Port Of Harlem Magazine

February 11 – February 24, 2021

Abubakari II: Africa's Greatest Explorer? And Mansa Musa: The Richest Man Who Ever Lived?

Almost 200 years ago, a clear Black voice issued a mighty appeal to Black people in the United States and beyond to unite, become self–determining, and end slavery no matter the cost. In 1829, freedman David Walker published "David Walker’s Appeal to the Colored Citizens of the World."
Njinga

Njinga's more than 30 years of resistance in the 17th century to European colonization made her a hero during Angola's long and bloody war for independence in the 1960s and 1970s. The Jamestown Settlement exhibition includes this impressive statue of Queen Njinga of Ndongo and Matamba (present day Angola). Story by CR Gibbs.
New Black History Programs on the Internet

Links to several new Black History month programs are now on the Activities page of this issue including upcoming presentations by CR Gibbs and Dr. Leonard Jefferies. See link to a new, recorded 50–minute "West Africans in Early America" presentation conducted by Port Of Harlem publisher Wayne Young.
And More

January 14, 2021 – January 27, 2021

January 20, 2021 Should Not Be 1863 All Over Again

Confederates lost the American Civil War in 1863. Their insurrection on January 6 was a miserable and embarrassing failure. Hopefully, the inauguration on January 20, 2021 will mark the beginning of a 21st century reconstruction and the completion of the one thwarted after the Civil War.
Miriam DeCosta Willis (1934–2021)

"She did not make you feel like there had to be a vertical relationship because she was older or more accomplished or anything else," recalls Morgan State University Archivist Ida Jones as we talked about our interactions with the editor of the 1992 groundbreaking "Erotique Noire: Black Erotica: A Celebration Of Black Sensuality."
Yes, You Can Still Get Infected with COVID–19 After Being Vaccinated. Here's Why

It takes time for vaccines to build up immunity, and the two authorized coronavirus vaccines both require two doses, given several weeks apart, to train the body's immune system. However, after getting his first dose, POH publisher Wayne Young says the vaccination gives him hope that he will be able to return to The Gambia real soon.
And More

December 31, 2020 – January 13, 2021

Kamala-Ji Harris, an Indian-American Perspective

One such conversation continues in Indian American homes about Kamala-Ji. I am taking the liberty to call her by her first name as a fellow Indian American. The Ji part is an Indian way of addressing a fellow Indian with respect. Someday, I plan to ask Kamala-Ji a question that has never been asked before: . .
African Free Trade Union Starts January 1

Gyude Moore and Bogolo Kenewendo wrote in Foreign Policy: "Meanwhile, the official U.S. response to the African Continental Free Trade Area has been ambivalent at best." One signatory to the agreement, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, was recently "swapped" by Donald Trump in an agreement with Israel. Photo: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, current chairperson of the African Union.
POH Associate Kevin Turner Transitions (1961-2020)

Port Of Harlem contributor and Port Of Harlem Gambian Education Partnership founding board of directors member Attorney Kevin Turner made his transition after a series of health challenges early on Christmas Day, December 25, 2020.
And More

December 17 – December 30, 2020

Growing up Fatherless, Yet Becoming an Empowered Parent

When we finally meet our father in Kingston, the visit was short but eye–opening. We asked him if he was our father, he responded, “Yes, but what does that have to do with anything, now?” My journey to knowing my father, despite all of the intrigue and hurdles, never impeded my resolve to be the very best father I could ever be to my child. It has made me a more conscience parent.
Sadiki Educational Safaris Offers Ethiopian Immersion Program

This year Sadiki Educational Safaris will lead a blended, virtual and in-person, 21–day Ethiopian Immersion program with hopes of traveling there in 2022. The organization is still accepting applicants for the 2020–21 program that will be based in DC.
Ida Jones Supports Renaming DC Wilson High School William Syphax High School

After their evaluation, a working group recommend renaming 21 District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) schools and school buildings, including Woodrow Wilson High School. Morgan State University Archivist and Port Of Harlem contributor Dr. Ida Jones is calling for the DCPS to rename Wilson High School after William Syphax (pictured). We provide a link to where you can weigh in. You don't need to be a DC resident to vote.
And More

December 03 – December 16, 2020

The Hidden Black History of the Electoral College

Direct presidential elections were considered and then dropped. If elections in the House of Representatives were to be based on population, enslaved Africans must be counted (even though they could not vote) so unless they could be counted in some way, perhaps indirectly, southern delegates would not sign off on the measure.
The African World Cheer Lewis Hamilton's Seventh World Title

Lewis Hamilton is, in my opinion, the greatest of all time," exclaimed Port Of Harlem reader Khataza Gondwe in London. Hamilton's popularity expands across the African world into the Gambia where another reader, Baba Sey of Brikama, says he has been following the sport before Hamilton arrived on the scene. However, Sey sees his victory as "redemption."
Two Black Republicans to Join Senator Tim Scott (R–SC) In Congress

Like an increasing number of Black representatives, both men will represent majority White districts. Owens district is 84 percent White, while Donalds' district is 86 percent White. However, unlike the vast majority of African people in the United States, both men proudly associate themselves with Donald Trump. Plus women, LGBQT, and Black incumbents also add to Congressional diversity.
And More