Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Face of Africa - Yes, Youth Can
Face of Africa - Yes, Youth Can
VOL. 6 EDITION 1
FALL 2010
INSIDE
From the Editor 2
SHAKEPoverty 4
African Century 6
Technology 7
DREAM Act 8
Obama in Ghana 12
Youth Voice 14
A Bold Vision 15
Youth Forum 15
Learning Abroad 17
Ubuntu 18
Tehn Diamond 20
Fashion Forward 21
Get to know
Your E-board
Page 2 FACE OF AFRICA
Eunice Ochuonyo
President
Afua Donkor
Vice-President
Lauretta Oseni
Secretary
Adwoa Adu
Treasurer
Tolu Odunsi
Historian
Mamadou Sanogo
Public Relations
David Almonte
Activities Coordinator
Tomide Familusi
Senior Advisor
Ketiwe Boahene
Senior Advisor
Questions, Comments?
Email us at: African.Student.Organization@gmail.com
VOL. 6 EDITION 1 Page 3
It is my distinct pleasure to present you this edition of the African Student Organization‘s
newsletter. Face of Africa serves as a forum for discussing critical issues that affect Africans and
members of the African Diaspora.
The theme for this edition is ―Yes, Youth Can‖ a phrase based on President Obama‘s well-
known campaign tagline. It captures a similar sentiment of hope and optimism experienced by
Obama‘s own youth-driven election. Indeed, youth are the future, but for Africa the future is now
as youth comprise a huge chunk of the population. It is crucial that African nations maximize the
potential of their youth.
The authors of the articles you will be reading exemplify the theme ―Yes, Youth Can‖.
These writers are all young people making a difference using their words, ideas, and actions. You
will learn about SHAKEPOVERTY, a nonprofit aiming to end poverty, be inspired to DREAM
and take part in the ―African Century‖, learn about the debilitating effects of ―brain drain‖ and get
an insider perspective on what it was like to be on the ―F1‖ team of South African students that
visited Binghamton earlier in the semester. You will also learn about young people making waves
in technology, entertainment, and fashion.
This newsletter is the product of weeks of work on the part of the writers, my fellow e-
board members, as well as myself. I hope you enjoy reading these articles as much as I did. You
will certainly be inspired to make a difference after reading this issue.
Farooq set out to inspire his campus sustainable economies. This opens
to bringing about the end of poverty numerous doors because the world is
by setting a goal to meet each of the now 100% economically efficient.
1850 students at Ohio Wesleyan New discoveries can be made in all
University (OWU), shake their the sciences, new cultures can be
hands, take a picture of every hand- explored and international trade is
shake and construct a mosaic mural improved. Aren‘t these ends worth
with the pictures. This goal was striving for knowing that the situa-
achieved, with over $10,000 raised. tion only gets worse if nothing is
SHAKEPOVERTY is now working done?
to lift its first village out of extreme
poverty. A 20-foot mosaic currently In conclusion, let us become
hangs on the wall of OWU‘s library more active in bringing an end to
displaying the possibilities of what extreme poverty. If you already
can be achieved when our genera- stand against poverty, start walking
tion is united, inspired and empow- against it. Going back to the spilt
ered to make a difference. As project milk analogy, we can only keep ig-
manager at SHAKEPOVERTY, my noring the spill for so long because,
role is to equip student ambassadors eventually, it affects us directly as the
with the tools they need to unite rottenness spreads and affects our
their campus. productivity. Let us unite to support
tions headquarters in New York to the Millennium Development Goals;
adopt the United Nations Millen- Imagine a World without Poverty! walk with SHAKEPOVERTY to end
nium Declaration, committing their extreme poverty in our generation
For a quick second, imagine now. I call on you and the rest of our
nations to a new global partnership
a world where the issue of extreme generation now because if not us,
to reduce extreme poverty and set- poverty remains stagnant and is not
ting out a series of time-bound tar- who? And if not now, when?
alleviated or resolved. Our global
gets — with a deadline of 2015 – that economic efficiency rate remains the
have become known as the Millen- same at 83% or gets worse over time
nium Development Goals (MDG). A Ladi is a BU Grad Student and is a
because at least 1 out of every 6 peo-
lot of poverty focused nonprofit or- ple will be impoverished. Trade is manager of Projects and Operations
ganizations today are in support of for the SHAKEPOVERTY Founda-
affected because people cannot af-
these MDGs however amongst the ford to pay for expensive goods and tion. Learn more about this organi-
lot, none understands nor empha- services; new discoveries in the sci- zation at:
size on the power of our generation
ences and technology are hindered www.SHAKEPOVERTY.org
as the SHAKEPOVERTY Founda- and so on. Nothing positive comes
tion does.
from doing nothing about the issue.
SHAKEPOVERTY is a
grassroots movement initiated by a
young entrepreneur by the name of
Farooq Busari. Inspired by Jeffery
Imagine the other scenario – the one
I prefer – where extreme poverty
does not exist. A world where all the
impoverished of Africa, Asia and
Sachs‘s book The End of Poverty, other nations are now self-
Page 6 FACE OF AFRICA
Kate Nkansa force that can help turn the 21st cen- across the continent , without the
tury into an ―African Century‖. It is debilitating effects of economic de-
Thabo Mbeki, the former President our responsibility as terrents such as cur-
of South Africa recently launched African youth at aca- rency fluctua-
the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, which demic institutions to tions, Africans around
aims to make the 21st Century an find ways to raise Af- the world need to come
―African Century‖. For those who rica to dignity and together to collabora-
keep abreast with the African cur- prosperity. Young Afri- tively provide an hospi-
rent affairs you are aware of the cans in universities are table trade climate for
enormous sacrifice and hard work at an advantage be- the 'New' Africa. The
that is required to achieve this cause they have access Diaspora Bank will help
goal. Upon reading the vision for to resources, under- fund innovative busi-
The Thabo Mbeki foundation I stand how to use new ness ventures that are
asked myself how ordinary Africans, technology, and know necessary to achieve
particularly the youth, can help the importance of so- this goal. The Bank will
make the 21st Century an ―African cial media to influence be central in re-
Century‖. change. We still have branding the New Af-
idealistic worldviews rica as what Bentley
uncompromised by calls the ‗Continent of
As African youth, it is not easy to
pessimism and have Hope‘.
influence our community, country or the energy and time to
continent because of economic, en-
contribute to worthwhile initiatives. The purpose of the social movement
vironmental, cultural, and political A combination of all these qualities
barriers. I often hear young Africans is four-fold: to raise Africa to dignity
could result in a veritable African and prosperity, challenge out of date
say that it is easier to participate in revolution.
activities such as excessive partying, societal norms on our continent, in-
drinking, and drug use that distract fluence social trends, and empower
I have been investing my time and African youth and women by provid-
and rob them of valuable time than energy in a new initiative called ―The
contribute to positive initiatives to ing access to resources for economic
Watu Afrika Project‖. When I con- and social development (through the
help turn the 21st Century to an
sider the potential impact this pro- Diaspora Bank and Innovation Hub).
―African Century‖. You may think
ject could have, it makes me excited We aim to use social networks as a
that as an individual you cannot and optimistic about Africa‘s future.
possibly make a difference. My chal- platform to start our social move-
The approach the project is adopting ment, create awareness, and awaken
lenge to you is to think differently. is innovative, creative, and collabo-
Consider these statistics about our the social conscience of Africa‘s
rative. It will resonate in your hearts youth. We will achieve these goals
population dynamics. Africa has a and minds and motivate you to act.
unique population profile called the through forming collaborative net-
demographic dividend (for further works and partnerships with existing
reading on the subject you can There are three pillars to The Watu youth forums and organizations and
search online for The Demographic Afrika Project: The Diaspora Bank embarking on social and business
Dividend). According to its statistics, or Innovation Hub, Social Move- development projects. Our initial
Forty-four percent of Africa‘s popu- ment, and a database to map all the focus will be students studying in
lation was under 15 in 2006. Sixty- resources on our continent. academic institutions on our conti-
five percent of Africa‘s population is nent.
under 65 years old. Ian Bentley, the creator of the con-
cept of the Diaspora Bank, says the The database to map Africa‘s re-
purpose of the Bank is to ―kindle the sources will be a repository of all
So what does this all mean? The resources and information for poten-
youth of Africa make up the majority innovative spirit and unleash the
suppressed creative energy required tial investors and entrepreneurs in
of our continent. Individually we Africa. This will include detailed in-
may not be able to influence our to launch the 'New' Africa‖. In order
to encourage entrepreneurship formation about the availability of
societies, but collectively we are a land, labor, political climate in the
VOL. 6 EDITION 1 Page 7
country, population statistics, Abosede Ogunbiyi family house so he can sell and fix
health, laws of the country, infra- phones, computers, radios, car en-
structure, and any valuable statistic When my phone rings and I look at gines, and other devices. During my
about our continent that will assist the caller ID and see a Nigerian
in making valuable economic and last visit to Nigeria in 2008 people
number, I cannot be sure who will be were in and out of his shop.
social decisions. Watu Afrika is look-
ing to collaborate with academic on the other end. It could be an aunt
institutions to assist in maintaining or uncle, a friend, a friend of a These small business owners, includ-
the database and ensure that the friend, or a cousin. I pick up and I ing my uncle, do not make these cells
information is accurate and cur- often hear the same thing: ―this is phones, but they know so much
rent. One of the major obstacles to
my number, call me‖ and a dial tone. about how it works that they can fix
economic development in Africa is
attracting investors to invest in our They‘ve hung up! We Africans call it whatever is wrong with it. When our
continent. Many attribute this to the ―flashing.‖ Every time I receive a phones break, most of us, and in-
lack of information necessary to ―flash‖, I am amazed at how the cluding me, either contact technical
make sound investment decisions. times have changed. Just a few years support, exchange it for another one
For many potential investors Africa
ago, owning a land phone was con- because we have insurance on it, or
remains the ―Dark Conti-
nent‖. Through this Database, we sidered a big thing, owning a cell we just throw it away and get a new
aim to address this problem of avail- phone is an even bigger luxury. Now one, because we have the money to
ability of vital informa- even my ten year old cousins own do so. We don‘t attempt to sit down,
tion. one. And when they have credit take it apart, examine it, and see
(prepaid minutes) they ―flash.‖ what the problem is. We barely know
This is an invitation to the youth of
our continent and academic institu- what the inside looks like!
The rate of ownership of mobile
tions to join us in our efforts to cre-
ate a true African renaissance. In phones has increased greatly world- The use of technology by African
closing I leave with you this quote by wide. If anyone thinks that African youths is not limited profit-making
the anthropologist Margaret Meade: countries are technologically back- but also to connect to others beyond
―Never doubt that a small group of ward they are totally wrong! Believe their borders, to stay updated on po-
thoughtful, committed citizens can
change the world. Indeed, it is the it or not, many Africans, particularly litical issues and to state their opin-
only thing that ever has.‖ Contribute the youths, know more about mod- ions on different matters. With ac-
your talents, ideas, creativity, and ern technology than most of us give cess to internet, they also have Face-
energy to ushering in an African them credit for. They use phones, book and Twitter accounts, blogs and
Century. We need your drive and computers, mp3 players, television, various websites for discussion which
enthusiasm to propel this project to
extraordinary heights that will bene- and so much more. Many even go as they have created themselves for
fit all Africans. far as to make businesses out of it these purposes. They use technology
ranging from selling phones, credits, as a way to express themselves. So
Kate is a Ghanaian-born, South accessories, or fixing them. They don‘t be under any illusions that Af-
African-raised social entrepreneur need not have a physical location to ricans do not know about the latest
teaching English in South Korea. conduct their businesses either; they Apple product, Microsoft‘s newest
She will be returning to Ghana soon can set up shop in front of their software, and Google‘s latest offer-
to focus on development and Youth homes, a spot in the market, or a ings. African youths take what is
Empowerment. She is a regular table set up beside the major high- available to them, as limited and as
blogger on feintandmargin.com . ways to cater to travelers. When he expensive it may be, and utilize it to
Learn more about Watu Afrika at could not find a job, one of my un- the maximum benefit.
sites.google.com/sites/WatuAfrika cles opened a small shop beside our
Page 8 FACE OF AFRICA
Nouha Saeed other foreign countries affected by youth that with good ―moral charac-
the restraints of this land because for ter‖ that have immigrated to the
―The American Dream.‖ It is many immigrant youths the Dream Unites States under the age of six-
a simple phrase consisting of three Act is their only hope. It is therefore teen , stayed in the country for at
words, yet it is one that holds so important to explore what we can do least five consecutive years and have
much power. It represents hope, to support this crucial legislation. or will graduate from an American
success, prosperity, and the promise Are we as African youth as involved high school. The eligible teen must
of a better life. For certain young as we should be in this movement? If then apply for the act and must en-
immigrants, it is something they not, what should we be doing to be a roll in an institution in pursuit of a
aspire to, but cannot reach because part of this movement? bachelor‘s degree or enter the mili-
of this nation‘s current policies to- tary if desired. The act will give eligi-
wards them. The Dream Act is a bi- America is known to be the ble applicants six years of permanent
partisan bill written by two U.S. land of the free, yet there are so residence and allow them to apply
Senators that can potentially reverse many restrictions on allowing hard for citizenship at the five and a half
the issue of undocumented students working individuals from foreign year mark.
and their inability to continue higher countries to live the lives that citi-
education after high school. It is still zens are entitled to. Senator Orrin G. The process is meant to en-
uncertain when the Act will pass, or Hatch of Utah and Senator Richard sure that young immigrants can have
whether it will pass at all. As young Durbin of Illinois are the pioneer the opportunity to get an education
members of society, it is our respon- politicians that took notice to the despite their status. It is an opportu-
sibility to support this effort for the injustices faced by many young im- nity of a lifetime for many that can-
sake of many teens from Africa and migrants. The act is targeted towards not reach citizenship without this
legislation. The Dream Act also is a
boon for the United States as well as
the young immigrants given a new
chance. Young students benefiting
from the Act will eventually obtain
careers from a wide variety of fields
and become our future doctors, po-
licemen, lawyers and possibly even
politicians. Although it is good to
know that there are politicians back-
ing up the Dream Act, it is not
enough. There must be a force pres-
suring the legislator‘s stance. There
are currently 216 lawmakers for the
act, 104 opposed and 220 on the
fence, and this will certainly change
due to the recent midterm elections.
It will not be easy, but as young peo-
ple we need to help pressure Con-
gress to pass this crucial legislation.
VOL. 6 EDITION 1 Page 9
On the surface some may see illegal tance of what is going on. I inter- and made aware, actions can be
immigrants as criminals who have viewed nine African youth between taken to pressure the people that can
clearly broken a law. This assump- the ages of fifteen to twenty-two. The actually make this all happen. Con-
tion is by no means a reflection of first question I asked was whether tacting Congress is one of the most
reality. The bulk of attention in the they knew about the Dream Act. Six effectives methods we can pressure
illegal immigration debate goes to out of nine interviewees had no idea the legislature to pass this Act. Be-
Mexicans that risk death to cross the what I was talking about, and the lieve it or not, members of Congress
southern border in search of a better three that were familiar with the Act take the calls and letters they receive
life. Is it really a crime to want better couldn‘t answer most of my ques- in the mail very seriously. If those
for yourself and your family? With tions. After interviewing these indi- two options seem like too much you
respect to African immigrants, it is viduals, I realized that one of the can even send an email to your rep-
obviously not a matter of crossing a major problems is that people are resentative or senator.
border to enter the country. One of
the most popular reasons Africans Undocumented should not
and other foreigners who enter the mean unable. Whether or not we
US legally become ―illegal‖ is that personally know an undocumented
they overstay the time allotted on “Why not give them a immigrant it is still our duty as
Americans to uphold the justice this
their visas. Sometimes they do not
have enough money to return home
chance to become country claims to uphold. As young
or their new lives are simply better. productive members of Africans living in America, we have
all had lectures from our parents
Who has the right to tell them they
should give up a better life for the society rather than cast about the importance of education
sake of an unjust law? Many chil- and reaching success and as Bing-
dren born to undocumented immi- them out senselessly?” hamton University students we have
grants live in the US for years, learn the opportunity to get an education
its customs, and adopt its culture. and succeed. So let us try to come
Some may not even speak the lan- together and bring awareness about
guage of their parents, so to send not being informed. It is hard to get those may not have opportunities we
them back might be akin to banish- support when potential supporters have. As cliché as this may sound, we
ing them to a strange land. Why not are not aware of the issues. There are the future, and a mind is a terri-
give them a chance to become pro- have been occasions of protesting ble thing to waste—especially when
ductive members of society rather over the past year or so, however, I there is something that can be done
than cast them out senselessly? believe persistence is the best strat- to prevent it.
egy. If protests and rallies occurred a
Some may wonder how lot more often in well known cities
someone who is not a politician can and areas, media coverage would be
influence whether the Act passes or a bit more wide resulting in aware-
not. After all, many of the individu- ness. Even if the media coverage
als are young and feel their voices isn‘t widespread, the audience and
might not be heard. With that out- bystanders would be better informed
look, however, nothing can ever be about this great opportunity. Once
accomplished. We must come to- the targeted audience are informed
gether and emphasize the impor-
Page 10 FACE OF AFRICA
Mildred Ngminebayihi
ing to create wealth if its leaders He went on to talk about AIDS and pleaded with African leaders to end
exploit the economy to enrich them- other illnesses that continue to war. At the end of the day, it is left to
selves or if police can be bought off plague the continent. He applauded the people of Africa to realize that
by drug traffickers‖. He challenged his predecessor, George Bush for his war will only continue to cripple the
Ghanaian and African leaders to initiative to curtail preventable ill- continent and it is essential that the
practice full democracy and to elimi- nesses such as malaria, polio and to people vote for leaders that will en-
nate corruption, nepotism and eth- provide aid to people who suffer hance peace and democracy and
nocentrism because these are the from these diseases. He announced eliminate religious, political and ra-
vices that continue to cripple the that his administration has set aside cial animosity.
nation‘s development. $63 billion to help promote the cure
and eradication of common diseases At the end of his speech, President
President Obama encouraged Gha- in Africa. Obama reiterates his initial state-
naians and Africans in general to ment that ―Africa‘s future is up to
increase their exports and to use The efforts that Obama‘s govern- Africans.‖ He said that all hope is not
more locally made products. He ment is putting in place for the re- lost for the continent because just as
promised that his government would duction of AIDS and other illnesses African Americans strived for suc-
do everything in their power to open are not likely to succeed without the cess in the United States, so can the
and expand fair trade between Af- help of African governments. Money people of Africa. To the youth he
rica and the United States because alone will not resolve systemic barri- said, ―Ghana, freedom is your inheri-
the development of his country is ers to implementing healthcare pro- tance. Now, it is your responsibility
directly tied in to that of Ghana. I grams to reduce these maladies. to build upon freedom's foundation.‖
agree with this advice He urged them to take initiative and
because most Afri- Obama acknowl- help improve their country because
cans obsess over for- edged efforts by the the future lies in their hands. Presi-
eign goods and usu- Economic Commu- dent Obama advised Africans to con-
ally think that any- “The key word in nity of West Afri- tinuously strive for peace and de-
thing that is made can States mocracy and he ended his speech
oversees is automati- trade is fairness” (ECOWAS) and the with his trademark phrase ―Yes We
cally better than lo- African Union (AU) Can.‖
cally made products. to reduce war and
They tend to forget maintain peace in While I was proud that Obama gave
that using their own Africa. He also this speech in Ghana, it was clearly a
products will lead to more money for urged Africans to resolve their con- message for all of Africa. It was a
the own country rather than sending flicts amicably and encouraged other wakeup call for Africans and their
it out. The key word in trade is fair- African nations to take part in leaders. Our continent is rich in
ness because African countries are peacemaking efforts because of the natural and human resources and
usually duped when it comes to for- interconnected nature of African has the full potential to become as
successful and as prosperous as any
eign trade and if this matter is not politics. Africa‘s long history of con-
other first world country out there,
easily rectified, we will always find flicts has created a bad reputation
but this will never be achieved if we
ourselves at the short end of the for the continent all around the
do not build strong foundations such
stick of economic growth. world and this is certainly not the
as democracy, peace and unity .
first time that foreign leaders have
Page 14 FACE OF AFRICA
Anita Matey strange. We are brought up in a soci- ers and try to come to a resolution.
ety where our responsibilities as Another issue in the African educa-
Kofi Annan, a Ghanaian youth are to be able to perform tion system is trying to make educa-
diplomat and the seventh secretary housework duties and help out our tion affordable for all students. Many
general of the United Nations once families. Other students I have spo- students do not attend school be-
said that ―Empowered, [youth] can ken with share my viewpoint and cause their parents cannot afford
be key agents for development and agree that they do not have a voice school fees. The education system
peace. If, however, they are left on because of fear. One interviewee within Africa needs to be revamped
society‘s margins, all of us will be says that young people ―simply si- before youth can have any real im-
impoverished.‖ He believes that lence their own voice because they pact on society.
every young person should be given know the outcome and may not want
the right to ―participate fully in the to waste their opinion on people that
lives of their societies‖. It is well probably won‘t take it seriously.‖
known that the youth make up a Although it is said that African youth
huge amount of the global popula- do not have a voice, with proper
tion. They are the backbone of our education and a change in family
nations and the hope for a change dynamics, the voices of the youth in
among societies across the world Africa would be heard and changes
because the future belongs to them. within the society can be made.
With that being said a question that
comes to mind is ―do African youth In Obama‘s speech to African
have a voice?‖ Or ―can the youth in leaders he said that ―Africa‘s future
Africa find a voice?‖ belongs to its young people‖. To en-
sure that Africa‘s young people are
In African Families in a able to raise Africa up we need to
Global Context, Goran Therborn reform the education system. Dr.
discusses obedience and dependence Kelvin Urama, the executive director
among African youth. He notes that for African Technology stated in an
the African concept of deference to interview that the ―education system
one‘s parents is enshrined in the in Africa is pretty much colo-
African Charter on Human and Peo- nial...and was the type of education
ple‘s right with the expectation that needed at the time in order to ser-
one must ―respect his parents at all vice industries.‖ Clearly, post-
times.‖ As someone who was raised colonial Africa needs to adapt to the
a Ghanaian home I feel as if this ex- changing times and take a second
pectation limits the say of young look at its school system.
people. In African culture, children
are raised to respect elders and au- In recent news, many school
thority, and not to stray from their teachers in Ghana have been on a
parent‘s rules. We have been strike since September because they
brought up within a culture where want higher pay and benefits. This
voicing our opinions seems to be strike has affected about 360,000
forbidden. Expressing a viewpoint or students nationwide. Government
idea against an issue is considered officials need to listen to the teach-
VOL. 6 EDITION 1 Page 15
Eunice Ochuonyo understand the vision and then edu- Afua Donkor
cate others about the vision. Sec-
A team of local and interna- ondly, young people should optimize In a room, there stood such
tional experts was commissioned to the opportunities that the vision of- great promise, despite adversity, that
work closely with both the public fers by starting business that seek to it served to motivate privileged youth
service and the private sectors in address the goals that have been set. like us.
preparing the vision. After days of Thirdly, young people should use
deliberation, the members found President Obama hosted a
their innovativeness and creativity to
that it was imperative to involve the young African leader‘s forum which
suggest different ways of implement-
Kenyan youth in their endeavors. included 115 young leaders from 46
ing the vision and utilizing re-
Their goal was to make the youth different African countries. The fo-
sources. Lastly, young people should rum was just one part of the two-day
factor count and to create an agenda uphold all the Kenyan ideals high-
with an initiative that will empower event for the young leaders. The rep-
lighted in the constitution such as
and employ Kenyan youths from resentatives were chosen by their
gender equality, national values,
today into 2030. This initiative came local US embassies for their innova-
public participation in governance,
to be called Kenya Vision 2030. tive work and forward visions for
and self-government of Kenyan peo-
their countries. The president
ple.
An overview of the vision stressed that the US wants to support
highlights three important areas: Kenya Vision 2030 is a way these African youth in order to build
economic, social, and political. The to accelerate the transition of the a strong relationship between the
vision further explores shortcomings country into a rapidly industrializing two continents.
in these areas and offers suggestions middle-income nation by the year
on how to improve them. The eco- Obama said that Africa is at
2030. The journey to 2030 will re-
nomic goal is to maintain a sus- a ―moment of extraordinary prom-
quire sacrifice, hard work, self-
tained economic growth of 10% per ise.‖ He believes that the Africa of the
discipline and determination. I am
year over the next 25 years with con- next 50 years will be built by the
confident that Kenyans will meet leaders at the forum and those like
centrations in tourism, agriculture, these challenges in order to make
wholesale and retail trade and them. He stressed entrepreneurship,
our country a globally competitive
manufacturing. The social aspect transparency, health care, and em-
and prosperous one where every
concentrates on education training, powering African youth.
person can enjoy a high quality of
the health sector, water and sanita- life. Every Kenyan youth and young One of the support mecha-
tion, and housing and urbanization people around the world should nisms mentioned was education. The
with programs targeting gender commit themselves to the realization president mentioned specifically the
women, youth, and other vulnerable of Kenya Vision 2030 targets. Let us program that allowed his father to
groups. Finally, the political area all continue to work together in or- come to America.
focuses on public administration and der to build a just, equitable, and
service delivery, security, peace prosperous Kenya. In town hall style forum, the
building, and conflict management. president was questioned about cor-
rupt leaders, the ―brain drain,‖ and
There are four ways in offering financial support. He closed
which the youth can involve them-
his speech saying that the US can be
selves in implementing this vision.
support Africa but ―we can‘t do it for
The first is for young people to first
you.‖
Page 16 FACE OF AFRICA
We have just achieved our democ- brings students together to reach out
racy just over one and a half decades to community institutions such as
ago – sixteen years ago to be exact. schools, hospitals, orphanages, and
We are a teenage society that has old-age homes at large with basic
just begun the rough and bitter proc- needs such as food, clothing, toys,
ess of institutionalized racial inte- and employment. They also partici-
gration. As the USA has already pate in many charity awareness
done, we have to trudge through the events such as Cancer4life and HIV/
first quarter to reach the second Aids awareness walks. They are a
quarter. Once there we can look back university organization reaching out
and see the fruits of the heart-ache to the world, making a difference in
we have experienced in the past. many lives. They are situated in
Bloemfontein at the moment, but
Neither country has reached are started to spread to surround-
the third quarter yet – we both have ing towns.
still got a long way to go. After the
third we have the fourth quarter and The F1 Class of 2010 travelled to
perhaps even overtime. It will take the USA to gain exposure to inte-
the hearts of champions to endure grated life in the country and estab-
the hardly fought battle for a peace- lish an effective network of com-
ful, cosmopolitan society that seeks munication with the youth abroad
justice, peace and equality for all such as the Binghamton University
who live in it African Students Organisation, to
engage in issues of race relations,
Youth Making a Difference in and generate fresh ideas to address
South Africa social dilemmas.
be more business focused too in Lauretta Oseni fashion. According to a review, the
5yrs, hopefully developing some debut offering from the label fea-
younger Zim talent and trying to The Nigerian Fashion in- tures great use of color and inter-
make sure my city stays firmly on dustry is exploding with talent and esting fabrication that include
the map. Cuz in five years I plan to each new day brings with it fresh leather, snake skin, damask, and
have made a significant impact on ideas ready to take the industry by batik prints. Their menswear pieces
African hip-hop and Lord-willing on storm. feature colors that seem to be ex-
International Hip-hop clusive of women‘s fashion, but
too. Not just in hip- Adebayo Oke-Lawal, a they‘ve managed to bring formality
hop, but in music in twenty year old Nige- to it with a masculine touch. The
general. I just wanna be rian, is not only a de- women‘s pieces are also fun and
able to look back in five signer but the new crea- young with interesting jackets worn
years and say "Yeah its tive director of the alone as dresses and the high waist
been f*** amazing." So three-month old label skirts with fabric in the shape of
we'll just wait and see. Onyx & Pearl. He and petals sewn onto it.
his three other part-
What kind of audi-
ence does your mu- ners, Oluwaseun Their label ethos, ―more
sic attract? Abiodun Lisk, Dapo than just the clothes,‖ sums up the
Ajayi, and Oyakhire significance of their label. Al-
You know what I'm still Russell are the young- though filled with simple designs,
trying to figure sters that gave birth to Onyx & Pearl is a label that speaks
#TeamSOTG out. So far this new label that is volume and is ready to change per-
my music has attracted generating a lot of buzz ceptions. This label dares a man to
all sorts of folk, and I love it. Lately, in the Nigerian fashion industry. be different - to try new things such
in maybe the past 6 months or so, a as bright colors, gladiators, and
lot more Zimbabweans have found Onyx & Pearl is a unisex label man bags while still radiating mas-
my music and found ways to let me that was birthed from an erstwhile culinity. Onyx and Pearl encour-
know. My first tape attracted a lot of conservative menswear label called ages the Nigerian man to be fashion
university kids, who could easily ‗Lisk‘. Though Lisk quickly earned forward. When it comes to women,
relate to what I was trying to express accolades from the fashion indus- this label understands the sexuality
then. But off this second mixtape, I try its business savvy founder of a woman‘s body and knows that
think the ladies are getting in tune Seun knew that this would not be
with the program too which is dope. obviating it beautifully doesn‘t ne-
enough. He quickly assembled a cessitate nudity.
Plus with the internet being the
team to re-brand Lisk into the sim-
amazing tool that it is these days, a
pler, but edgier and more fashion A challenge for these rising
Tehn Diamond fan can be anyone
forward brand “Onyx & Pearl‖ young designers has been getting
from anywhere in the world. I love
which would be driven by these the quality materials to design with.
that.
four creatively diverse However, Bayo and his three part-
minds. Their first line ―The ners are not giving up anytime
Learn more about Tehn at
Haunting‖ is now one of the most soon. Without a doubt the sky is
www.HashBrownDontFrown.com
talked about lines in the Nigerian the limit for their successs.
Page 22 FACE OF AFRICA
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Before you turn the page lets see how well you know the ASO E-Board...
She loves to knit and crochet especially her own scarves
75% of the songs on her iTunes are gospel/Christian genre
She likes to collect journals with pretty covers
This is __________________________
He is a good artist
He is a fast track runner
He loves pickles
This is __________________________
ANSWER KEY: ABBY, ADWOA, TOLU, EUNICE, AFUA, DAVID, MAMADOU, LAURETTA, MILDRED, DANIEL
ASO held its annual Mwami and Malkia: King and Queen of Africa
pageant on Friday, Nov. 5th. The contestants competed their hearts
out, but in the end there could only be one King and Queen...
Meet E-board
My name is Eunice Ochuonyo. I am a senior majoring in nursing. When I
graduate in May, I hope to pass my NCLEX, find a job in a medical surgical
unit so I can have exposure to various things. After two years, I will attend
graduate school with the hopes of becoming a nurse administrator or re-
searcher. I am currently the President of ASO and I have been involved
with this organization for three years. I was the Public Relations Coordinator
during the 2008/2009 school year, and last year I was the Treasurer. I love
ASO and I hope that you love or will get to love ASO as much as I do.
ASO IN ACTION
FACE OF AFRICA
Thank You
Thank you to everyone who has continued
to support our organization for all these
years: GB members, former e-board mem-
bers, faculty and staff. We also thank all
other cultural orgs for working in tandem
with us to bring more diversity to this
campus. Indeed, unity is key to achieving
this end.