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The Transatlantic Slave Trade – Africans Urged to ‘Come Home’

NNPA NEWSWIRE — “I hear time and time again from black Americans who traveled to Africa about how connected they felt and how different they found whatever country they traveled to from the images of Africa they grew up with,” said Roman Debotch, owner/contributor of the site Black Excellence.

Published

4 years ago

January 18, 2019

Oakland Post

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) has launched a global news feature series on the history, contemporary realities and implications of the transatlantic slave trade.
(Read the entire series: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11)

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” — Marcus Garvey

“For Africa to me… is more than a glamorous fact. It is a historical truth. No man can know where he is going unless he knows exactly where he has been and exactly how he arrived at his present place.” — Maya Angelou

The Transatlantic Slave Trade started with slave ships, whips, chains and a most demonic kind of evil: Europeans and others hunting down Africans like animals.

The result: an estimated 12 million enslaved Africans were shipped as cargo across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas between the 16^th and 19th centuries – and, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica, that figure represented just one stage of the slave trade.

By the 1480s, Portuguese ships were already transporting Africans for use as slaves on sugar plantations in the Cape Verde and Madeira islands in the eastern Atlantic.

Spanish conquistadors took African slaves to the Caribbean after 1502, but Portuguese merchants continued to dominate the transatlantic slave trade for another century and a half, operating from their bases in the Congo-Angola area along the west coast of Africa.

The Dutch became the primary slave traders during the 1600s. In the century that followed, British and French merchants controlled about half of the transatlantic slave trade, taking a large percentage of their human cargo from the region of West Africa between the Senegal and Niger rivers, according to Britannica.

Probably no more than a few hundred thousand Africans were taken to the Americas before 1600.

However, in the 17th century, demand for slave labor rose sharply with the growth of sugar plantations in the Caribbean and tobacco plantations in the Chesapeake region of North America.

The largest numbers of slaves were taken to the Americas during the 18th century, when, according to historians’ estimates, nearly three-fifths of the total volume of the transatlantic slave trade took place.

Today, as the world takes note of the anniversary of the slave trade [500 years for some, 400 for others], a rousing call to Africans throughout the diaspora has gone out. “Everyone agrees that all that is needed for Africa to take her rightful place on the world stage is for her children to come back home,” said Her Excellence Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao, the African Union Ambassador to the United States of America.

Photos from the Full Circle Festival in Ghana/Courtesy Photos

This month, celebrities, including Boris Kodjoe, Idris Elba and Naomi Campbell, traveled to Ghana to visit The Akwamuhene Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III at the Bogyawe Palace, Akwamufie, where he has conferred a citation for “leading our kinsmen home.”

“My special thanks go to Boris Kodjoe and his colleagues for coordinating this all-important trip which I believe is by divine design,” The Akwamuhene said.

“Today forms part of the new awakening. The beginning of our joint resolve to create a continent that we can all feel pride in calling our ancestral home. In many ways, we are grateful for the opportunity to heal and grow together as people united by both blood and purpose.”

Ghana’s President H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo, has reportedly planned a number of events for 2019 in commemoration of the anniversary of the transatlantic slave trade. The commemoration began with the “Full Circle Festival” which brought numerous celebrities and others who visited historical sites and attended a breakfast hosted by the president.

The festival was established to honor African ancestry by celebrating the continent’s heritage and generational legacy. The “Coming Home” theme is expected to continue throughout the year.

Photos from the Full Circle Festival in Ghana/Courtesy Photos

“This celebration of ‘Coming Home’ is one that should be encouraged and promoted across the global black community,” said Roman Debotch, owner and contributor of the website, Black Excellence, a platform used to shed light on noteworthy achievements in the Black community.

“I hear time and time again from black Americans who traveled to Africa about how connected they felt and how different they found whatever country they traveled to from the images of Africa they grew up with,” Debotch said.

The transatlantic slave trade still has an effect on the black community in America and ‘Coming Home’ should show and teach black Americans that their history doesn’t begin as slaves, she said.

“There is a rich and vibrant culture and history that took place centuries before and after the transatlantic slave trade. Although they might feel cut off from it, it is at least a good move to visit these countries and know what exists there,” Debotch said.

Jeanette Brown, founder of Excellence & Presence Communications, said going back to Africa means an invitation to return to where her ancestors are from. “It cancels out all the negative images I grew up seeing on TV and the stereotypes that African Americans are not welcomed in Africa, as we are ‘not the same,’” Brown said.

Photos from the Full Circle Festival in Ghana/Courtesy Photos

Further, “returning to Africa should mean that there’s a resurgence in wanting to know history and it’s a movement that will bring everyone of African ancestry together as opposed to further separating them,” she said.

“Yes, the transatlantic slave trade effects still reach down today. The effects become more apparent the more we learn and uncover,” Brown said. “The more we are educated on our history we will be able to unpack our similarities and differences. We should also be careful of who is sharing our history with us.”

Brown continued:

“In 2019, we are still learning about our origins. Crimes are still being labeled ‘the worst in history…’ and none of those statements end with ‘transatlantic slave trade.’ The invite home is a way for me to support my brothers and sisters.

“If we understand where we come from, we will know where we can go.”

Marketing executive turned actor/filmmaker, Shantel Moses said she recently performed a “23-and-Me DNA Test” which revealed her African heritage.

Moses, who describes herself as African Caribbean American, lives in Brooklyn, N.Y., and said she now feels a greater urgency to visit Africa. “I’ve traveled to over 40 countries, heavily concentrated in Europe and Latin America. It’s now time for me to come home,” Moses said.

“Programs to entice people of African Heritage are super critical to help bridge the gap within the diaspora, whether we are African American, Afro Latino, Afro Australian — the power and beauty of us as Black people holds special power that can be leveraged by the continent,” she said.

“I don’t know what I will feel when I go home, but I can’t wait to do so. I’m hoping to go to Ethiopia in 2019. While my roots are more in the West African region – I’m 34 percent Nigerian, I eagerly await the joy of touching down on my ancestors’ soil.”

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PRESS ROOM: Walgreens Eases Anxiety for Senior Shoppers with Monthly Seniors Day

NNPA NEWSWIRE — This feeling of concern around socialization increases for the Black senior community 55 and older with nearly 4 in 10 (39%) of these seniors reporting feeling socially isolated, 13 percentage points higher than the total population of 55 and older. In addition, over 4 in 10 (43%) seniors in the Black community reported they are limiting what they do and where they go in fear of catching COVID-19 –16 percentage points higher than the total population of 55 and older.
The post PRESS ROOM: Walgreens Eases Anxiety for Senior Shoppers with Monthly Seniors Day first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

1 month ago

April 26, 2023

admin

Walgreens COVID-19 Pulse Check finds Seniors are Less Socially Active Now than Before the Pandemic and Seeking Confidence in Socializing

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Today Walgreens unveils The Walgreens COVID-19 Pulse Check^[1], a quantitative study commissioned by the healthcare retailer, which surveyed over 1,000 senior adults 55 and older in the U.S. about their feelings on socializing after the pandemic. As society moves past the impacts of this pandemic, the reality for many of the nation’s 41+ million seniors is that they still feel concerned about getting sick^[2].

The survey reveals that an estimated 17 million (42%) of seniors agreed they are less socially active now than they were before the pandemic. Additionally, an estimated 8.2 million (20%) of seniors feel lonelier now than before the pandemic.

The research also reveals that seniors are missing activities they enjoyed pre-pandemic due to COVID-19 exposure anxiety, which is still prevalent in the senior community:

60% are worried about seeing friends regularly and attending family gatherings
36% miss going on vacation
28% miss going shopping or running errands
19% miss being connected to their local community
15% miss the independence of doing things for themselves, like shopping

This feeling of concern around socialization increases for the Black senior community 55 and older with nearly 4 in 10 (39%) of these seniors reporting feeling socially isolated, 13 percentage points higher than the total population of 55 and older. In addition, over 4 in 10 (43%) seniors in the Black community reported they are limiting what they do and where they go in fear of catching COVID-19 –16 percentage points higher than the total population of 55 and older.

Inspiring Senior Confidence with Shopping Experiences, Savings and Support

When seniors think about their confidence in socializing, The Walgreens COVID-19 Pulse Check found 70% of seniors are more confident socializing when the people they are around are vaccinated against COVID-19 and other viruses like flu, shingles and pneumonia.

To help create inclusive communities and unlock the joy of aging, Walgreens Seniors Day fosters an accessible, safe and supported environment. Patients 55 and older and their caregivers can save 20% off eligible regular-priced merchandise on the first Tuesday of every month or online all week with code SENIOR20 at checkout (Sunday-Saturday of that week).

At checkout, Seniors should let a Walgreens team member know they are shopping with the Seniors Day discount for the savings to apply to their purchase. Those with Medicare Advantage over-the-counter benefits are encouraged to ask team members how to take advantage of their benefit while in store.

Our pharmacy teams are trained to support the senior population through pharmacy services including, Save A Trip Refill,^[3] 90-day prescription fills^[4] and refill reminders^[5] which are designed to make medication management easier, keeping them healthy and avoid hospitalization.

With the Majority of Seniors Feeling More Confident in a Society with Immunizations and Testing, Building a Healthy Post-Pandemic World Where Everyone Feels Included is a Shared Responsibility

No cost at-home COVID-19 tests are available with most insurance plans through May 11, 2023^[6]. Limits apply to the number of tests covered per person per month. Walgreens brand at-home COVID-19 tests provide an affordable option and are available with a deeper discount on Senior Day. Walgreens pharmacy team members are available to help customers use their pharmacy benefits to get over-the-counter test kits through their insurance.

“As a trusted healthcare destination, we’re giving customers another testing option to stay ahead of COVID-19 with our Walgreens brand at-home COVID-19 test, broadening our assortment in stores and online,” said Luke Rauch, Walgreens chief merchandising officer and senior vice president. “In addition to tests, we offer an assortment of Walgreens brand products that offer a great everyday value and are designed to meet our consumers’ needs.”

To help further protect this senior community more at risk from, and concerned about, COVID-19, shingles and pneumonia, Walgreens pharmacy team members are available during Seniors Days and every day to make getting vaccinated simple. This includes the recently approved additional bivalent (updated) COVID-19 dose for those ages 65+ and certain immunocompromised individuals. Customers can schedule a vaccine appointment online, via the myWalgreens app or by calling (800)-WALGREENS, available in both Spanish and English.

Unlocking the Joy of Aging with Essential Products & Doorstep Delivery

With more than 85,000 healthcare service providers, including pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and nurse practitioners, Walgreens offers customers with more complex health needs easy access to the medications, treatments and products they need to keep safe and well. This includes products from walkers and hearing aids along with our Walgreens brand line of vitamins with a range of products likeCalcium, Iron and Vitamin C. As a trusted name in health and wellness, Walgreens brand health and wellness products are Walgreens pharmacist recommended and backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Making it even easier for seniors to get the products they want and need, Walgreens now offers 24-Hour delivery. Available around the clock, seven days a week from 600+ participating stores across the country, customers can get last-minute needs like groceries, over-the-counter medications, personal care items, household necessities and more. If a customer wants to swing by Walgreens, 30-minute pickup makes it easy to shop their local store via Walgreens.com or the myWalgreens app and have items ready for pickup in-store or curbside in as little as 30 minutes.

To find out more about the work Walgreens is doing to support our senior communities visit Walgeens.com.

About The Study

The Walgreens COVID-19 Pulse Check Study is a quantitative survey of 1,048 adults 55 and older conducted February 17 – 18, 2023 using an online data collection methodology. The survey was fielded by Dynata, a global survey vendor, and was commissioned by Walgreens.

About Walgreens

Walgreens (http://www.walgreens.com) is included in the U.S. Retail Pharmacy and U.S. Healthcare segments of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA), an integrated healthcare, pharmacy and retail leader with a 170-year heritage of caring for communities. WBA’s purpose is to create more joyful lives through better health. Operating nearly 9,000 retail locations across America, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Walgreens is proud to be a neighborhood health destination serving nearly 10 million customers each day. Walgreens pharmacists play a critical role in the U.S. healthcare system by providing a wide range of pharmacy and healthcare services, including those that drive equitable access to care for the nation’s medically underserved populations. To best meet the needs of customers and patients, Walgreens offers a true omnichannel experience, with fully integrated physical and digital platforms supported by the latest technology to deliver high-quality products and services in communities nationwide.

^[1]All statistics unless otherwise stated are from the Walgreens COVID-19 Pulse Check Study.

^[2]US Census, 2020: Total number of adults over 55. Source: https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/decade/2020/2020-census-main.html

^[3] Restrictions apply.

^[4] Restrictions apply.

^[5] Data rates may apply.

^[6] Applies to most fully-insured and self-insured group and individual coverage, until the end of the public health emergency. Covers up to eight (8) rapid antigen test per month. COVID-19 home test kit returns will not be accepted.

The post PRESS ROOM: Walgreens Eases Anxiety for Senior Shoppers with Monthly Seniors Day first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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Safe Spaces for Collective Healing: Group Therapy in Black Communities

April 14, 2023 – Join host Al McFarlane and expert contributors, Dr. Bravada Garrett-Akinsanya and Dr. Oliver J. Williams, for an enlightening discussion on the benefits of group therapy in Black communities. Learn how creating safe spaces can promote collective healing and empower your community. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in this important conversation […]
The post Safe Spaces for Collective Healing: Group Therapy in Black Communities first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

1 month ago

April 25, 2023

admin

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in this important conversation and take steps towards mental wellness.

The Conversation With Al McFarlane (TCWAM), Weekdays at 1 pm CST / 2 pm EST / 11 am PST

We hope you will join us at 1 pm CST / 2 pm EST / 11 am PST as we continue our ongoing conversations about how we can all make a difference in our community.

SUBSCRIBE to TCWAM on Insight News YouTube channel: / @insightnewsmn

The post Safe Spaces for Collective Healing: Group Therapy in Black Communities first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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Muscle and Power – Taking the 2023 BMW M2 Coupe for a Spin

Muscle and Power – Taking the 2023 BMW M2 Coupe for a Spin and walkaround. Looking for a car that can deliver the ultimate driving experience? Look no further than the 2023 BMW M2 Coupe. This new model boasts an impressive 3.0-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine, producing an incredible 453 horsepower at […]
The post Muscle and Power – Taking the 2023 BMW M2 Coupe for a Spin first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

1 month ago

April 25, 2023

Oakland Post

Muscle and Power – Taking the 2023 BMW M2 Coupe for a Spin and walkaround. Looking for a car that can deliver the ultimate driving experience? Look no further than the 2023 BMW M2 Coupe. This new model boasts an impressive 3.0-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine, producing an incredible 453 horsepower at 406 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 time of just a little less than 4 seconds. The car is rear-wheel drive, which enhances the driving experience even further.

The M2 Coupe has a muscular appearance, with flared fenders and a smaller traditional BMW kidney grille. The M colors red and blue are seen throughout the interior, even on the front door panels, adding to the sporty feel of the car. The M sport seats are designed to grip and hold you in place, so you can truly feel the power of the car. The car also has a carbon fiber roof, which reduces weight and improves performance.

When it comes to handling, the M2 Coupe is excellent. The car has excellent steering and handling, which allows it to stay flat in the curves. The car’s M1 and M2 driving modes allow you to customize your steering, suspension, and other suspension enhancements in the car setup. The car even has a Drift analyzer for drift mode, which is a fun feature for those who love to take their driving to the next level.

The car also has an exhaust tone control, which is operated from a button on the center console. This allows you to adjust the exhaust tone to your liking. Additionally, the car has extra chassis bracing in the engine compartment, which improves performance even further.

The M2 Coupe comes equipped with front tires Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S 275/35 ZR19 and rear tires Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S 285/30 ZR 20. These tires are designed for high-performance driving and add to the overall driving experience of the car.

Other impressive features of the car include its M sport differential, which helps improve handling, and its multiple driving modes, allowing you to customize your driving experience. The car even has a drift analyzer for drift mode, a fun feature for those who like to push their driving skills to the limit.

The M2 Coupe also has an impressive audio system, featuring a Harman Kardon Surround Sound Audio System, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The car’s Live Cockpit Pro HUD and Connected Package Pro feature real-time traffic, on-street parking info (select cities), and BMW Remote Services.

Overall, the 2023 BMW M2 Coupe is a car that any driving enthusiast would be proud to own. Its impressive performance specs, M colors, excellent handling, and impressive features make it a true standout in the world of sports cars. If you’re looking for the ultimate driving machine, look no further than the BMW M2 Coupe.

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The post Muscle and Power – Taking the 2023 BMW M2 Coupe for a Spin first appeared on BlackPressUSA.