"Move like a chameleon. Keep one eye on the past and the other on the future." African Proverb
Meaning of the word Maafa:
The Maafa is a Kiswahili term that translates to “terrible occurrence” or “great disaster.” It specifically refers to the African Holocaust, a tragic and devastating period in history when millions of African people lost their lives during the forced journey of captivity from the interior regions of Africa to the shores of America. This journey, known as the Middle Passage, was marked by unimaginable suffering, inhuman conditions, and profound loss, representing one of the darkest chapters in human history.
“We honour our ancestors, enrich our lives, and give promise to our descendants. Moreover, through this historic work and struggle we strive to always know and introduce ourselves to history and humanity as a people who are spiritually and ethically grounded”. Maulana Karenga
Learn more about the Maafa and African Canadian history below