Many Africans in the Diaspora, eager to go back to their roots, are proudly taking male names such as Mohammed, Ali, or Karim, or female names, such as Fatima, Latifa, or Raheema, in the belief that they are authentically African. They do not realize that all they have done is to substitute foreign Arab names for foreign European names. African people who wish to change their colonial or slave names should take authentic African names that reflect their culture and civilization. To do otherwise is to remain culturally ...
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Many Africans in the Diaspora, eager to go back to their roots, are proudly taking male names such as Mohammed, Ali, or Karim, or female names, such as Fatima, Latifa, or Raheema, in the belief that they are authentically African. They do not realize that all they have done is to substitute foreign Arab names for foreign European names. African people who wish to change their colonial or slave names should take authentic African names that reflect their culture and civilization. To do otherwise is to remain culturally colonized. These Arab names are no more authentically African than Peter and Elizabeth, imposed by European invaders and Christian missionaries. The purpose of this book is to help Africans in the Diaspora identify authentic African names that they can wear with pride and confidence.
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