Once upon a time, we started flipping tables.
A peaceful protest occurred in Accra a few weeks ago. It lasted for 3 days. It went differently then what was expected. Several protests have occurred afterwards by different groups. You may or may not have heard about it. This got me thinking about how we all can show up more for the solution.
The initial peaceful protest was focused on economic hardships in Ghana. Becoming a space for Ghanaians to speak out on their frustrations. It was unfortunately met with disrespect and violence from Ghana’s police following “orders.” The local newspapers did not report on the incident, as if it did not happen.
Please don’t give up. This shows you have a voice. Your concerns are valid. You demonstrated something monumental.
I’m always encouraging you on here to think for yourself. This is a great opportunity to do that. Please know that I do not mean any disrespect or harm. I feel this is a chance to be open to learning and understanding.
To learn more about the demands and progress of the Occupy Julorbi House movement, click here.
I hear some of you. Why protest? What difference did it make? True. This needs to continue to be strategic. The demonstration was a success because you showed up and took up space. Next, to play the next level of this game, you need to understand that pulling heartstrings will not give you the justice you deserve. Complaining that your leaders and elite don’t care is a waste of your energy. Leaders who do not have a solid team and do care about their people are assassinated or silenced. You know this too well.
As funny and sad as the tweets are, it can be tricky to boycott businesses you are not a regular customer for. So, be smarter with your big hearts. I know you already watched House of Cards and read The Spook Who Sat By The Door. In other parts of the world, lobbyists are the next play in this game. How can that be implemented here? Private enterprises hold a lot behind that. Could that sufficiently translate here?
I’m aware my community on here is diverse. So, I trust we can cover all angles on this collaboration. Reflect on it. No need to post the blueprint here. This should be part of the reason why so many different people are in and continue to move to Ghana. We all need to be including provisions to this solution in what we are cultivating here.
Not to dismiss anyone’s initiative, but what is the point of all this healing and investing if we are not closing the gap on these discrepancies? What good is all of your real estate potential, tourism attractions, economic summits, trade expos, academic seminars, viral dance videos, and Detty December Citizens if the location is this hostile to the basic well being of its people? What is the point of the wide spectrum of passport privilege, currency privilege, tribal privilege, and family name privilege that exists here, if we are not leveraging it for collective winning?
I know these are only words. I know I can’t call the Avengers to help. I did mention this to Wakanda, but they are busy swimming at the moment.
Within a year of moving to Ghana, my beacon of hope for all forms of freedom, Pan-Africanism, Black liberation, World equality, and collective healing evolution faded. Seeing what you did at this initial protest reignited that beacon of hope for me. The way you all committed to your mission for peace and took care of each other. In spite of being so despicably disrespected and hurt. You did not bend down to “their” level. I hope you understand the magnitude of this. You should be proud.
At the moment, neighboring countries have resorted to military coups to voice their frustrations. I’m cheering for their justice too. I hope and trust they have a plan beyond pushing out the bully. I understand Ghana already did this and today some are still questioning whether or not that provided the progress you deserve. These protests show you don’t need to repeat that. You can lead by example with a different method.
At the moment, the only reliable account of the inital protest is this special episode of the Sincerely Accra podcast. Listen well. Also check out their Twitter Space on that day.
To continue to be up to date on conversations and progress, check out Julorbi Radio below.
As always, the question is “what next?” Here is a tool to explore: the Social Change Ecosystem Map. This can help you gain more insight on where your values and gifts can contribute to social change.
So, my fellow diasporans who ask why Ghanaians “are not angry enough.” Do you now see the cards they are dealt? The police were equipped for war against citizens holding placards. The local media under reported or did not report at all. Some people’s jobs were threatened if they participated. The puppet strings are more complex then you may realize.
Now, my fellow Ghanaians, regardless of which bubble you exist in, please don’t give up on Ghana. Be wise, disciplined, and strategic. Be peaceful and responsible. Avoid distractions and detours. You deserve justice. You deserve more.
To everyone who was involved in-person, virtually, and/or in spirit, please take care and be safe.
Dagny Zenovia 