Event Background:

On May 26, 2024, the Pre-Peacejam 2024 Mini Festival took place at the Nifas Silk Lafto, Woreda 3 Youth Center   in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This event, themed “Amplifying Marginalized Voices for Inclusive Peacebuilding,” aimed to create an inclusive space where marginalized voices were amplified, fostering dialogue, understanding, and actionable steps towards peacebuilding. Organized by #defyhatenow and Ethiopia Skate, the event brought together representatives from marginalized groups, peacebuilders, community leaders, the general public, invited guests from #defyhatenow Ethiopia, partners, and the Ethiopian Skate Community.

Event Activities:

The event commenced with an opening session introducing the missions and objectives of #defyhatenow and Ethiopia Skate, emphasizing peacebuilding, inclusivity, and community engagement. Interactive activities such as icebreakers and speed networking sessions encouraged interaction and networking among attendees, fostering a sense of community and belonging. A poetry session kicked off the festival, inspiring reflection on peacebuilding, inclusivity, and community engagement, with a focus on the crucial role of youth voices in driving social change. A panel discussion engaged participants in topics such as inclusivity, breaking societal barriers, social media usage, and community building, featuring speakers from marginalized communities, peacebuilders, and diverse backgrounds. The highlight of the event was a captivating performance by the Masinko player, who infused his rhythms and versions of poems and music with messages of peacebuilding, community empowerment, and humor, much to the delight of the audience.

Audience Feedback:

Feedback from attendees highlighted the event’s success in creating an inclusive and empowering environment. Attendees appreciated the opportunity to network, engage in meaningful dialogue, and participate in interactive activities. The provision of accommodations for individuals with disabilities, such as sign language interpretation, was commended, ensuring accessibility for all participants. Participants expressed gratitude for the platform provided to amplify marginalized voices and explore actionable steps towards peacebuilding.

Attendance:

The event attracted a total of 52 participants, with 43 female attendees and 9 male attendees. Additionally, attendees from outside of Addis Ababa, such as Adama in the Oromia region, demonstrated a keen interest in the event’s objectives and activities.

Additionally, participants were encouraged to share their experiences and insights on social media using hashtags such as #PeaceForAction, #InclusivePeacebuilding, and #defyhatenow,

[PART 1: THE MIRROR]

You take a string of my hair and ask to tell me a secret. 

I pull you in closer and whisper, 

Tell me young one,

Tell me of all the stories you’ve kept.

You silently itch closer and hold out your hand. 

I hold my breath in and wait, and wait… 

[PART 2: THE CHILD] 

I was fifteen when I had my first phone. 

Before then, the only faces I knew where the ones that I saw everyday,

And my world was as small as it could be. 

I was sixteen when I learned of social media. 

It was only facebook and telegram back then, 

and all I focused on was how my photos looked,

If my friends liked them,

If my crush liked me,  

and the only form of self expression I knew was 

changing my hairstyles 

and quoting lyrics from songs I barely understood.

Public and Private were only a concept.

As my father sat me down and explained 

of all the wrongs I have yet to encounter, 

The innocent eyes I had for the world were crumbling 

Everything that I ever knew was all unbecoming. 

What was wrong with the photo I took?

Was it my button nose?

Was it my crooked teeth?

Why was I afraid to fight back?

Why was I quick to delete the first thing I released into the wild 

When it was just one man’s voice, voices, screamed…

The creativity of the hate was building!

I felt alone in this battle

I was silenced. 

I stared into mirrors, I asked my mother

I covered my hands when I shared a laughter

A single word was destroying what took years to build.

I wasn’t going to let this stop me!

Was I?

[PART 3: THE MAIDEN]

I was seventeen when I first lost my innocence.

My eyes and ears were exposed to the world 

Louder than anything I ever knew.

I was sucked. 

I was tranced. 

I was falling. 

I wanted to know it all, and speak out about all the wrong I saw. 

Was it ever enough?

Was it the way my eyes were crooked or my nose small? 

Was it the way that I spoke or didn’t speak at all? 

Did I deserve any of it? 

Did I have to believe any of it at all? 

Who is this man to tell me I’m ugly when I had nothing ugly at all!

Was it something I said? Was it something I wrote? 

Was it the awkwardness of my hands when I posed? 

Or was it the fact that you chose to see what’s between my legs 

rather than what’s above my nose? 

I was not born deaf, but I wish I could unhear things.

I was not born blind, but I wish I could unsee this.

I was not born a man, but I wish I was today. 

I could repeat more words that were said to me

I could repeat more phrases that were thrown at me

sticks and stones, sticks and stones

I had better shields for the stones you’ve thrown 

Than to face the words I have known. 

In my own existence, In my own dissertation 

I was more than everything 

I knew I was more than what they were saying. 

[PART 4: THE MIRROR] 

Before there was silence, there was an ambush of noise.

I heard more than your words, 

I saw your heart’s tone. 

I could not deny the truth, I could not deny the hate

You were nothing more than a bird,

YOU WERE NOTHING MORE THAN 

A DAUGHTER, A SON, A MAN, A WOMAN 

YOU WERE NOTHING MORE THAN HUMAN!

You were never the words that were spoken to you

You were never the slurs that were shoved at you

You were a flower that was plucked to soon

You were that garden that filled up the whole room

I see the fresh cut that graces your skin.

I see all the bruises,

I see all the stain,

I see all the tears.

I see what’s behind and all that you carried.

I see you, I see you, I see you, I SEE YOU!

I stand here on the backs of all the words that were said to you,

I speak with all the words that were never given to you!

I see all the grace and beauty and brilliance.

I see your crooked eyes and beautiful smile and all the brain that it hides. 

I see your stolen home and I see your stolen voice. 

I stand here from all the ashes and tears that you were born from.

I see all the battle you have yet to face

I see all the scars you have yet to embrace

I SEE YOU!

I see you and I feel you and now I am not ashamed to say that I AM YOU. 

and you are me.

And I stand WITH you, I stand BY you, I stand FOR you. 

I DENY all the hate that was thrown at you. 

I GIVE you all the love that was hidden from you. 

Stay strong though, this war isn’t over.

We have barely scratched the surface. 

Strengthen your heart my dear

The stronger you get, the louder they become 

Sharpen your pencil,

Wipe your sweaty hands,

Clean your camera lens, 

And pose for me one more time.

Let us show the world, we have barely begun. 

Les discours sont libre

Mais si ça va faire mal

Ne les dis pas

We are told that words are free

But no one warns us about how expensive

It is to cure from wounds inflicted by words

That should have been left unsaid

Today, most people are everything they never wanted

Because everything they have always wanted to be

Was destroyed by carelessly said expressions and opinions

Of what others wanted them to be,

Words can kill dreams and destinies

Les discours sont libre

Mais si ça va faire mal

Ne les dis pas

The tongue has no bone

But it is the strongest, sometimes the fiercest part of a human body.

From our communities to vast facebook, twitter and instagram streets,

Our tongues sting with hate;

Unconscious, sometimes conscious

Unverified, carelessly uttered words intended to divide, hurt or kill.

Hate speech wreaks more havoc than a well targeted bomb

It is venomous, camouflaged in assumptions…

Generational ideologies passed on from people to people

Les discours sont libre

Mais si ça va faire mal

Ne les dis pas

Why do we seem to log out of our brains

Every time we log into the net?

We create negative conversations about people

Or where they come from

We make fake news travel faster than a flashlight

We no longer think when we click, tweet or speak

We all love jokes but jokes are not funny

When they are intended to make others cry

Jokes like referring to Anglophones as anglofools

Or calling bangwa people, 99 sense

Or referring to Northern settlers as sheep

Hate speech is the face behind the mask that has for decades

Spurred world wars and atrocities:

The holocaust

The Cambodian genocide

The 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda

The Anglophone crisis

Les discours sont libre

Mais si ça va faire mal

Ne les dis pas 

By the sting of our tongues

Men have carried the venoms of bitterness in their veins

Nations have gone to war, fighting with no gain

Young people have died without a whimper of pain

Hate is taking over our humanity, pouring nonstop like heavy rains

We are only travelers

Walking through this universe we call home

To be here today and gone tomorrow

The only thing that stays

is our footprints

The memories we create

And how our words made people feel

Les discours sont libre

Mais si ça va faire mal

Ne les dis pas 

© PENBOY

Un jamboree socioculturel et artistique sur place se tiendra à Yaoundé samedi, tandis que l’ensemble de la communauté #defyhatenow convergera en ligne le 18 juin pour l’événement virtuel annuel.

Le #PeaceJam est une étape clé de #defyhatenow que nous avons marquée lors de la Journée internationale de la paix de l’ONU, célébrée le 21 septembre de chaque année. Nous avons depuis déplacé le #PeaceJam au 18 juin, cela correspond à la Journée internationale de lutte contre le discours de haine, en s’appuyant sur la stratégie et le plan d’action de l’ONU sur le discours de haine lancés le 18 juin 2019 pour contrer le discours de haine. Faire du “jam” pour la paix, c’est utiliser des stratégies improvisées pour construire la paix en se basant sur l’énergie générée par leurs propres expressions créatives plutôt que de s’appuyer sur des plans prédéterminés. Cette année, le sujet plus large #defyhatenow que nous espérons comprendre dans un effort pour contrer le discours de haine est : “Des espaces sûrs en ligne pour la sécurité numérique”.  Nous nous joignons aux Nations unies pour lutter contre la discrimination, la xénophobie et le discours de haine et nous augmentons nos efforts pour contrer le discours de haine, conformément au droit international des droits de l’homme. Plus d’information sur le #PeaceJam2023 ici.

En juillet 2021, l’Assemblée générale des Nations unies a souligné les préoccupations mondiales concernant “la propagation et la prolifération exponentielles des discours de haine” dans le monde et a adopté une résolution sur “la promotion du dialogue interreligieux et interculturel et de la tolérance dans la lutte contre les discours de haine”. La résolution a proclamé le 18 juin Journée internationale de la lutte contre le discours de haine, qui a été célébrée pour la première fois en 2022. Pour célébrer cette journée, les Nations unies invitent les gouvernements, les organisations internationales, les groupes de la société civile et les particuliers à organiser des événements et des initiatives visant à promouvoir des stratégies permettant d’identifier, de traiter et de contrer le discours de haine. 

Mobiliser l’action civique contre les discours de haine au Cameroun

L’initiative #defyhatenow est mise en œuvre au Cameroun par Civic Watch, une organisation communautaire dirigée par des jeunes. Financée par le ministère allemand des Affaires étrangères par l’intermédiaire de l’ONG r0g_agency for Open Culture and Critical Transformation, #defyhatenow vise à fournir des solutions communautaires, basées sur des données, au problème des discours de haine, de la désinformation et des fake news. Notre travail se concentre sur la création d’un cadre permettant d’instaurer la confiance entre les parties prenantes en mobilisant l’action civique contre toutes les formes de discours de haine et d’incitation à la violence en ligne et hors ligne.

À la lumière de ce qui précède, notre travail au mois de juin se concentre sur la création d’une plateforme pour la promotion de la cohésion sociale, la célébration de notre diversité et l’exposition de notre patrimoine culturel en tant que nation. Par le biais d’un appel à propositions de projets, la communauté #defyhatenow et ses partenaires organiseront une série d’activités. Du renforcement des capacités, de la sensibilisation des médias, des films, de l’art et de l’exposition culturelle aux initiatives de mobilisation communautaire, différentes parties du Cameroun vibreront au rythme de #PeaceJam2023. Un total de 20 organisations de base et associations de médias sélectionnées dans neuf localités engageront le public au cours des jours précédant le 18 juin, où nous prendrons conjointement une position publique contre #Hate, #Hatespeech et les vices qui en résultent comme la violence et l’extrémisme violent dans nos communautés respectives. 

Le septentrion est représenté par le Collectif des Jeunes pour la Paix et le Développement Durable basé à Maroua et Septentrion Check, un groupe de quatre journalistes vérificateurs de faits à Garoua. Le Nord-Ouest accueillera des activités à Bamenda menées par Pechuqui Laurata, Mbuh Stella Official et Nkwen Baptist Church Youth Fellowship, tandis qu’OJ Slim Media mobilisera la communauté de Wum.  À Buea, les amoureux de la paix participeront à des projets communautaires, artistiques et technologiques sous la bannière de Global Hand Cameroon, The Show Theatre Troupe, Goodwill Ambassadors of Hope, Digital Renter et ActivSpaces Cameroon. Une formation aux médias et une campagne de sensibilisation impliquant des journalistes de la région de l’Ouest sont en cours, gérées par le bureau régional de l’Ouest  du Cameroon Community Media Network (CCMN). L’association Better Future accueillera un dialogue interculturel et intergénérationnel à Nkongsamba, tandis que les associations basées à Douala, Tamtam Du Mboa, Association des Jeunes Entreprenants de Bonassama et Association Art & Vivre-Ensemble impliqueront les femmes, les jeunes et les enfants pendant plusieurs jours. La capitale, Yaoundé, se joindra également au mouvement national, à travers quatre initiatives différentes mises en œuvre par News Upfront Blog, AMKAY pour AMKAY Youth, Center for Youth Education and Economic Development – CYEED et Leading youth in Agriculture and nation building – LYIA-NB.

Objectifs :

• Mobiliser les membres de la communauté pour une série d’événements en ligne et hors ligne dans tout le pays visant à favoriser des espaces numériques sûrs.
• Fournir une plateforme pour des discussions en ligne sur la création d’espaces numériques sûrs et la sécurité numérique.
• Sensibiliser les communautés à la nécessité de favoriser la paix, l’acceptation et la cohésion sociale.
• Renforcer l’activisme et la résilience des communautés pour contrer les discours haineux et la violence (qui en résulte)
• Adopter une position ferme et publique contre la haine, conformément à la stratégie et au plan d’action des Nations unies contre les discours haineux.

Vous vous demandez comment participer ?

Table ronde virtuelle : “Des espaces sécurisés en ligne pour la sécurité numérique”

Inscrivez-vous dès maintenant à la session virtuelle #PeaceJam2023 alors que nous mobilisons les amoureux de la paix dans le monde entier pour dénoncer la haine le 18 juin 2023 à 14h00 Yaoundé / 15h Berlin / 16h Nairobi.

Téléchargez votre cadre photo #PeaceJam2023 ! 

Comme c’est la tradition chaque année depuis 2015, #defyhatenow Cameroun mobilisera notre communauté à la fois en ligne et hors ligne pour #peacejam2023. Une série d’actions hybrides combinées vers un #UnCamerounSans, où les membres de la communauté prennent une position audacieuse contre la haine, tout en favorisant les initiatives de paix dans leurs communautés respectives. Rejoignez-nous maintenant pour galvaniser le public à dire #NonALaHaine, tout en promouvant des espaces numériques sûrs pour tous les utilisateurs d’Internet !

1. Connectez-vous à https://frames.defyhatenow.org/   
2. Sélectionnez la langue préférée de votre cadre.
3. Téléchargez votre image. 
4. Voilà ! Téléchargez votre cadre #PeaceJam2023.
5. Participez à la campagne en ligne en postant vos photos en taguant  @defyhatenow_WCA &  @Civic Watch Cameroon en utilisant les # : #All4All #PeaceJam2023 #NonALaHaine #UnCamerounSansHaine !

Célébrez la Paix Avec Nous A Yaoundé : Citadelle de la Paix

A Yaoundé, nous vous invitons à nous rejoindre à la Place de l’Indépendance le samedi 17 juin de 8h à 20h. Nous commencerons la journée par une journée portes ouvertes #defyhatenow, aux côtés d’organisations partenaires qui ont manifesté leur intérêt pour exposer leur travail. Le public est invité à se joindre à nous à partir de 12h pour des activités socioculturelles, culinaires, artistiques et des performances publiques. Ce sera l’occasion de présenter notre travail de construction de la paix au Cameroun, nos ressources documentaires produites et d’éduquer le public sur les petits pas qu’il peut faire pour défendre les initiatives de paix à différents niveaux.

Êtes-vous intéressé à rejoindre l’événement #PeaceJam2023 à Yaoundé et à partager des idées sur vos efforts de consolidation de la paix ? Contactez-nous dès maintenant via cameroon@defyhatenow.org et obtenez un espace GRATUIT pour votre organisation !

#All4All, #PeaceJam2023, #defyhatenow #NonALaHaine #UnCamerounSansHaine 

An onsite sociocultural and artistic jamboree to hold in Yaounde on Saturday, while the entire #defyhatenow Community will converge online on June 18 for the annual virtual event.

The #PeaceJam is a key #defyhatenow milestone that we marked during the UN International Day of Peace, marked on September 21 every year. We have since moved the #PeaceJam to the 18th of June, this is in line with the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, building on the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech launched on June 18,  2019 to counter hate speech. To ‘jam’ for peace is using improvised strategies to build peace based on the energy generated by their own creative expressions rather than relying on predetermined plans. This year, the broader #defyhatenow topic we hope to understand in an effort to counter hate speech is: “Online safe spaces for digital security”.  We are joining the United Nations to counter discrimination, xenophobia and hate speech and increasing our efforts to counter Hate Speech, in line with international human rights law. Read complete information about #PeaceJam2023.

In July 2021, the UN General Assembly highlighted global concerns over “the exponential spread and proliferation of hate speech” around the world and adopted a resolution on “promoting inter-religious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in countering hate speech”. The resolution proclaimed June 18 as the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, which was marked for the first time in 2022. To observe the Day, the United Nations invites governments, international organisations, civil society groups, and individuals to hold events and initiatives promoting strategies to identify, address and counter hate speech. 

Mobilising Civic Action against HateSpeech in Cameroon

#defyhatenow initiative is implemented in Cameroon by Civic Watch, a youth-led and community-based organisation. Funded by the German Foreign Office through the Berlin-based NGO, r0g_agency for Open Culture and Critical Transformation, #defyhatenow aims to provide community-based, data-driven solutions to the problem of hate speech, misinformation and fake news. Our work focuses on creating a framework for building trust among stakeholders by mobilising civic action against all forms of hate speech and incitement to violence both online and offline.

In light of the above, our work in the month of June focuses on creating a platform for the promotion of social cohesion, celebration of our diversity and exhibition of our cultural heritage as a nation. Through a call for proposal of projects, #defyhatenow community and partners will be running a series of activities. From capacity building, mass media sensitisation, movies, #Tech4Peace, art and cultural display to community mobilisation initiatives, different parts of Cameroon will vibrate to the rhythm of #PeaceJam2023. A total of 20 grassroot organisations and media associations selected in nine locations will be engaging the public during the days leading to June 18, where we shall jointly take a public stance against #Hate, #Hatespeech and resultant vices like violence and violent extremism in our respective communities. 

The Northern part of the country is represented by Youth Collectif for Peace and Sustainable Development based in Maroua and Septentrion Check, a group of four factchecking journalists in Garoua. The North West will host activities in Bamenda led by Pechuqui Laurata, Mbuh Stella Official and Nkwen Baptist Church Youth Fellowship, while OJ Slim Media will mobilise Wum Community.  Peace lovers in Buea will participate in community, art and tech projects under the banner of Global Hand Cameroon, The Show Theatre Troupe, Goodwill Ambassadors of Hope, Digital Renter & ActivSpaces Cameroon. A media training and sensitisation campaign involving Journalists in the West Region are underway, run by Cameroon Community Media Network – CCMN West Chapter. Association Better Future will host an intercultural and intergenerational dialogue in Nkongsamba, while Douala-based associations, Tamtam Du Mboa, Association des Jeunes Entreprenants de Bonassama and Association Art & Vivre-Ensemble will engage women, youth and children for several days. The capital City, Yaounde, will equally join in the nationwide move, through four different initiatives implemented by News Upfront Blog, AMKAY pour AMKAY Youth, Center for Youth Education and Economic Development – CYEED and Leading youth in Agriculture and nation building – LYIA-NB.

Objectives:

• Mobilise community members for a series of online and offline events nationwide aimed at fostering safe digital spaces
• Provide a platform for online discussions on creating safe digital spaces and digital security
• Raise awareness at community levels on the need to foster peace, acceptance and social cohesion
• Building community activism and resilience towards countering hatespeech and (resultant) violence
• Take a firm and public stance against hate, in line with the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hatespeech

Are you wondering how to participate?

Virtual Panel Discussion: “Online safe spaces for digital security”

Register now for the virtual #PeaceJam2023 session as we mobilise peace lovers globally to denounce hate on June 18, 2023 at 14:00 hrs -16:00hrs Yaounde / 15:00 -17:00 hrs Berlin/Juba  16:00hrs – 18:00 hrs Nairobi/Addis Ababa time. Ahead of the one-hour insightful discussion with resource persons from Cameroon on the theme: “Online Safe Spaces for Digital Security ” reserve your seat & save the date by clicking here!

Upload your #PeaceJam2023 Photo frame! 

As is the tradition every year since 2015, #defyhatenow Cameroon will be mobilising our community both online and offline for #peacejam2023. A series of hybrid combined actions towards a #HateFreeCameroon, whereby community members take a bold stance against hate, while fostering peace initiatives in their respective communities. Join us now as we galvanise the public towards saying #NoToHate, while promoting Safe digital spaces for all internet users!

1. Log on to https://frames.defyhatenow.org/ 
2. Select your frame preferred language.
3. Upload your image. 
4. Voilà! Download your #PeaceJam2023 Frame
5. Join the campaign online by posting your photos tagging @defyhatenow_WCA & @Civic Watch Cameroon using the #s: #All4All #PeaceJam2023 #NoToHate #HateFreeCameroon!

Jam 4 Peace with Us in Yaounde: Citadel of Peace

In Yaounde, feel free to join us at the Independence Square on Saturday, June 17 from 8h to 20h. We will start the day with a #defyhatenow Open-Door Day, alongside partner organisations that have expressed interest in exhibiting their work. The public is hereby invited to join us from 12h for socio-cultural, culinary, artistic and public performance activities. This will be an opportunity to showcase our peacebuilding work in Cameroon, our produced resource materials and educate the public on small steps they can take to champion peace initiatives at different levels.Are you interested to join the #PeaceJam2023 event in Yaounde and share insights about your peacebuilding efforts? Contact us now via cameroon@defyhatenow.org and get a FREE space for your organisation!

From my veins the blood flows

Through my racing heart reminding I’m still here. 

Deep down I make a prayer

The same I’ve been making all these years 

hoping to wake up to days of no blood

The same my mother made watching her son give his last breathe. 

The one my forefathers made watching them seize their brothers to the land they knew nothing of 

We heard, they were maimed and chained and killed…memories disturbing 

We heard, sharks tailed slave ships crossing the Atlantic ocean feeding on bodies thrown overboard

We heard mother’s were forced to kill their babies so they don’t grow to that same pain

We heard the next decade wasn’t better. 

And here we are

A long journey of trying to heal broken pieces 

Yet we are recycling the wrongs and giving them new names. 

Once slaves begging to be free

And then the ruled hoping to outgrow 

But when it came our time to lead,

We took all things we said we hate and created the very monster we tried to kill

Loose tongues sending others to graves

Fast fingers sending messages of pain… 

Mindless acts, 

Careless souls

Where is your love? 

It’s no longer a game of black and white but these chains we’ve chosen to embrace. 

Chains aren’t rusted metals hung around your hands 

They aren’t metal bars with thundering eyes, a commanding voice telling you when to eat cuz that’s the only meal you’ll get… 

Chains aren’t a lash to your back asking you to work even when it feels your next breathe will be last

These chains are you choosing to not see the evil your heart begets

It’s  you giving others names and watching them crumble in pain for no reason except that you both share different names

It’s you turning a deaf ear to the cries next door 

Erecting walls where people try to crush

Giving room for evil and war to thrive 

When a single word or action could turn all things around 

Why hug these chains? 

My heart bleeds

My soul wonders 

As I hope to see a smile without lines of pain forcing themselves within.

I hope to see people punch thier phones without fearing the next sad news to bring

To see children walk down the streets without picking bullets their way down this place

To help these little ones make childhood memories without trails of hate, and pain, and blood and death. 

I am a thirsty throat for a world without division

The bleeding pen crying for a new day

I am a child of light shunning darkness and all that comes with it

I am the voice of peace 

Breaking these walls ego made of us 

Rebuilding the strength buried in our blood 

I am a voice on mission 

A messenger to your soul 

Hoping you give life and peace another chance

The world needs peace

Peace needs you! 

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/NyanghaSandy/

Email: nyanghasandy@gmail.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NyanghaS

Nyangha Sandy (09/2022)

Socials: Instagram @mumbipoetry
Twitter: @mumbipoetry
Facebook: Mumbi Spoken Word
Youtube: Mumbi Poetry
Email: bookmumbi@gmail.com

The revolution will not be televised, the revolution will be on Instagram live.
The revolution will be planned on mood boards, the revolution will be on zoom calls.
The revolution will come in form of snapchats, the revolution will come in form of hashtags.
The revolution will begin with a change of heart, the revolution will begin with an appreciation of art.

The story of Africa through the African’s eyes was the greatest story never told. I’m having a hard time trying to figure out how we went from Copper, Silver, and Gold, to only being seen for the poverty, hunger, and young Kings out in the cold.

Africa is the origin, the place where we have history that the rest of the world can try to imitate, but could never recreate. Now forced to comply with a foreign standard of beauty, don’t you see the cruelty? The words in out languages form melodies as they echo through the air, our heritage is as complex as the kinks in our hair, the way we weave sisal into baskets with flare. 

What if an African woman knew that her thick hips and big lips which they try to imitate is nothing new? We have the skills of the black man in Africa who was wearing hides and skins, they said we were uncivilized before they came but we had Emperors and Kings, and I would like to believe that the African kings still lives. I look at my African brothers and say, ‘you don’t look like a John, and you do not look like a Tom, and I do not look like a Lisa, but isn’t that the type of name they’ll want when I’m applying for a Visa?’ They took away our names, put our pictures in museums in frames, made us feel ashamed, made us forget that we are all the same.

Africa is the future, Africa is the past, Africa is now. So go ahead, tell an African Queen her hair is too rough, tell an African King his name is too tough, enough is enough. And if I have offended, bring me before whoever you think is greater and tell them my name is Mumbi, is means creator.

Le 21 septembre de chaque année, la communauté mondiale de #defyhatenow converge en ligne pour partager des perspectives sur les efforts de consolidation de la paix menés dans le monde entier.

#defyhatenow se joint à la communauté internationale ce 21 septembre 2022 pour marquer la Journée internationale de la paix de l’ONU! Comme chaque année depuis 2015 tous les amoureux des initiatives et processus de paix sont encouragés à organiser ou participer à des activités visant à promouvoir la paix où qu’ils se trouvent.  À ce titre, à #defyhatenow, nous choisissons d’agir pour la paix – #Act4Peace par le biais d’un rassemblement virtuel annuel connu sous le nom de #peacejam (traduit librement en : converger pour la paix). Cet exercice consiste simplement à improviser des actions de consolidation de la paix sans préparation approfondie, mais à développer de nouvelles idées et façons de faire de manière spontanée, l’énergie provenant de l’interaction créative des participants qui partagent leurs perspectives autour d’un thème particulier et proposent des idées de consolidation de la paix et de cohésion sociale. 

La première #peacejam en ligne organisé par #defyhatenow a eu lieu à Juba, au Soudan du Sud, en 2015 et les activités de chaque année tournent autour du thème mondial annoncé par les Nations Unies. En 2022, le thème de la Journée internationale de la paix est « Mettons fin au racisme, Bâtir la paix ! ». Le thème ; tel que reformulé par #defyhatenow que nous espérons explorer est le suivant : pourquoi est-il difficile de parler du racisme ? Nous nous joignons aux Nations unies pour nous élever contre les actes de haine en ligne et hors ligne, pour soutenir les appels mondiaux à la paix et fédérer les amoureux de la paix de différents horizons afin de trouver de nouvelles façons de mettre fin aux conflits violents. Le racisme est également un catalyseur du discours public grossier qui normalise la haine, nie la dignité et encourage la violence. Aucun pays n’est à l’abri de l’intolérance ou de la haine !

Cette année, nous espérons explorer le thème : « Comment le racisme affecte-t-il la réponse aux conflits et la consolidation de la paix ? »

Selon une citation du site web de l’ONU, “l’instauration d’une paix véritable ne se limite pas à déposer les armes.  Il faut construire des sociétés où tous les membres sentent qu’ils peuvent s’épanouir. Il s’agit de créer un monde dans lequel les gens sont traités de manière égale, indépendamment de leur race, de leur appartenance ethnique, de leur sexe, de leur religion, de leur orientation sexuelle et de leur origine.

Points de discussion

• Qu’est-ce que le racisme ?

• Pourquoi est-il difficile de parler du racisme.

• Comment le racisme est-il lié au tribalisme ?

• Racisme systémique & structurel en Afrique.

Nous partagerons des idées sur la façon dont le monde réagit aux conflits dans différents endroits en fonction de la couleur de la peau en regardant les expériences au Cameroun, en Ukraine, en Éthiopie, au Soudan, en Irak, en Afghanistan, etc.

● Qu’est-ce que le racisme ?

Le racisme est la croyance qu’une certaine race de personnes, généralement de la même couleur, a tendance à avoir des attributs spécifiques qui les rendent supérieurs aux autres races et donc à miner les autres races qui ne sont pas de leur propre race. La politique des cheveux et du colorisme.

● Comment le racisme est-il lié au tribalisme ?

La discussion portera ici sur la façon dont le racisme et le tribalisme sont liés.

Le racisme et le tribalisme sont structurels, institutionnels, interpersonnels et intériorisés. Ils sont tous deux responsables de nombreux maux de la société moderne.

Les effets du racisme vont des interactions interpersonnelles quotidiennes façonnées par la race ou par la tribu aux opportunités d’éducation, de logement, d’emploi, etc.

Le tribalisme peut être attribué à des aspects du sous-développement, de la corruption, des opportunités inéquitables, du trucage des élections et de la violence, etc.

À partir de ces définitions, il est important de noter que les deux phénomènes comportent potentiellement des éléments d’intérêt personnel, collectif et/ou politique. Ils sont tous fondés sur le désir d’un individu ou d’un groupe de dominer, d’exploiter ou d’agresser les autres.

• Pourquoi est-il difficile de parler du racisme ?

• Racisme systémique & structurel en Afrique.

#peacejam2022, c’est aussi la célébration, la mise en avant de nos valeurs artistiques et culturelles. Nous aurons des prestations d’artistes de différentes parties du monde à travers la poésie, la musique, le slam et les performances théâtrales. 

Une seule célébration, plusieurs lieux !

En plus de la session annuelle virtuelle, des activités sur place sont organisées avant et pendant la Journée internationale de la paix. Notre chef de projet, Stephen Kovats, participe actuellement aux activités de la Journée de la paix des Nations unies dans le camp de réfugiés d’Olua, près d’Adjumani, en Ouganda. Au Sud-Soudan, des événements sur place sont prévus au Hub de Scenius à Juba où des discussions autour de la consolidation de la paix auront lieu. Au Cameroun, des activités simultanées sont organisées dans sept des dix régions du pays. Des régions du Nord, en descendant vers le Sud, en passant par les régions du Littoral, de l’Ouest et du Centre, les acteurs locaux et les parties prenantes des différentes parties du triangle national mènent des actions pour la promotion de la paix, en célébrant la journée qui leur est réservée !

À la fin de la #peacejam2022 de cette année, nous espérons que les gens s’élèveront contre toutes les formes de discrimination et de haine, que ce soit en ligne ou hors ligne. Faire comprendre aux participants la nécessité d’un contrat social renouvelé, fondé sur des droits et des opportunités pour tous, afin de lutter contre la pauvreté et l’exclusion, d’investir dans l’éducation et de reconstruire la confiance et la cohésion sociale. Étendre la solidarité à toute personne fuyant les conflits ou les persécutions, sans aucune discrimination fondée sur la race, la religion ou l’ethnie. Créons tous ensemble les journées de la paix chaque jour ! C’est une opportunité que vous ne voulez pas manquer !

À propos de la Journée internationale de la paix

Chaque année, la Journée internationale de la paix est célébrée dans le monde entier le 21 septembre. Établie en 1981 par une résolution unanime des Nations Unies afin d’offrir une date commune à l’ensemble de l’humanité pour s’engager dans une culture de construction de la paix au-delà de toutes les différences, l’Assemblée générale des Nations Unies a déclaré que cette journée était consacrée au renforcement des idéaux de paix, en observant 24 heures de non-violence et de cessez-le-feu. L’Assemblée générale des Nations unies a déclaré que cette journée était consacrée au renforcement des idéaux de paix par l’observation de 24 heures de non-violence et de cessez-le-feu. 

Mais selon les Nations unies, l’instauration d’une paix véritable ne se limite pas à déposer les armes.  Il faut construire des sociétés où tous les membres sentent qu’ils peuvent s’épanouir. Il s’agit de créer un monde dans lequel les gens sont traités de manière égale, indépendamment de leur race, de leur couleur, de leur sexe ou de leur tribu, ajoutant que nous avons tous un rôle à jouer dans la promotion de la paix. La lutte contre le racisme est un moyen essentiel de contribuer à cet effort.  C’est dans cette optique que les Nations unies ont choisi le thème de cette année : “Mettons fin au racisme. Bâtir la paix !”

#defyhatenow

#PeaceDay

#peacejam2022

#UnCameroonSansHaine

On September 21 every year, the global #defyhatenow community converges online to share perspectives on peacebuilding efforts carried out worldwide.

#defyhatenow joins the international community today September 21, 2022 to mark the UN International Day of Peace – #PeaceDay! As is the case every year since 2015 all lovers of peace initiatives and processes are encouraged to organise or participate in activities aimed at promoting peace wherever they are.  As such, at #defyhatenow we choose to #Act4Peace through an annual virtual get-together known as #peacejam. To “jam” for peace is simply by means of improvising peacebuilding actions without extensive preparation but to develop new ideas and ways of doing things spontaneously with the energy coming from the creative interaction of the participants as they share perspectives around a particular theme and propose ideas of peacebuilding and social cohesion. 

The first #defyhatenow social media #peacejam took place in Juba, South Sudan, in 2015 and each year’s activities are coined around the UN global theme. The 2022 theme for International Day of Peace is End Racism; Build Peace! The broader #defyhatenow topic we hope to understand is: Why is it difficult to talk about racism? We are joining the United Nations in standing up against acts of hate online and offline, supporting the global calls for peace, and jamming with people from all over to look at new ways to end violent conflict. Racism is also a catalyst of coarsening public discourse that normalizes hate, denies dignity, and spurs violence. No country is immune from intolerance or free of hate!

This year, we hope to explore: How racism affects the response to conflict and peace-building?

According to a quote on the UN website, “achieving true peace entails much more than laying down arms.  It requires the building of societies where all members feel that they can flourish. It involves creating a world in which people are treated equally, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and background.

Points of discussion

●      What is racism?

●      Why is it difficult to talk about racism

●      How is racism related to tribalism?

●      Systemic & structural racism in Africa

We will be sharing insights on how the world responds to conflicts in different locations based on skin color looking at experiences in Cameroon, Ukraine, Ethiopia, Sudan, Iraq, Afghanistan etc.

●      What is racism?

Racism is the belief that a certain race of people, usually of the same colour, tend to have specific attributes that make them superior to other races and thus undermining the other races that are not of their own race.

The politics of hair and colorism.

●      How is racism related to tribalism?

The discussion here will be on how racism and tribalism are interrelated.

Racism and tribalism are structural, institutional, interpersonal, and internalized. Both are responsible for a lot of ills in modern society.

The effects of racism range from daily interpersonal interactions shaped by race or tribal based opportunities for good education, housing, employment, etc.

Tribalism can be attributed to aspects of underdevelopment, corruption, unfair opportunities, rigging of elections and violence etc.

From these definitions, it is important to note that both potentially carry elements of personal, collective, and/or political self-interest. They are all grounded in the desire of an individual or group to dominate, exploit, or assault others.

●      Why is it difficult to talk about racism?

●      Systemic & structural racism in Africa

#peacejam2022 is also about celebration, showcasing our artistic and cultural values. We will be entertained by artists from different parts of the world through poetry, music, spoken word and theater performance. 

One celebration, Several Locations!

In addition to the virtual annual session, onsite activities are organized before and during the international Day of Peace. Our Project Lead, Stephen Kovats, is currently participating in the UN Peace Day activities at Olua refugee settlement near Adjumani in Uganda. In South Sudan, onsite events are planned at Scenius Hub in Juba where discussions around peacebuilding will be taking place. In Cameroon, simultaneous activities are running in seven out of the 10 Regions of the country. From the Northern Regions, going down South, through the Littoral, West and Centre Regions, local actors and stakeholders from different parts of the national triangle are championing actions for the promotion of peace, in celebration of the day reserved for them!

At the end of this year’s #peacejam2022 our hope is to have people speak out against all forms of discrimination and hate be they online or offline. To have participants understand the need for a renewed social contract, based on rights and opportunities for all, to tackle poverty and exclusion, invest in education, and rebuild trust and social cohesion. Extend solidarity to everyone fleeing conflict or persecution without any discrimination based on race, religion or ethnicity. Let us all create #PeaceDay every day! This is an opportunity you don’t want to miss!!!

About the International Day of Peace

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. Established in 1981 by a unanimous United Nations resolution to provide globally shared date for all humanity to commit to a Peace building culture above all differences; the UN General Assembly has declared this day as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire. Calling on everyone to ensure that people of every race, ethnicity, color, gender, religion, creed and sex enjoy a sense of belonging and safety, and have an equal opportunity to contribute to the success of building an environment void of hate and violence be it online or offline. 

But as per the UN, achieving true peace entails much more than laying down arms.  It requires the building of societies where all members feel that they can flourish. It involves creating a world in which people are treated equally, regardless of their race, color, sex or tribe, adding that we all have a role to play in fostering peace. Tackling racism is a crucial way to contribute to this effort.  It is in this light that the UN coined this year’s theme: “End Racism. Build Peace!”

#Act4Peace 

#PeaceDay

#defyhatenow 

#peacejam2022

#CheckYourPrivilege 

#HateFreeCameroon