allowing yourself to follow where your heart takes you, no matter how much that might scare you, rather than follow some socially prescribed list to make others happy. Kenya’s friend, Cheryl, who is a judge (played by Wendy R Robinson), ‘Lets go…’ and finds happiness with not an Ideal Professional Man, but with a cook, Walter (played by Mike Epps). Kenya’s heart takes her to a more controversial place – outside of her race.

Something New intelligently explores the difficulties and responsibilities that come with being in an inter-racial relationship. From learning to accept that that the person you love doesn’t LOOK like the KIND of person you had in mind, to dealing with the times when you just don’t get each others cultural code or historical perspective. Brian has no idea about the Black Tax; black people working twice as hard to prove themselves, and the couple clash after Brian says he needs a ‘night off’ from talking about race, just when Kenya, who was smarting from ill treatment at the hand of an ignorant client, needs a shoulder to cry on. Kenya voices her frustration at his attitude, by pointing out that when you are black, you cant get a night off from talking about race, because you are always having to protect yourself from members of the old (white) boys club have a problem with your skin color.

In the end, the film’s message is - because of our inability to talk about race in an honest way - brave. And the message is this: Follow you heart. It may be scary, it may get ugly at times, but if you know that is where happiness lies, even if that path wasn’t in your plan, take it. And be brave enough to not worry about what others say. Life will always get in your way and mess your isht up.

What has also moved me is the response to the film. Despite the relative lack of publicity, the film did OK at the box office; it was in the top ten in its first week and made around $11 million. But this pales in light of the qualitative impact the film has had. It has given many black women license to speak out about their experiences in the dating world – and Something New has also told their side of the dating story. As one woman wrote:

‘I saw this movie twice because I saw so much of the main character in myself. It was eerie…being an African-American woman who has never dated a white man before, I can appreciate the film's focus… People just don't understand the hell a sistah will get if she dates and marries a white man--hell from her parents, from her friends/community, from his parents and family, not to mention, society in general.’

Something New has clearly struck a real chord, it would be a real shame if the rest of America continued to ignored the voices…

And read this interesting review, by Chris Utley (courtesy of 3BlackChicks Review)

Dont Panic!

We were gone for a few weeks, and then you couldn'd find us - we just took a short hiaitus, while some behind the scenes changes were made - and some visits to best friends living in Brazil were made, and some visits from close friends and family were made... you know that kind of thing.

But we are back, and there is plenty we want to talk about. Starting off with Brazil. One of the best places GB has been to. Ever. But that is a separate blog post. And we want to talk about WHY it is that people always take you for granted if you have a little more patience than others, huh?! And we will talk about the immigration madness in the US. First off, as a wise man once told me;The first question in this whole discussion on immigration needs to be, 'what tribe are you from?' If you cant answer that question, then you need to stop right there. Its bad enough that the debate on the TV has narrowed from a shouting match between Latinos, (who have been stereotyped as 'job stealing Mexicans' - seriously, its been very disturbing to watch), right wing men, to powerful republican men. Everyone else has been left out of the public discussion - and Americans who are NATIVE to this land have not even been invited to the table!

A highly emotional time for all involved. But look, lets not get started just yet. GB will return with more ranting and observations soon. Stay posted.

Manliness - what doesnt kill you will make you stronger!

I really wondered if I should give Professor Harvey Mansfield anymore airtime by talking about him on The GlobalBlend. I realise that The GB doesnt have the same readership as, say, your local paper (LOL), but I found the latest thesis by Professor Mansfield in his latest book 'Manliness' so offensive that I wanted to ignore it, on principle. But then I watched a 'debate' produced by ABC featuring Mansfield and Naomi Wolf, author of The Beauty Myth.

That 10 minute piece, my friends, changed my mind. Knowledge is power, people and I want you to hear what 'the other side' has to say about gender rights in America. Mansfield was too much. I actually found him to be HILARIOUS! I sat at my computer SLACK JAWED as he waffled on about what 'Manliness' allegedly is. Click here to listen to the full thing.

Can someone tell me what planet Mansfield is on? He cant have left his house for at least 50 years - I actually think that his interview was conducted in his home, seriously. Mansfield says that women don't like taking risks - and taking risks is a 'manly' thing to do. I know women who take risks every day in their personal and professional lives! My mother (a very 'womanly' woman) took a risk by moving to a foreign country - just like my dad (a very 'manly' man). In history there have been women who have risked their lives in the pursuit of justice. The Pankhurst's, Yaa Asantewaa, probably your mother, grandmother... and um, what DIDNT Cindy Sheehan, the anti-war activist risk when she spoke out against the war that took her sons life...?! The government knows who she is and she is probably on all sorts of 'National Security' lists! Oh, he's got me started. Let me just say this - HOOORAY for Naomi Wolf correcting the record on behalf of all right thinking people...

Anyway, listen to the interview if you have 10 minutes and are in a reasonably good mood. Here are my personal favourites. Mansfield on women and cursing:

'Women are not as convincing when they try to be as vulgar as men. They just come off as women trying to imitate men. Today women are trying to imitate men, but men aren't trying to imitate women.

OK, so we don't spend half of our day scratching our balls (I could be a little cruder if you like...), but I know plenty of women who could out curse a man - if they chose to, without breaking into a sweat (myself included).

Mansfield on women and politics:

'Politics is a field of competition and women are less interested in competition, just as they're less interested in sports. And indeed, I think their interest in sports goes together with their interest in men, more than in sports or in politics directly.'

Humph. Women don't like sports? Um, tell that to Mia Hamm, Denise Lewis, the Williams sisters or any other female athlete - or sports fan. And we don't like politics?! Again, I don't even know where to begin with this. Some of the most intense political wonks I know are WOMEN!

And note, as you listen, who his 'manly' heroes are. Of course the token woman Maggie Thatcher gets a shout out - as does Hillary Clinton - after some coaxing. But apparently the RICHEST MAN in the world, Bill Gates isn't 'manly' (what, Bill Gates got that rich by locking himself in a padded room?!) and Leonardo Di Caprio is too pretty to even be considered - according to Mansfield. And Mansfield didn't want to comment on George Clooney's 'manliness' - maybe George is just too much man for him...

Mansfield reminded me of a man that I had to interview for a TV report I did on sexism in the 90s. The man in question was fighting for men's rights, and I had to ask him why he felt the way he did! Our situation certainly made for an interesting interview. I was a young black girl who wanted access to all the things that he as a older white man had (yes, race mattered in this instance, least of all because his experience with black people was not extensive). He didn't like that - I was told that I did well to get as much time with him as I did. There were parts of his argument echoed Mansfield's thesis, in that he believed that women wanted to take men's power by being like them. I thought those views were dangerous and archaic in 1994 - and I cant believe that those in power are REWARDING the likes of Mansfield in 2006!

Riots in Pareeee

Speaking of madness.. (in an east London accent) what about this malarkey in France, eh?! is it any surprise to anyone that young French people are protesting the French governments Contrat de première embauche (CPE - or in English, 'First Job Contract') workplace reform? Crowd estimations range from 1.3 to 1.4 million, with up to 400,000 of them in Paris. The Interior Ministry counted 503,000 nationwide, with 80,000 in Paris.

According to reports '...this legislation will allow employers to fire workers under the age of 26 without cause during their first two years of employment. The government has argued that the reform is necessary to reduce France’s youth unemployment rate of 23 percent...'

Clearly young French people do not feel that their government cares about them. Read what the wires reported earlier todayis what the wires reported earlier today:

In the western city of Rennes, students wore plastic garbage bags with signs declaring: "I am disposable."

"I risk working for two years for nothing, just to be fired at any moment," said Paris student Coralie Huvet, 20, who had "No to the CPE" written on her forehead. Pointing to painted-on tears, she added: "That‘s depressing, that‘s why I‘m crying."

Organizers, who decry the CPE as a "Kleenex contract" that lets young workers be "thrown away like a paper tissue," said they hoped to have up to 1.5 million people out marching in the third national protest in six weeks...'

And, it would seem that people are still smarting from the protests in Paris, which exposed to the rest of the world the extent of France's racial divide. The World Socialist Web Site says :

A number of protestors referred to the government’s provocative and authoritarian response to last year’s youth disturbances in the suburbs of Paris. “Who’s the scum?” one banner carried in Le Havre read. “Who are the hooligans? Out, out, with this government.” Students from every strata of French society were represented at the demonstrations, including immigrant and black youth from the suburbs of Paris affected by last year’s riots. The participation of these young people in the anti-CPE movement refuted the Villepin government’s claim that its workplace reforms are designed to assist unemployed youth in impoverished areas.

Apparently there has been some violence too, I wonder if this will get labelled a 'riot' by any of the press... and I wonder what the political implications for the nations politicians will be?

Alabama: The Rosa Parks Act

I've just had another 'what century are we living in again??' moment. Check this out from the LA Times today. Wasnt it Martin Luther King who said 'justice too long delayed is justice denied...?! That said, acknowledgement does make a statement, so maybe I should not be too harsh...

'Civil rights activists and others convicted under laws that enforced racial discrimination would be eligible for a pardon from the state of Alabama under a bill working its way through the Legislature, the bill's sponsor said Friday (March 17).

Rep. Thad McClammy said that his proposed "Rosa Parks Act" would serve the symbolic purpose of bestowing posthumous pardons on activists like Parks, whose 1955 arrest sparked the 381-day Montgomery bus boycott.

But McClammy, a Democrat, said the pardons also could help living veterans of the segregated South, who still may have trouble explaining away their arrests when applying for jobs or loans.

"If they do a background check, they say: 'Oh my … this person was arrested five times,' " McClammy said. "It follows you. What we're saying is, not only should individuals be pardoned, but the record should be expunged. These were illegal laws."

Read the rest here... http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-na-pardon18mar18,1,3742792.story?coll=la-news-a_section

Out of this world: Me, Walter Mosley and Montana

No, they are not related. These are just two more things I wanted to mention...

Walter Mosley, thinks I'm a'ight (at least I think). He came on our show last sunday to talk about his new meditation on the African American community, called 'Life Out of Context. You can read a piece based on the book here. He was very nice to me (and complimentary - yes I am easily pleased you know - even if my boyfriend would argue to the contrary..). Anyway, back to this 'Life Out of Context' book. Its a short read and enjoyable read and I recommend anyone who is looking for ways to create a more representative democracy - wherever they live - to read it. In the book, Mosley suggests that one way for African Americans to get what they need from the American political system is to start their own party - A Black Party. And in doing so, all Americans could begin a people's revolution, with smaller political groups, based on specific interests, representing EVERYONE's civic and political needs. Needless to say, I have become a little obsessed with Mosley's writing and am reading one of his Sci Fi boos, Futureland. Lovin' it.

Meanwhile, this week, I discovered that Montana - yes Montana, probably has one of THE most progressive State constitutions in the US! I realise this is totally geeky, but I cant help myself. Now, dont get me wrong, there are some things in it, that I cant be dealing with, but you know, we cant get it right every time... I mean, check out what the consitution (which was re written in 1972) says about maintaining the heritage and self determination of the American Indian community: 'The state recognizes the distinct and unique cultural heritage of American Indians and is committed in its educational goals to the preservation of their cultural integrity' That is NOT to say that its all sweet there. As Pat Williams, a Montana Legislator points out, American's still know little about the Indian community. In fact, its only since the newley elected Democratic governor took office in 2004, that things seem to be moving forward. I talked with Anna Whiting-Sorrell, the policy advisor for Governor Brian Schweitzer last week. And she said, that this administration is moving to develop the curriculum so that ALL of Montanas history (yes, including the history of the Indian community) will be taught in their schools.

And she assured me that it was happening! Maybe a few other states (or countries) could take a leaf out of their book...