This perspective resonates with (PesArch telling the story of his birthplace) compares with the historical and ongoing struggles of the world’s global south, as foreign communities living in the west, particularly those of African descent, continues to endured centuries of oppression, misguided, and systemic racism. Someway it tells the story of the African struggles for liberation in their own land highlighting Enugu State and many parts of Europe as a perfect setting. However, it also universalizes the term to include anyone who stands in solidarity with the fight for liberation, regardless of their racial or ethnic background. In this sense, being a “Black child” becomes a metaphor for embodying the spirit of resistance and sacrifice in the pursuit of a more just and equitable world.
This interpretation aligns with the ideas of many thinkers and activists, such as Frantz Fanon, Malcolm X, and Angela Davis, who have emphasized the interconnectedness of global struggles against oppression. It also echoes the concept of “Ubuntu,” a Nguni Bantu term meaning “I am because we are,” which emphasizes collective humanity and solidarity. Ultimately, through this statement we tend to highlights the importance of recognizing and honoring the sacrifices of those who have fought for freedom and justice throughout history, while also inspiring others to continue this struggle in their own contexts. It is a call to action for all who believe in the principles of equality, liberty, and human rights.
Kemethiopian is a profound narrative that intertwines the struggles of a “Black Child” with the broader socio-political and historical context of global south, Africa, colonialism, and the fight for liberation. The story is told through the lens of Ifeanyi, a young Nigerian immigrant living illegally in Italy, and is penned by an Italian journalist named “Anima di Uomo Libero” (Freeman Soul). The tale is a poignant exploration of identity, resilience, and the quest for justice, set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s post-colonial reality and the broader global south, Africans in Africa and in diaspora.
The Birth of Black Child story begins in a small village called Umu-Onu, also known as Ogene-Eze, located in Ogurute, Enugu-Ezike, in the northern part of Enugu Statee, Nigeria. This region was once found under the umbrella of the formal capital of the short-lived Federal Republic of Biafra, a city that emerged during the Nigerian/Biafra Civil War (1967-1970). The village is nestled in one of the remaining rainforests in West Africa, a region rich in natural beauty but plagued by poverty and neglect.
Black Child, the protagonist, was born into a large family in this impoverished town. His childhood is marked by the harsh realities of living between a typical rainforest village with his grandfather and in a congested slum in the city where his father lived and work, juxtaposed against the affluence of nearby Housing Estates and Government Residential Areas in the central city. These wealthy enclaves were once occupied by English missionaries and colonial administrators but were abandoned after Nigeria gained independence from Great Britain in 1960. The slums, however, remained, a stark reminder of the inequalities that persisted in the newly independent nation.
From a young age, Black Child is acutely aware of the disparities between his environment and the affluent neighborhoods nearby. He refuses to accept his circumstances as his destiny and makes a promise to his mother, that he will build a better home for her and transform the slum into a new city. This promise becomes a driving force in his life, instilling in him a sense of responsibility not just for his family, but for society at large.
Black Child’s commitment to this promise shapes his character. He becomes hyper-sensitive to the needs and feelings of those around him, often sacrificing his own desires to please others. This tendency to prioritize others over himself leads to a gradual disconnection from his own identity. He begins to forge multiple personalities, living as a youth in reality while envisioning himself as a perfect grown-up in his dreams. This duality becomes a coping mechanism, allowing him to navigate the harsh realities of his life while holding onto the hope of a better future.
Black Child’s life takes a dramatic turn when he witnesses his mother bleeding while they work together as stonebreakers in a field. The sight was so traumatic that he faints and is carried home, where he receives local therapy because his family cannot afford to take him to a hospital. This incident marks a turning point in his life, blurring the lines between reality and dreams. He becomes increasingly detached from the world around him, retreating into a dreamscape where he can envision a life beyond the slums.
Despite his struggles, Black Child is determined to contribute to his family’s well-being. He follows in the footsteps of his elder sister, Nneka, who works tirelessly to provide for the family. Black
Child takes on various child labor-intensive jobs, from breaking stones to digging cable foundations for Chinese engineers working on the Enugu-Port Harcourt highway. These jobs are fraught with danger, and he narrowly escapes fatal accidents and kidnappings on multiple occasions.
As Black Child grows older, and began to understand the stark contrast between the slums and the well-planned residential areas of the city. This realization inspires him to seek a better life, not just for himself but for his entire community. He becomes determined to bridge the gap between the two worlds, using his intellect and determination to rise above his circumstances.
Black Child’s journey of self-discovery is marked by a series of challenges and triumphs. He wins a high-school debate, catching the attention of a Nigerian Army General who serves as the guest of honor. This victory boosts his confidence and reinforces his belief in the power of education and intellectual growth. However, he remains acutely aware of the systemic barriers that hinder the progress of people from his background.
Black Child’s quest for a better future is deeply influenced by the legacy of 300 historic activists who fought against systemic racism and Western imperialism in Africa. These activists, who dedicated their lives to challenging the matrix of oppression, serve as a source of inspiration for Black Child. He sees himself as part of a larger struggle, one that transcends his personal circumstances and connects him to a broader movement for justice and liberation.
In his dreams, Black Child embarks on a symbolic journey that mirrors the Exodus of his ancestors. He travels across deserts, seas, rivers, and mountains, retracing the steps of his forefathers who fled violence and slavery in Egypt. This dream journey takes him through significant historical and biblical landmarks, from the Nile River to Mount Sinai, and from the ancient city of Igbo landing to the promised land of Alkebulan (After-Life).
During this journey, Black Child encounters various challenges and revelations. He is guided by three large black birds and rides a dark horse through a land filled with milk and honey, reminiscent of the biblical description of the promised land. He visits the mountain of Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Commandments, and the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus began his ministry. These experiences deepen his understanding of his heritage and the spiritual strength of his ancestors.
Happened at the peak of his dream journey, as Black Child was consecrated with a metaphysical power by 300 giant creatures, each representing a hero who fought against oppression throughout history. These heroes span from the time of the Roman war against Christians to the American war against colored people and the rise of civil rights movement. In a vast arena, Black Child is endowed with incredible might and is given the name KemeThiopian, a name that unite two ancient names Kemet and Ethiopia to represent the cradle of humanity, a symbol of his role as a liberator and unifier. As a son from a long line of kings bloodline he knows that his great-grandfather was dethroned by the colonial masters during the scramble for Africa.
KemeThiopian’s mission is to revive the lost enlightenment of his people and unite them under one name, a prominent designation that will represent the entire continent of Africa. He is tasked with recreating a new paradise on Earth, one that is free from the chains of imperialism and oppression. This revelation empowers KemeThiopian to confront and defeat Mr. I. West, a symbolic representation of Western imperialism and its army of cruelty. To regain the “Akwukwo Ako na
Uche” (The magic book) where the foundation of his father’s great civilization was written, and was under the custody of the Mr. I. West.
His journey culminates in his victory over Mr. I. West, who ultimately destroys his own empire with his weapons of mass destruction. KemeThiopian is crowned the King of Alkebulan, symbolizing the triumph of justice and liberation over oppression. This extended dream serves as a metaphor for the resilience and strength of the African people, who have endured centuries of exploitation and are now reclaiming their rightful place in the world.
The story concludes with “Anima di Uomo Libero”, the embodiment of Black Child’s adult self, waking up in a lawyer’s chamber in Italy. Where he was facing a legal battle against two studios where he worked as a young architect. Despite the systemic discrimination he faces as a black immigrant, “Anima di Uomo Libero”, draws strength from the story of Kemethiopian. As he reflects on the parallels between his own struggles and those of Ifeanyi s tale about Black Child, recognizing that the fight for justice and equality is a universal one.
“Anima di Uomo Libero”, ‘s realization that the story of Kemethiopian is intertwined with his own life in the west underscores the enduring impact of colonialism and imperialism on the lives of people from the Global South. The narrative serves as a call to action, urging readers to confront the systemic injustices that continue to perpetuate inequality and oppression.
Conclusion:
Kemethiopian is a powerful and evocative story that captures the essence of the global south and African struggle for liberation. Through the journey of Black Child and his transformation into Kemethiopian, the narrative highlights the resilience, strength, and determination of a people who have endured centuries of exploitation. It is a story of hope, empowerment, and the unyielding belief in the possibility of a better future. By drawing on historical and biblical symbolism, the tale transcends its immediate context, offering a universal message of justice, unity, and the triumph of the human spirit.
