I truly enjoyed the September Black Folks Magic and the Tribal Council that I participated in afterwards.  Daniel and Chicqueta were my Tribal Council moderators. 

I especially enjoyed the presentation by Mallence Bart-Williams, which was a real eye opener. She talked about how beautiful Sierra Leone is… and how it was the third richest country in Africa. They have an abundance of oil, diamonds, precious minerals and gold... which people have even found in their back yards.  

She went on to explain how the countries of the West (Europe and the U.S.) have taken this wealth while portraying Africa as poor, starving, dying and in need of humanitarian aid.  The Red Cross and other legitimate sounding organizations, and even religious organizations have perpetuated this message.  As a result, people around the world see Africa as a dark continent.  Mallence spoke very softly and quietly, but with great power.  By the time she was finished, I wanted to visit Sierra Leone to see the flora, the fauna, the beautiful rivers and other scenery. 

I also loved the new sculpture, He Ain’t Heavy, and what it represents.  I am making plans to order it.

Thank you for inviting me.  I'm glad I attended.

Marolyn Jan Walker

Fresno, California