African Belief Systems And Its Influence On The Diaspora Community

African Belief Systems And Its Influence On The Diaspora Community

Recently, I had the privilege of interviewing Dr Tawanda Chabikwa, a Zimbabwean artist researcher, and assistant professor at The University of Texas, El Paso. I must say that I had a lot to learn about African spirituality, his explanation of personhood, and more during the conversation. I believe you will equally gain great when you listen to the video interview below.

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As a member of the African diaspora, it’s fundamentally important to pay attention to this conversation and to pass on the message to other people like you. From the spiritual traditions of Yoruba, Vodun, and Akan to the philosophical concepts of Ubuntu and Ma’at, these belief systems have journeyed across continents, shaping the identities and practices of African-descended communities worldwide.

These and more are what Dr. Tawanda Chabikwa will be teaching you in this episode of Obehi Podcast. While we are here, let us take some time to reflect even more on these terms.

Here is the link to see the full video interview: African Belief Systems And How Its Influence On The Diaspora With Dr Tawanda Chabikwa

Why are these important to the African diaspora community today

In today’s rapidly evolving world, the importance of embracing African spirituality lies in its profound capacity to offer a holistic framework for understanding existence and navigating the complexities of modern life.

According to Jacob Olupona, professor of indigenous African religions at Harvard Divinity School and professor of African and African-American studies in Harvard’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences, “Indigenous African religions refer to the indigenous or native religious beliefs of the African people before the Christian and Islamic colonization of Africa.”

In the Havard article “The Spirituality of Africa ” Jacob added that Indigenous African religions are by nature plural, varied, and usually informed by one’s ethnic identity, where one’s family came from in Africa. For instance, the Yoruba religion has historically been centered in southwestern Nigeria, the Zulu religion in southern Africa, and the Igbo religion in southeastern Nigeria. All these dynamics are important to members of the African diaspora.

With environmental degradation threatening the very foundation of our existence and societal divisions deepening, African spirituality provides a crucial reminder of our interconnectedness with nature and each other, fostering a sense of empathy, compassion, and communal responsibility essential for addressing global challenges.

Remember also that this is a time marked by spiritual disillusionment and disconnection. Therefore, it might be the right time to look towards African spirituality which offers a profound sense of belonging and purpose. It guides individuals on a journey of self-discovery and healing .

By honoring the wisdom of our ancestors and tapping into the timeless truths embedded in African belief systems, we can cultivate a deeper sense of meaning, resilience, and harmony. Not only that. It equally helps to forge a path towards a more just, sustainable, and spiritually fulfilling future.

What is personhood?

The concept of personhood encompasses the multifaceted understanding of what it means to be an individual within a particular cultural, social, and philosophical context. It goes beyond mere biological existence, delving into the complexities of identity, agency, relationships, and societal roles.

In the words of Dr. Tawanda, we are connected to the past, the present, and the future, meaning what we do can reverberate across generations, unlike the simple approach to identity and individuality as often the case in Western society.

In various cultural frameworks, personhood may be defined by factors such as one’s relationship to the community, spiritual beliefs, moral values, and personal experiences. Personhood acknowledges the inherent dignity and autonomy of individuals while recognizing their interconnectedness with others and the broader world.

It is a dynamic and evolving construct shaped by cultural norms, historical legacies, and individual narratives. This helps to highlight the rich diversity of human existence and the importance of respecting and affirming the humanity of every individual.

What is African spirituality?

African spirituality encapsulates a multifaceted and interconnected worldview that emerges from the rich tapestry of Africa’s historical, cultural, and religious heritage. At its core, African spirituality encompasses a holistic understanding of existence, drawing from diverse sources such as folktales, indigenous beliefs, intricate rituals, and the broader fabric of African culture.

You might consider an article by Nylah Burton where she talks about How some Black Americans are finding solace in African spirituality . Nylah Burton is an award-winning travel, entertainment, and lifestyle writer with bylines in New York Magazine, Travel + Leisure, and Vogue.

Embedded within African spirituality is a profound reverence for the interconnectedness of all life forms. I am talking about an acknowledgment of the spiritual essence which are imbued within nature and a deep respect for ancestral wisdom.

This is a circle of life and a river flowing unto itself. So, seek to understand your role in this long and perpetual journey of life.

It is a dynamic and evolving framework that embraces the diversity of African traditions while emphasizing the importance of harmony, balance, and communal well-being. Are you a person of African descent, maybe living in Western countries? You need to learn more about these belief systems and there are advantages for you if you do.

It serves as a means of reclaiming identity, healing historical traumas inflicted by colonization and slavery, and fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment. By embracing the spiritual practices and wisdom of their ancestors, individuals of the African diaspora can tap into a source of resilience, strength, and cultural continuity.

Another thing you will understand is that African spirituality offers a counter-narrative to dominant Western paradigms, challenging oppressive systems and providing alternative frameworks for understanding the Africans and the diaspora community.

Through learning about African spirituality, the diaspora can forge deeper connections with their heritage, and cultivate a sense of pride and agency. It helps also to contribute to the revitalization and preservation of diverse African traditions for generations to come. With that understood, let’s talk about ways to celebrate African Belief Systems in the diaspora. Read more at https://aclasses.org/belief-systems/



Obehi Ewanfoh

Helping Entrepreneurs to Own Their Stories and Transform them into Marketing Assets for Business Success. | Founder of AClasses Media | Host of The Obehi Podcast | Author of The Storytelling Mastery

8 个月
Obehi Ewanfoh

Helping Entrepreneurs to Own Their Stories and Transform them into Marketing Assets for Business Success. | Founder of AClasses Media | Host of The Obehi Podcast | Author of The Storytelling Mastery

8 个月

Creating online resources, such as blogs, podcasts, or social media pages, can help disseminate accurate information and dispel misconceptions about African spirituality, fostering greater acceptance and recognition of its value in contemporary society.

Obehi Ewanfoh

Helping Entrepreneurs to Own Their Stories and Transform them into Marketing Assets for Business Success. | Founder of AClasses Media | Host of The Obehi Podcast | Author of The Storytelling Mastery

8 个月

By coming together in community gatherings, people in the diaspora can reconnect with their cultural heritage and deepen their understanding and appreciation of African belief systems.

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