A Tale of Cobalt and Tears: The Brutal Reality of Congolese Cobalt Slave Labor

Background on the DCR Cobalt Situation The Democratic Republic of Congo is responsible for over 70% of the world’s supply of cobalt. Our smartphones, computers, and electric vehicles are all powered by it. Even though the DRC possesses more cobalt reserves than the rest of the planet, a “clean” cobalt supply chain from the country […]

The Unseen Tears of a Young Cobalt Miner

The scorching morning sun beats down on me As I’m forced to toil away cobalt Its dust coats my lungs and impairs my vision And even if my sight isn’t 20/20 I can still see what I’m doing isn’t right For my growth I’m merely a young boy Yet, the rest of the world depends on […]

Make Ubuntu Ubiquitous

“A traveler through a country would stop at a village and he didn’t have to ask for food or for water. Once he stops, the people give him food and entertain him. That is one aspect of Ubuntu, but it will have various aspects. Ubuntu does not mean that people should not enrich themselves. The […]

Sweet n’ Smoky

This poem was inspired by an article I read about the endangerment of incense in myrrh cultivation and trade in Northern Somalia. As a Somali American, I’ve always been fascinated with the history of incense and myrrh in the country and how significant it is not only to Somalis but the rest of the world. […]

BCM: The Story of Steve Biko (Black History 365)

Nelson Mandela was a significant figure in South African history, especially during the apartheid era in the country which cost him his freedom for 27 years. However, as much of a prominent figure Mandela was, Steve Biko brought forth a philosophy of black consciousness to South Africa that was much needed. In this entry […]

“Moor Power” : Moors Kings (and Queens) Ruled parts of Europe for almost 700 years, Black History 365

History confirms that the Moors ruled in Europe, primarily Spain and Portugal for almost 700 years. Even though the Moors were African foreigners in a new continent, they influenced European culture, but not many know that the Moors were Eurpoeans of African descent. Side note, in the Netherlands they have a controversial celebration during Christmas […]

You’ve helped enough, we’ll take it from here!

The recovery from pain feels more gratifying when done by oneself, but never dismiss the helping hand that gave you the momentum to get through the adversity. – TheRhymeRula “For Heaven’s sake, please stop the Aid” follows James Shikwati experience working and living in Kenya, and how he doesn’t believe that aid from the Western […]

Yasuke, The First Black Samurai of Japan (Black History 365)

Before there was Afro Samurai, the first black samurai was a slave from Mozambique called Yasuke. Even though the former is a fictional character it was the first representation from my understanding of a black man as a samurai in the media, and that was sort of a big deal since all samurai were all […]

Rwanda Genocide : 100 Days of Slaughter (Black History 365)

Welcome readers to another entry in Black History 365, a series where I explain, educate and explore historical events, unsung black figures in world history, and recount the struggles and triumphs of black people worldwide. In this entry, I will present the horrific events that happened during the Rwanda Genocide in the early 1990’s and […]