Art or Racism?

Italian Vogue (July)
American Vogue/Godzilla

Italian Vogue has choosen to honour Black beauty by featuring only black models in its entire July issue, and I'm sure you have heard this if you are from Earth. In case you're a Martian, let me educate you a bit.

Renowned models, Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell, Tocarra( from ANTM and one of my favorite ANTM alumni), will be featured in the issue along with afro-centered articles and such. In other words, its Italien Vogue meets Essence magazine, for one week.Its definately exciting to have a mag feature Black models in a time when not enough runway models are colored.

But my question is, is this Art or is this just an attempt to gain publicity?In which case should a colored person be excited or feel used? I'm sure this is a bold fashion statement, crossing the political line somewhat. But is one month out of twelve really enough? Absolutely not! Vogue should incorporate the use of Black models on a regular basis.

And then there is the American edition of Vogue, which celebrated athletism along with fashion.On the cover was LeBron James and Gisele Bundchen in a pose which cynics discribe as racist. Its not until I saw the cover vis a vis Godzilla's poster that I saw the similarities.And now I have joined the cynics.
Personally, Im not over the moon about the issue. Yes, I'll confess I will grab a copy but its not to say that I'm totally in awe of this whole fiasco!

Our Wife

Our Wife

When she become yours, she was ours,
No longer the property of another,
She responds to no other name but yours,
Her culture, her identity, no longer that of her father,
Our wife she became,
And just like a property we shall claim.

Her children are ours,
Custom cannot have it otherwise,
The seed germinates from two flowers,
Yet its creation belongs to one and not both,
Tradition speaks, the drums of Africa beat,
Shall she accept its feat?

Here lies my inspiration- I just watched a documentary about interracial marriage. The setting: A young Nigerian immigrant struggling to make it abroad finds his bride in a Jewish Caucasian lady. Fast forward five years to the climax: His parents voice their concern about an inter-cultural marriage. They say their grand-children will have no identity. Nigeria will not accept them and neither will the other. Point taken. The young gentleman is torn and distraught. He has found love somewhere he did not wish to find. His mother believes that marriage is between two families and should the two tie the knot, she is not just his wife but ‘our wife’. I hear.
I hear but I dissent. Our forefathers laid the customs, our parents followed. It is our turn to follow but we are stubborn. And for a good reason I argue. Off course our identity is important and we must respect who we are and where we came from. But must love be the victim of tradition? Perhaps I’m just closer to my heart than my fore-fathers where. The reality though is that my generation is exposed to the world in a way that my fore-fathers were not. And although my children may not have a sense of belonging they will not be alone because there will be a million other children with whom they will share that same feeling. Maybe I’m young, those with the grays are knowledgeable and I am not. You be the judge.

Y.G.F of the Month

And I present to you ladies and gentlemen, the Young,Black and Ghanaian (Y.G.F)personality of the month, drumroll please....Mr.Patrick Awuah

Name- Patrick Awuah

Occupation- Educationist, Entrepreneur

Fun Fact- He’s a receipent of an honorary doctorate from Swartmore University for his dedication to education in Africa.


Mr.Awuah's dedication to Africa is truly inspiring and the success of Ashesi is certainly deserved.The calibre of students being produced is parallel to that of any western university.An achievement for Ghana!!Visit Ashesi's website :http://www.ashesi.edu.gh/#

I, Wait

I Wait

Waiting, wishfully wanting him to walk,
Into my innermost world and never cease,
To direct, protect, our prey like a hawk,
Not just any but the ONE which will please,
You, me and everyone, this is your promise and not just talk.

Waiting, for that merry moment from above,
Patiently praying for perpetual peace,
Consistently craving that cradle of love,
Lord let your hands stretch and guide me,
In this search for the one who will fit this glove.

Waiting, the second of grace is near,
The heart whispers, “The ONE is here”,
When all doubt is cast away, let go of fear,
Listen to Him, he molded you, lose no tear,
And then the wait is over and the skies are clear.

Two have been chosen to become one,
To whom shall thanks be given?
When all was dark and lone,
He who carried you in the wings of an eagle, praise be given!