Spoken Word: Rhythmic Learning
Interview Part One
Shabazz McNabb
10/9/20261 min read
Interviewer: "McNabb, What catalyst served as the foundation for 'From One To 54'?"
McNabb: "The catalyst was/is the love of myself, my people, and our heritage."
Interviewer" Explain the title."
McNabb: "The title is based on true African history that has been strategically hidden. The continent was separated into 54 countries or political borders by Europeans invaders during the Berlin Conference of 1884 to 1885. This maneuver colonized and crippled the native tribes of the continent."
Interviewer: "Why is it important for us to know this now?"
McNabb: "I'm glad you asked. Colonization crippled the native tribes of the continent, creating a starkly polarized legacy: it has left Indigenous populations with intergenerational trauma (worldwide) while allowing colonizers to accumulate generational wealth and privilege (worldwide).
The lyric summarize this...
Children of the African Sun. This is how the 54 begun.
Once one nation of freedom, justice, and equality.
Taking for granted our oneness. Our solidarity.
Children of the African Sun. This is how the 54 begun.
Foreign invasion divide the land into 54 on demand.
Chaos, cruelty, enslavement became our new command.
Children of the African Sun. This is how the 54 begun.
Our Culture. Changed!
Our Belief. Changed!
Children of the African Sun. This is how the 54 begun.
Our Locations. Changed!
Our Languages. Changed!
Children of the African Sun. This is how the 54 begun."
Interviewer: "Any last words or thoughts?"
McNabb: "Our active truth-seeking and constructive self-advocacy may serve as primary engines for our healing process. 'The truth is powerful and will prevail.'--Sojourner Truth. POWER to our people!"
Assignment: Follow the truth and don't be afraid to accept where it leads you. This is a track on the album “Africa” The Continent. Add it to your shopping cart.
Until our next Blog...
