Humanism in Africa was born out of Pan-Africanism movements. Unlike the pioneers of Pan-Africanism who were fighting for the rights and better conditions for Africans of Black decedent in the whole world, Humanism was a movement force to mobilize all Africans to participate in a revolutionary culture of their heritage and identity- and for recognition, they borrowed an ideological title to give it a name.
Many newly independent countries embraced the ideology and it was incorporated in many walks of life; like farming, theatre, military, education and many community services. As a mobilizing vehicle for development of Africa, Humanism flourished and was heavily ideological especially in theatre and education which became an integral part of the masses' culture and life, for everyone was equal.
In theatre the techniques of traditional heritage such as dance, songs, mimes, and the ability to improvise story telling created a sense of pride and unification among the people of different tribes. For example, Zambia used it as a political stage, and the slogan of one zambia one nation was born, and everyone embraced it and worked together to achieve the social order and development of the country.
Driven by the national ideology of Humanism, the theatre in zambia boldly and systematically asserted itself as a main player in the maintenance of the political arena and mass education in the nation. One wonders why such a driving force would become the decadence of society, and be alienated from a political platform and called as a mere theism.
Like most humanist, the African leaders definition of Humanism was based on what Bill Jones a black american Humanist believed. He believed that, black humanism emerges as a part of a debate that is internal to black life and thought; which means black humanists reflect upon their own circumstances when developing their world view of humanism. This is true, but it was abused as soon as the ideology was introduced as a political tool.
With so much wild spread poverty, wars, disease in Africa, the need for Africans to duel in and champion the cause without dependence, will set precedency to the world community. As we imagin ourselves as Africans and accept our heritage, perhaps we can have a sneak preview in the existing Africans historical and intellectual points of reference and learn from their strengths and weaknesses- so we can champion the cause of the new pan-Africanism and live without looking back at our misfortunes of the past.
Former Ghanian President, Kwame Nkurumah in his book "I SPEAK OF FREEDOM." he wrote, "the difficulties presented by questions of language, culture and different political systems are not insuperable; if need for political union is agreed by us all, then the will to create it is born, for where there is a will, there is a way."
Tanzanian former president, Nyerere, has been described as a giant among the afro-centrists to champion and embrace Pan-Africanism. He is one good example to borrow ideas from, and incorporate them in this new pop culture generation. keeping up our appearance, we do not need to remain in the tenth century, as fashion and technology trends are ever evolving, but at the same time, not lose our Africanness. For it is important for one to know, who they are? where they are from? where they are going? before embarking on the future, and be effective in their achievements, given place or time in this great and accepting global arena.
The good news is, many humanist projects are popping up everywhere in Africa. The new humanist projects are based on reciprocity; help you and you help somebody. Self organization; not waiting on somebody to start for you but from what you have. The right of the people; fundamental human rights, the right to health, education, dwelling, work, and a human-being-worthy life. Confidence in one self and abilities; basically a strong belief in oneself.
And equipped with this theoretical views, women are on the fore front of this cause, mending the cultural cleavages that prevent the unification of Africans everywhere.
History's most humanists were concerned with Africa's unity, development and identity. A black scholar W.E.B Du Bois, the the father of Pan-Africanism said, "the atheism would expand and unify blacks everywhere, emboldening them to break the bonds of white domination."
But that was then, and now, blacks ought to unify and break the bonds of greedy and self, and work as a revolutionary force to rid the Continent of Disease, dissipation of Africa's mineral wealthy, poverty, self destruction. And strive to revive the spirit of our ancestral philosophical views, embedded and engraved on the cave stones.
