“To conclude this essay, the author suggests (and sincerely hopes) that African-centered thinkers consider including more natural science, mathematics, and technology in their studies whether or not a degree or certificate is a goal. This is especially true of computer technology given that we are in the computer age. Western science is not what is should be, but it is essential that we study it to determine what it ought to be, at least for us. We cannot reconstruct the world in an African image, as Carruthers suggests we do, if we are only conversant in spirituality and the social sciences. We cannot be content to live on land we do not improve, as Obenga has stressed. Some of our finest minds started out as scientists/mathematicians or studied extensively (James, Diop, ben-Jochannan, Obenga, and Williams are a few). Though one can overstress the importance of mathematical thinking, it makes no sense at all for anyone to be nonconversant or even limited in science and technology. Maat means balance and balance requires both the spiritual and the material rather than just one. This does not mean all components will be exactly equal, but it does mean that each part will have a meaningful presence. Since we are now aware that Africans created science and technology, we should not be frightened by these disciplines, even if we agree that they could and should be taught from a different, more humanistic, more Maatian perspective than is presently the case. It is ironic that in the land of technology our young people are far too often alienated from science, including some of our brightest minds. The creative genius of those who created rap is no different than that of chemist/mathematician Fletcher Henderson, father of big band jazz and the idol of Basie and Ellington. Miles Davis’s best subject in high school was mathematics, and McCoy Tyner and Herbie Hancock were both engineering majors before they got their break and went on to become jazz giants. It has been the author’s observation that most African scientists have a definite tendency to seek the complement of science, that is, spiritual development. Howard University physicist James Lindesay, one of the brightest minds to come out of Stanford University, was deeply involved in the study of extrasensory phenomena. James Harris, Nobel Prize winning chemist, plays the trumpet. Physicist Zolili Ndlela was fully involved in the revolution of the sixties and is self taught in seven computer languages as well as in calligraphy. Ron McNair, laser physicist and graduate of MIT, who perished in the Challenger accident, was also a jazz saxophonist (reportedly a very good one), a great athlete, and a martial artist in the true spirit of the Maatian man produced by the ancient African priesthood. Ben Chavis holds a degree in chemistry (B.S.) as does comedian Sinbad (M.S.). African spirituality alone will not free us, but if it is useful it will allow for the utilization of science and technology for our benefit without reproducing the atrocities of Western Civilization. The latest Whm Msw Kash has begun; let us continue its development in the spirit of Maat.” Article by Vulindlela I. Wobogo title “Critical Issues in Nile Valley Studies: Unification, Periodization, and Characterization” Book “African World History Project: The Preliminary Challenge” The Djehuty Project: African-Centered Think Tank and Research Institution 1996 Edited by Jacob H. Carruthers and Leon C. Harris Page 94
Posted on: Wed, 31 Dec 2014 22:14:05 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015