LUX TERRA TRAINING: An Interfaith Approach To Transforming Nigeria
Lux Terra Foundation played host to 50 administrative and academic staff of the Academy, for a two-day training program on skill acquisition, mechanisms and strategies for Intensifying the Campaign for Integrity among Secondary School students.
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
“What we want to do is to try and see if we can get more voices involved, in countering corruption.”
Rev. Fr. George Ehusani, E.D LTLF hosts The International Islamic Academy, Madalla
In an era of religious intolerance and heightened sensitivities, it is always refreshing to witness collaborations across creeds. Such was the case on August 29-30, 2022, when Abuja-based Lux Terra Leadership Foundation headed by Rev. Fr. George Ehusani, hosted a training program for staff of International Islamic Academy, Madalla, Niger State.
The Foundation’s Apo location played host to 50 administrative and academic staff of the Academy, for a two-day training program on skills acquisition, mechanisms and strategies for intensifying the Campaign for Integrity among Secondary School students, and more.
The Islamic Academy is one of the four Secondary Schools across the North Central zone of Nigeria that Lux Terra is accompanying very closely in its MacArthur supported Integrity Campaign in the country.
Other elements of this ongoing Lux Terra integrity campaign project include the close accompanying of an Islamic religious community in Niger State, and a Christian religious community in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
Lear more about the Integrity Campaign and other training programs at Lux Terra
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U.S Supports UN Permanent Forum on International Day for People of African Descent
August 31 marks the 2nd anniversary of the International Day for People of African Descent, a day created by the United Nations to celebrate the achievements of people of African descent worldwide.
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
“It is essential that we continue to speak up – loudly and without fail – against any notion of racial superiority and that we work tirelessly to free all societies from the blight of racism.”
— UN Secretary-General António Guterres
2014-2024
How much progress has been made in the UN’s International Decade, aimed at advancing social justice, eradicating racism and promoting human rights for people of African descent?
August 31 marks the 2nd anniversary of the International Day for People of African Descent, a day created by the United Nations to celebrate the achievements of people of African descent worldwide.
A panel of experts came together to examine The Critical Role of Racial Equity and Justice in U.S. Foreign Policy and to highlight their works in the last year to protect and advance human rights, to combat systemic racism, discrimination and xenophobia around the world as well as the work of the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent.
The briefers include the U.S. Representative to the United Nations Amb. Linda Thomas- Greenfield , The Honorable Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Special Representative for Racial Justice and Equity Desiree Cormier Smith and Justin Hansford, Howard University Law Professor.
All speakers touched on US efforts around the world in highlighting the indispensable contributions of Africans and people of African descent in multiple facets of society, while calling for people worldwide to continue to stand united inspite of the profound injustices and systemic discrimination they may confront today.
“Honoring this day means not shrinking away from our painful past or our current responsibilities.”
- Amb. Linda Thomas- Greenfield U.S. Representative to the UN
These U.S efforts in the last year include support for the UN Permanent Forum for people of African descent, partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), which led to the creation of the Thurgood Marshall Centre at Howard University Washington D.C, as well as various country programs in Mali, Columbia , Mauritania and Brazil.
“We need voices”
- Gregory W. Meeks, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Cmtee
The 193-member UN body unanimously adopted a resolution establishing this office, presided over by a 10-member advisory body, who have set targeted goals by 2024.
Some of the key questions that arose include placements of key policy makers of African descent around the world and collaborative platforms for advancement? All these, as we look ahead to the second U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in December
See press briefing transcript here
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PARADISE PREPARED: Rev. F. M. LAWLUVI Transitions at 95
He answered the call to serve as a minister of the Gospel at a young age. On August 16, he answered heaven's call at the grand age of ninety-five.
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
“Self realization... Know yourself ”
Rev. F. M. Lawluvi 1927-2022
He answered the call to serve as a minister of the Gospel at a young age. On August 16, he answered heaven's call at the grand age of ninety-five.
On and off the pulpit, he taught us a great deal throughout his lifetime. He was a uniting force to his community and lived by example, displaying no fear of truth. In one of his sermons, he called for unity in the family and community; and members to “stand up and check” divisive forces.
“Jesus receives outcasts, criminals, evil doers. For he said, I've come not for the righteous but for sinners”
Rev. F. M. Lawluvi
Africa-Related was privileged to visit and film the great Rev. Fredrick M. Lawluvi in Anloga Ghana, while producing his cousin El Anatsui's documentary film in 2015. He had such a profound influence on the life of the young El Anatsui, who was raised by his Uncle - also a minister. We captured that memorable moment between the two great men - the Reverend and the Artist. The meeting was their first in 67 years, since 1948.
“My strength is revived”, he joyfully proclaimed during our interview later that day on his emotional meeting with his beloved cousin El Anatsui. It was no lie. It was evident to those present, akin to a ‘Lazarus’ moment - enough to add years to man’s life. Thankfully, they had another seven to make up for the time.
Rev. Lawluvi was instrumental in giving the El Anatsui film its final title, to which we remain truly grateful.
We commiserate with the entire Lawluvi and extended family.
Rest in peace Sir. Your work continues…
Follow the artist @elanatsui.art
Follow the film release @elanatsuifilm
Rev. Lawluvi El Anatsui in over 60 years + hear Rev. Fredrick Lawluvi speak during one of his life-changing sermons in Anloga, Ghana’s Volta Region.
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EXHIBITION: THE MET Tributes CHEIK DIOP With ‘African Origin of Civilization’
The exhibition highlights five millennia of extraordinary artistic production on the African continent.
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
Photo: metmuseum.org
The ongoing exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY titled The African Origin of Civilization, may be a vindication of sorts, of the Senegalese historian Cheik Anta Diop’s previously debunked theory about Africa’s time and place in the global civilization discourse.
In his 1974 book The African Origin of Civilization: Myth or Reality, Diop challenged what history had long taught about Africa.
The exhibition bulletin highlights five millennia of extraordinary artistic production on the African continent. Twenty-one pairings unite masterpieces from the Museum's collections of ancient Egyptian and West and Central African art to reveal unexpected parallels and contrasts across time and cultures.
“The African Origin of Civilization will remain on view while The Met’s galleries of Sub-Saharan African Art are closed for the complete renovation of the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing. The re-envisioned wing is expected to reopen in 2024, and will feature three distinct suites of galleries for Sub-Saharan African Art, Ancient American Art, and Oceanic Art.
- The MET Museum -
The Met continues to set an encouraging example to museums worldwide by giving well-earned spaces to their African Ancient & Oceanic Art sections. Our own museum coverage and experience show that in most cases, these sections are reserved at farther wings from the main space, leaving visitors sometimes discouraged by distance, time or exhaustion.
The exhibition opened on December 14, 2021 and remains ongoing.