Annual Letter and Reading List for 2020

Sicebise Msengana

This year has been very tough, especially with the pandemic of corona virus which has swept across globally and taken so many innocent lives. It is very saddened to witness to grieving process during this time. Hopefully next year is going to be better than this one. 

Africa Doesn't Need Sick People

One brother once said to me “I never will get tested. I don’t want to be stressed out about my status.” Well, that’s one of the dumbest things I’ve ever heard in my life. I tried to hide my dissatisfaction, I couldn’t help but think that it is impossible for the African people to advance, grow and stand as a DIGNIFIED and RESPECTED people among other nations, when we neglect a very important essential part of nation building: health care.

The Universe Owes us Nothing Except for The Gift of Life and Luck

Do you struggle to find meaning in life? Are you feeling powerless and at the mercy of circumstances in your life? What if The Universe Owes us Nothing Except For the Gift of Life and Luck could motivate you to take responsibility for your life and live a life of purpose, happiness and freedom in spite of current painful situations in your life? Does it sound too good to be true? 

Well, it’s not. Come along for a bumpy, yet a realistic ride and discover what lies ahead. 

The Universe Owes us Nothing Except For the Gift of Life and Luck tells human accomplishment and tragedy from an African-centred perspective. This book comes with personal and historic overview of how things are the way they are and what we need to do to create a better world for the future generations. 

From either the scholar to those who spend their lives searching for answers to some of life’s difficult questions: the “Why me?” and “Why does the world have little love and too much hate, suffering and pain?” questions.

Chapter by chapter with expert analysis and in-depth research, this book takes you through all the vital aspects and seeks to dispels common myths about personal happiness, freedom, problems in Africa and the world in general. Human evolution didn’t happen through a peaceful, static and monolithic process. It took countless sacrifices, bloodshed, failures, and successes which influenced the world we live in. Purchase your copy now: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1092620958/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Unresolved Mysteries of The 20th Century

Sicebise Msengana

The demise of Adolf Hitler was one of the greatest mysteries of the 20^th century. He was born in 20 April 1889, in Braunau am Inn, Austria-Hungary. He later moved to Germany in 1913.  In 1919, he joined the German Workers' Party (DAP), the predecessor of the Nazi Party, and was appointed as its leader in 1921.

Modern Russian History Revisited

Sicebise Msengana

The history of Russia, especially communist Russia also known as Soviet Union (USSR), as told by its Western enemies is suspicious. For example, western propaganda used shaming tactics such as frequently portraying Russians as the bad guys and spies in movies produced in the 50s and 80s. The acclaimed “Animal farm” is one of the best examples. It is public knowledge that the CIA bought rights of George Orwell's book from his widow, Sonia. 

African Origins of Ancient Egypt

Sicebise Msengana

"Ancient Egypt was a Negro Civilization. The history of Black Africa will remain suspended in air and cannot be written correctly until African historians dare to connect it with the history of Egypt." -Cheikh Anta Diop 

Conscious Parenting Pt 2

By Sicebise Msengana 

The Influence of Parental Behavior on Children’s Future

Parental behavior plays a critical role in shaping a child's emotional, social, and moral development. When parents engage in behaviors that prioritize superficial validation, instability, or emotional neglect, they risk modeling unhealthy relationship patterns for their children. Research in psychology and sociology highlights how parental choices influence children's self-esteem, attachment styles, and future relationship expectations.

Conscious Parenting Pt1

By Sicebise Msengana 

"You don’t fail a child by not affording expensive clothes or sending them to elite private schools. You fail them by not providing a strong family structure with both a father and a mother—an example from which they can learn love, support, and stability." -Sicebise Msengana 

The Importance of a Strong Black Family with a Father and Mother

The strength of the Black family has long been a cornerstone of resilience, culture, and success. However, in recent decades, societal changes, economic challenges, and systemic pressures have contributed to the weakening of traditional family structures, particularly in Black communities. While financial stability and access to elite education are often considered measures of success, the true foundation of a child's well-being lies in the presence of a stable, loving family—one that includes both a father and a mother.

The Power of Family Structure

Children thrive when they grow up in homes with both parents actively involved in their lives. A father and mother each bring unique strengths, perspectives, and qualities that contribute to a child’s emotional, psychological, and social development. Research consistently shows that children raised in two-parent households are more likely to excel academically, develop higher self-esteem, avoid criminal activity, and establish successful careers.

For Black families, where historical and systemic challenges have often disrupted traditional family structures, the role of both parents in the household becomes even more critical. Strong Black families create a sense of identity, belonging, and cultural pride that helps children navigate a world that may not always affirm their worth.

The Role of the Father in the Black Family

The presence of a father in the home provides structure, discipline, and guidance. Fathers play a crucial role in shaping a child’s sense of self-worth, resilience, and ability to handle life’s challenges.

1. Emotional and Psychological Stability

A father’s involvement has been linked to lower rates of depression, anxiety, and behavioral issues in children. Boys who grow up with fathers learn how to handle adversity, develop confidence, and control their emotions. Girls benefit from a strong father-daughter relationship as it shapes their self-esteem and future expectations in relationships.

2. Discipline and Leadership

Fathers serve as role models for responsibility, hard work, and perseverance. In communities where crime and poverty are prevalent, a father’s guidance helps keep children from negative influences. Young Black boys, in particular, benefit from seeing a strong male figure who demonstrates integrity, discipline, and leadership.

3. Economic Stability

Households with two parents tend to have more financial stability, providing children with greater access to education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities. A father's presence increases the likelihood that children will complete their education and avoid poverty in adulthood.

4. A Model for Healthy Relationships

When a father loves and respects the mother of his children, he sets a powerful example of how relationships should function. Children raised in homes with strong marriages are more likely to develop healthy relationships themselves, reducing cycles of broken families and single parenthood.

The Role of the Mother in the Black Family

Mothers are often the backbone of the family, providing love, nurturing, and emotional intelligence that help children develop into well-rounded individuals.

1. Emotional Nurturing and Development

A mother’s love and support create a strong emotional foundation for a child. She teaches compassion, empathy, and communication—skills that are crucial for forming strong relationships and succeeding in life.

2. Educational Success

Studies show that children with engaged mothers are more likely to perform well in school. Mothers often take an active role in their children’s education, encouraging them to pursue higher learning and stay focused on their goals.

3. Cultural and Spiritual Foundation

Black mothers have historically been the keepers of culture, passing down traditions, values, and faith that sustain the family. Whether through storytelling, church involvement, or community engagement, mothers instill a sense of identity and purpose in their children.

The Impact of Fatherlessness on the Black Community

The absence of fathers in the home has had devastating effects on the Black community. While single mothers often do an incredible job raising children alone, the statistics regarding fatherless households are alarming:

Higher Crime Rates – Studies indicate that children who grow up without fathers are more likely to engage in criminal activity.

Lower Academic Achievement – Fatherless children are more likely to drop out of school and struggle with literacy and numeracy.

Emotional and Behavioral Issues – The lack of a father figure increases the likelihood of depression, anxiety, and aggression in children.

Teen Pregnancy and Relationship Issues – Girls without fathers are more likely to become teenage mothers, repeating the cycle of single parenthood.

These trends highlight the need to restore and strengthen the Black family, emphasizing the importance of fathers remaining actively involved in their children's lives.

The Historical Attack on the Black Family

The weakening of the Black family structure did not happen overnight. Slavery, segregation, mass incarceration, and economic disenfranchisement have all played a role in disrupting Black households. During slavery, families were deliberately separated, and Black fathers were often removed from their children's lives. In the post-slavery era, discriminatory policies continued to weaken Black economic stability, making it harder for families to remain intact.

In more recent times, welfare policies, the War on Drugs, and mass incarceration have disproportionately affected Black men, leading to high rates of fatherlessness. However, acknowledging these challenges should not serve as an excuse but rather as motivation to rebuild the foundation of strong Black families.

Solutions for Strengthening the Black Family

Rebuilding the Black family requires intentional action, community support, and a shift in cultural priorities. Here are some steps that can help strengthen the Black family structure:

1. Encouraging Marriage and Commitment

The value of marriage and committed partnerships must be emphasized in Black communities. While relationships are never perfect, commitment to family stability benefits children in the long run.

2. Economic Empowerment and Job Opportunities

Financial instability is one of the major reasons families break apart. Investing in Black-owned businesses, career training, and financial literacy can help provide better economic opportunities for Black men and women, allowing families to thrive.

3. Mentorship and Positive Role Models

Young Black boys need strong male mentors who can guide them toward success. Whether through fatherhood programs, churches, or community organizations, positive role models help counteract the effects of fatherlessness.

4. Challenging Negative Media Portrayals

The media often promotes negative stereotypes of Black fathers as absent or irresponsible. Highlighting successful Black families and involved fathers helps change the narrative and inspire young men to prioritize fatherhood.

5. Faith and Community Support

Historically, the Black church has played a crucial role in strengthening families. Faith-based initiatives that encourage marriage, family values, and support systems can help restore strong Black households.

6. Holding Men Accountable for Fatherhood

Black men must take ownership of their role as fathers and providers. While systemic barriers exist, personal responsibility and commitment to family should be prioritized. Raising boys with a sense of duty to their future children ensures the next generation grows up with strong male role models.

Conclusion

The strength of the Black family is not determined by material wealth, private schools, or luxury items but by the foundation of love, support, and structure that a father and mother provide. When both parents are actively involved in raising their children, the entire community benefits.

By rebuilding the traditional family structure, emphasizing marriage, economic empowerment, and mentorship, the Black community can create a brighter future for generations to come. A strong Black family, led by both a father and mother, is the key to overcoming systemic challenges, preserving cultural identity, and ensuring the success of Black children.

Love, Money, and the Value of Effort

By Sicebise Msengana 

In many cultures, especially where poverty is widespread, parents often see their daughters as a means of financial security rather than individuals who should seek love, happiness, and long-term fulfillment. This mindset leads many families to encourage their daughters to marry wealthy men, even if those men lack the character, morals, or emotional stability necessary for a healthy relationship.

White Weddings VS African Traditional Weddings

Sicebise Msengana

Selfhate is a mental disease. Because black people tend to forget that "white" weddings are traditional European weddings. You are simply undermining your own culture and practicing another people's culture. Alienated people have alien appetites.