At a time historically when conversation is for the most part a lost art, I am amazed that the only people talking are those trapped next to each other on flights or in prison cells on lockdown, or on sinking ships once the last lifeboat is filled. Conversation is not the penalty for isolation, but often it feels such.
Art of the
African Diaspora 2020 @ Richmond Art Center submission
for Wanda Sabir, artist
Selection Title: “Ifa Divination@ Oṣun River,” Oṣogbo, Oṣun State, Nigeria (June 2018) Digital Print 20X30
Price: $450.00
posted by Interchange @ 11:23 PM
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posted by Interchange @ 10:53 PM
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I have a red door.
It’s as if a scarlet bucket of paint spilled across the front of the driveway
and walked up the steps and then knocked.
I answer and invite the guest in, paint brush
and all. We quickly introduce ourselves and with masks secured, proceed to paint the
interior red too. It was that kind of day. Red-shot through and through. We have learned to bleed
Cut
Sutured
Cut
Healing . . . inevitable like the red paint drying quickly when the sun’s
shadow hits it before blinds are lowered. We bow and say goodbye.
We called her Scarlett. Not red. Lips the color of persimmons and hair to match
Would be suitors feel the passion flowing in her veins
Blush just beneath the liquid honey covering her body
Hair short, twists coiled wires antennae with almost radio active frequency
Scarlett vibrated when she breathed
Her walk an electric storm
Every one kept his distance except water, who liked playing
with fire
Purple cracks, broken circuits . . . melted core and cascading lava evidence of their field days . . . running and hiding. . . having fun
When she has had enough, Mama claps her hands Scarlett settles just above the horizon . . . purple
fuchsia "air" kisses goodnight where the two friends met . . . they hug each other
until both fall asleep into the next day
Vukani Mawethu or Mothers who sing. . .
I met Attieno at Jefferson Elementary School. I was attending Holy Names
College where I was working on completing my undergraduate degree. I’d gotten
divorced and was now finishing something I’d started at 17. I was 38 then. I
loved going to school. I’d arranged with the children’s father to have them on
the weekend’s when I was at college. I had four classes: 1 Friday night, 1 Sat.
morning and 1 Sat. afternoon. During the week I also had a class. I took the
children to that class. I was studying philosophy – Sartr and Kant; Aristotle and Aquinas and Avisina. I was waiting for the Mother Ship to land; instead bridges fell, freeways
crushed cars and the World Series stopped
Everyone was watching the events in South Africa—the racist regime and the
African resistance movement. I’d never thought myself a singer, but I liked to sing.
Attieno kept inviting me to a rehearsal for this American choir called Vukani
Mawethu which sang songs in the South African languages to bring awareness to
the South African Apartheid government.
She’d ask me what I did for fun and I’d reply, I went to college. I was working
on my BA and she’d reply, that’s not fun Wanda. In the meantime, Attieno gave
these really fun parties where Davey D would spin the best dance music and we
would dance and talk politics and just have the best time. She and her husband
had a house in Berkeley. I am thinking the party was an annual New Year’s
Kwanzaa party.
She told me I could bring my children [to the rehearsal]. After several months,
I finally agreed to attend a rehearsal at Finn Hall in Berkeley. Fundi was the
choir director. A retired art teacher in the Oakland Unified School District,
she sat at the piano and ran a few scales and told me I was an alto and where
to stand in the group. Everyone said hi and shook my hand and I joined Attieno
in the “cool” section of the ensemble—we were the “root girls” cause we had
sass and style and the most people. We
also had floaters or singers who had range and could sing multiple parts.
The kids met other children, boys and girls who showed my daughters where the
cool places were in the large mansion. There was food in the kitchen where we
ate before rehearsal and parents took turns watching out for the kids to make
sure they were safe.
More often than not, the kids were in the room with us coloring or doing
homework. This is pre-smart phones so the kids used paper to write and pencils
and crayons or read books. Before long my kids knew the songs too in a variety
of languages.
We wore black slacks with green or white tops.
Our sashes were green, gold and black. The choir rehearsed on Wednesdays
and performed often. I remember carrying a tape recorder and a tablet to jot
down notes and transcribe the languages. We often had South African visitors
who would help us with pronunciation.
I had to have the songs on cue cards for the first few gigs until I learned a
bit of the repertoire. It was pretty exciting. We sang for all the visiting
dignitaries, and because we were in the SF Bay Area where Ron Dellums was the
Congressman and Barbara Lee the Assembly person and Keith Carson the
Supervisor, South Africans were welcomed with open arms and many ended up
staying here or making this area their base.
There were choirs like ours in Ireland and other places in the West. Founded by
James Madulope Phillips, a South African Union organizer in exile, they said he
was the South African Paul Robeson. He could not return home and so used music
to educate and bring attention to the civil and human rights abuses in his home
country. Dr. Fania Davis invited Madulope to the Bay Area where he led workshops
and put on a concert with his students—a mass choir. The choir was so
successful and fun, Vukani Mawethu grew out of this event. I’d missed the
concert, but I’d heard about it. When Attieno invited me to come sing with her,
I couldn’t imagine where I’d get the energy from to rehearse and sing, but I
did.
I didn’t date and go to clubs or bars, so Vukani Mawethu introduced me to adult
fun. I went to Yoshi’s for the first time to see Pharaoh Sanders where I met
Shukuru Sanders, his wife at the time. I’d never been dancing at Ashkenaz
either, but this place quickly because my dance home. We’d take over the space
and my big sisters would surround me and I could just feel the music and let go of
the single mother blues. It was great. The kids were always welcome; however,
like typical kids they didn’t want to hang out with mom.
The choir became my home—I’d found my tribe. I remember when we sang at Grace
Cathedral when Bishop Desmond Tutu spoke. I also remember seeing Hugh Masekela
lots of times and how intimate the settings because someone in the group always
knew someone who knew someone. We went to all the concerts and when Zulu Spear
defected and members of Sarafina – after I’d seen the play at a theatre in San
Francisco . . . it was just so exciting to be a part of a liberation vocal
orchestra. We stood with the Palestinians, the Indigenous people, the Unions .
. . when the union shut down the ports on the West Coast, we were on the bill
that day to sing. I went to as many events as I could. I took the children when
they were young and then got babysitters and eventually left them at home. It
was a ten year commitment. I remember when the elections happened and Mariam
Makeba spoke about flying home after the concert to vote for the first time in
her adult life. I remember seeing the polling places in South Africa and
hearing from poll monitors there who lived in the Bay Area like Gerald Lenoir
what they felt like and what he witnessed. Here there were polling places set
up for people to cast their ballots. It was so exciting. We were able to buy
ballots as souvenirs later on at a fundraiser.
Arnold White painted a picture of Mandela. He also added Fania Davis and Angela
Davis to his Freedom Tree. Clearly, the
man of the hour, when Mandela got the vote and the African National Congress
took over the former Apartheid Government – it was a fulfillment of all our
dreams. When this hope was not fulfilled we were disappointed.
That day. The day Nelson Mandela became the first African leader of a new South
Africa, we eagerly awaited his world tour itinerary. Oakland was on the list
for a stop. Immediately there began to be rehearsals for a mass choir performance. We rehearsed at Allen Temple Baptist Church where Rev. Dr. J.
Alfred Smith is now pastor emeritus. Vukani
was the lead choir and we led the rehearsals with others.
The day of the concert we sang at the very full Oakland Coliseum. We danced
into the stadium while in other aisles drummers performed. I have yet to see
footage. I heard from my children and friends (they were seated with) that we
looked good.
We were embraced here, so when I went to South Africa on the
ANC’s centennial, I was surprised at the reception: sucking teeth and hands
out. This was when I was at the transit station in Johannesberg at
the information booth. However, when I was with friends or friends of friends
like Salelo Maredi and Maisha Jenkins it was like old times.
It was so nice to see the land I’d worked to liberate. The Anti-Apartheid
museum in Johannesburg was amazing—I was unable to see Mrs. Mandela but we
drove by her home. I wasn’t able to get a press pass for Oprah’s girl’s high
school graduation either and disappointedly I wasn’t able to get the the
Centennial Ceremony in . . . but I got to hang out with Selelo and meet
musicians and artists at the National Museum and went to the place in Pretoria
where the women tore their passes in half.
My parenting relationship was not one where I could trade and take advantage of
opportunities to travel to South Africa with Vukani Mawethu, but I did get
there eventually years later with my younger daughter after a trip to
Madagascar for a month.
I really wanted to go to Boswana and Mozambique and Swaziland. Next time.
Dumile and Elouise had a group called Amandla Poets. Everyone performed at
Ashkenaz or Yoshi’s or the Herbst Theatre or Zellerbach Hall . . . even Stern
Grove or the Greek Theatre, the Great American Music Hall or what became the
Justice League. There were outside concerts too: Festival at the Lake, concerts
at the park at the Embarcadero and later at the Port of Oakland.
Politics and Art waltzed together. We had political education classes or
workshops and homework. When someone came here from abroad we got together over
a meal and listened to him or her speak. When we sang at these events, we were
conversant in what was happening on the ground and could speak intelligently
about the boycott or sanctions against companies and corporations that supported
the Apartheid regime. I’d already gotten
my kids used to boycotting the grapes and strawberry companies that did not
support the United Farm Workers Union, so they were used to reading labels and
watching me do research on who owned Lever Brothers, Bank or America . . .
Zionism and Apartheid were twins and we did not support the
economics of either. My children learned early the link between economics and
power. The people could stop a giant simply by stopping the fuel – dollars.
posted by Interchange @ 10:49 PM
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Happy Mother's Day
7 messages
From: Wanda Sabir
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 at 9:18 AM
To: Lavina Johnson
Cc: TaSin Sabir
Greetings Lavina:
I want to extend you a congratulations on a wonderful son, born today, Justin. Congrats.
Tell Chris I said hi. I am back from Africa as of yesterday (smile). I attached a couple of photos of me at Bridal Falls in Chimanimani, Zimbabwe, Eastern Highlands. I was at an arts festivalthis weekend. I am home now. I was away for two and a half months (three countries).
Peace and Blessings,
Wanda Sabir
From: TaSin Sabir
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 at 9:23 AM
To: Wanda Sabir
Love these photos of u! glad ur back
From: Wanda Sabir
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 at 9:24 AM
To: TaSin Sabir <tasinsabir@gmail.com>
Yes, I am happy to be back with you too (smile). I didn't go to bed :-(. Now I have to go to work.
Peace and Blessings,
Wanda Sabir
From: TaSin Sabir
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 at 9:25 AM
To: Wanda Sabir <wandasabir@gmail.com>
What! Oh my drive safe. Can u call out
From: Wanda Sabir
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 at 9:26 AM
To: TaSin Sabir <tasinsabir@gmail.com>
What do you mean? Call out? The house phone doesn't work. I don't understand that.
Peace and Blessings,
Wanda Sabir
From: Lavina Johnson
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 at 10:37 AM
To: Wanda Sabir
Thanks Sis! I will tell Justin and Chris you said hi and sends kisses lol.
I'm glad you made it back to USA in one piece, the photos are beautiful! I'm so proud my big sis is doing her thang! lol
Love You!
Lavina Rose
From: Wanda Sabir
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 at 12:19 PM
To: Lavina Johnson
Wow! You're in CA?! Great! I am starting a doctoral program in October, so I will be coming to Carpinteria, a few miles south of Santa Barbara, CA, to Pacifica Graduate Institute. Since I will be so close, we can get together perhaps when Icome down?
My classes are Monday-Wednesday, crazy. Each month I am going to be absent from classes. I don't know how that willplay with the powers that be, but I will make it work for the students.
I will set up work for them to do in the Writing Center on those days, along with group work. It's for nine months, then inthe summer I have to do a research project (smile). The doctoral program is in Depth Psychology: Eco Psychology,Liberation Psychology and Community Psychology. I am excited. I was accepted while abroad.
You know Mom's brother's name was Floyd. I think they called him Rusty because he had red hair. I think he is the onewho drowned or died early from something.
You should all come up for Thanksgiving at my place. I will even cook (smile). We'll invite Fred over or maybe we'll havethe dinner at TaSin and Shawn's place, and we can all cook. You all can bunk with me. I have an extra couple of beds. ByNov. the study should be neater (smile).
I love Africa sis. I love everything about it, even the bad parts, even when I get frustrated and want to slap someone(smile). I love being with so many black people. I am so proud to be thought one of them -well I am (smile). Zimbabwe isso beautiful, yet the people are really suffering--no water in the suburbs. I was boiling water for baths and washing dishesand laundry and then I ran out of water. The farmers don't have seeds and people are hungry.
The country has the highest literary rate in Africa, yet there is 70 percent unemployment. The president wants investors tolet Zimbabweans have 51/49 shares and he is getting resistance in this from foreign investors. Add to that US sanctionsand we have a problem. The country has not currency. It uses an inflated American dollar and for change (they have nocoins) the South African Rand.
I had to learn to count in rands quickly. The market is really black (smile). Yet the folks are pleasant. I felt like a celebrityon Sunday when the combe drivers wanted to take a photo with the Californian. The men went and hired a photographer.They were sweet. They then got back in the combe after finding a clean bathroom for me and paying the attendant,chased down another combe I needed to transfer to to get to Harare.
I was trying to make a soccer game, but it was canceled.
Combes are commuter vans. There is no public transportation system. I had a trip from hell Thursday. I have to type mynotes (smile). (My trip home to SF took more than a day and I almost got into a fisticuffs with security in Addis at theairport last night.)
There is no central heating anywhere, so I was cold a lot, unless I was under the covers or bundled up. At the festival itwas chilly and windy--it is winter in Africa now. Summer is in December/January. The house I was staying in was lovely,swimming pool, huge garden with great veggies, a patio,. secure, but no water. Yep, when the basics are absent, it's hardto make a palace a home.
Brother Saki is a friend of a friend. He is in NY on his way to Italy, so his son showed me the house and how to manage.There is a caretaker and his family here, so I am not all alone on the premises. I have set off the alarm too many times.The security company knows my name (smile). They just can't spell it. I think they can now, but I am gone.
I loved Ethiopia girl. So beautiful in the countryside, really really beautiful. I had so much fun exploring and I met some really nice people. We did our libations for the ancestors when I arrived the first week and went to a concert. Houses aremade from mud bricks and these houses are really sturdy and sound. The government is tearing these houses down anderecting these project looking condos. In 20 years Addis Ababa is going to look like one big slum. They have these samebuildings in Zanzibar town, and parts of Harare. Grungy and ugly, the classic mud houses are going away and with them ,in Addis, this city's unique charm.
Tanzania and Zanzibar were also beautiful. I traveled a lot while there. It was in Tanzania that I went on a safari, saw thelions and tigers and cheetahs and elephants and crocodiles and zebra and wildebeests, and moneys and baboons andsnakes and foxes and vultures and flamingos. giraffe and antelope. . . . It was fun. We camped, which wasn't fun. I think alion came into our camp one night. At least that's what I heard. I didn't go and see.
Food has been a challenge, vegan and gluten free with no dairy and no eggs and no tomatoes and no sugar. I can fit mysize 14 pants again (smile).
The music festival in the eastern highlands was really fun. We stayed at a nice hotel. Again no heat and the water afterone night was luke warm. The music was sooo good, really good. And the festival was free. I met a new friend at GreatZimbabwe, he is an archeologist, I stayed at the National Park with him and his colleagues (he gave me his room) thenthe next morning we caught the combe, van, toward Chimanimani. We got a lift from a really nice man, he works for an NGO that installs toilets in communities and helps these same folks develop nurtritious gardens. The people install thetoilets with training.
He told us about other scenic spots along the way to Chimani, so we stopped at the Hot Springs which as lore will haveit, have been 100 degrees celcius since the beginning of creation. Those who believe this also believe the waters whichare hot, are holy.
I am not blocking any blessings girl so I filled a bottle up with the hot water. I had to let it cool before I put it on my face.You could make tea, next time, I am going to bring some bags and sit and have a few cups. It is such a unimpressivespot. It's not in a spa, it's across the street from some small stores, literally in the 'hood.
I left some for my host's parents who are not doing too well presently, especially the dad. Brother Saki is a filmmaker, an author, father, husband and director of a multimedia arts institute in Harare. He lives in Emeral Hill, only in the movies right?
Where else would OZ be real but in Africa (smile). In Zimbabwe to be exact. I am going to adopt a 14 year old girl I metand really like. I visited an orphanage while in Zim called Mother of Peace. I have friends who support the mission and Ireally loved visiting there.
Bella Bridget is such a sweet girl. Her parents are deceased and her siblings are all older than she. She and anothersister-friend of hers helped me climb the sacred mountain the day I left. It was divided into 14 stages of the cross, the girlsprayed at 9 of them, while some women ahead of us who we eventually passed was singing and shouting and reallygetting their prayer on (smile).
At the top of the mountain is an altar and open space for prayer and worship. We made prayers. I wrote mine on paperand the girls wrote theirs in the dirt. We then climbed back down to visit the shrines. We met the keeper of the shrines onour way up.
Mother of Peace shares this area with a Lepers colony. We had lunch with the guardian of the Shrine in Mutoko. Thecommunity is Catholic. The two women, sisters, Mama Jean and Mama Stella, are taking care of 125 children, many havegrown up here. My host's wife was raised there. They have cows and hogs, chickens and lots of crops. The localprisoners are hired to do the harder labor like planting crops and harvesting.
There is a dam near by where people fish. The village is arranged in cottages with the names of saints on them. I was in St. Raphael, a cottage a friend of mine built. Dr. Scott started practicing medicine at MOP in 2002(?) and the health of the over all community began to shift. There is a clinic where not just the children, but the community can get check-ups, routine tests, the clinic even provided prenatal services now.
A lot of people have HIV disease. it used to kill many of the children at MOP. Not that number has decreased. Bothmothers and children are living longer healthier lives. I took books and a couple of dolls as donations plus gave somemoney (smile).
I visited three children's shelters while I was away. In Addis the children were being taken care of by the community. Inanother place there was a drop in day center and if the kids were homeless, street kids, they could live there. A lot of thekids also had HIV disease. The boarding house I was staying at supported this facility as well as activities and schoolingfor many of the kids. I gave books and a doll to one of the women I met there who was adopting an Ethiopian child fromanother facility.
She was Irish.
When I went to Arusha, I gave most of the dolls and many of the books to the children at United African AllianceCommunity Center Home. UAACC care for about 100 kids too. They are so sweet and are doing well in school. Thesekids are no all orphans, some of them have families who cannot afford to send them to school and need help.
Many families still do not value education for girls. Child marriages, especially in the countryside is still common.
I met a park ranger in Arusha at UAACC and an attorney/retired judge. I hung out with both of them. Maggie has anorganization that supports the well-being of orphans. She takes them out on Sundays to the amusement park everymonth. There are only 5 women park rangers in Arusha or Tanzania, three of them are related to her (smile).
We went dancing that night. It was really fun hanging with the tots at the amusement park in Moshi. I spent the night ather friend's house. Her friend has a mansion (yes there is water (smile). She has three girls. Her back yard is on a lakeand Mt. Kilimanjaro is within view.
I have come to appreciate mountains.
Maggie and her friend, whose name is escaping me, have a women's coop where the women are developing microbusinesses where they are raising laying hens and fryers, growing food and doing other lucrative trades so they will no bedependent on their spouses, which gives them more leverage in their relationships.
The same was true in Bwejuu with a women's group I met there. When a woman has no income, the man can do as heplease, well he feels as if he can do as he pleases with no consequences.
Money is the great equalizer. We had fun dancing. I danced by myself for the most part and we would dance together. Atthe every end, a man started dancing with me for multiple songs (smile). When I don't talk, people can't place me (smile).
Anyway, that is a bit of my journey. The tour guides tried to pick me up, most of them youngsters. I am starting to look atage differently now. It has taken me a minute to understand, but it's not always about the green card (smile) or they thinkit isn't.
By the time a man gets to be 40, he is married with lots of kids. There are not single 50 year old men in Africa. if thereare, I have not met any. And I am not interested in being a second or third wife, been there done that.
So anyway, I am open and not letting labels keep me from following my heart. I am also using my brain too (smile). I leave broken hearts behind wherever I travel. So far, I have left the men and if there was a summer fling, the summer fling, behind, so far . . . (smile).
I still communicate with three men, one asked me to marry him and his wife approved, the other is a sweet man in Mali who is not married, and a new friend in Ethiopia who has written me a few emails. A met another man from Congo who lives in Paris. I met him at the airport in Addis when I was flying to Zimbabwe. I almost missed my plane (smile).
How old is Justin now? Send me his address so I can send him something he might like. What would he like?
Fill me in on the details. I am glad you have slain the dragon and that you are not in a shelter. I have never stayed in a shelter, but all the books I have read and films I have seen make such places really last resorts. Good you have options. As long as you are happy, the current situation sounds like RELIEF (smile).
How is Chris doing in school? Is he making good grades? Tell him I am rooting for him (smile).
Peace and Love,
Wanda
PS I was all dressed and ready to go to work and I started feeling faint. I am supposed to be sleeping now. I was up all night. Let me go. I am going to send you a picture of Bela (beautiful).
posted by Interchange @ 9:49 PM
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Reflections on London
Fri, Dec 2, 2016 at 4:08 PM
Since Sonia Sanchez's poem about lions, I have felt an affinity for the king. I am of course not influenced by the Leo risingaspect of my horoscope. To see the magnificent lion, black like King Selassie I's Lion of Judah, put me at home.
London is a city seeped in Kemetic ritual and culture. It is similar to Washington DC. I just don't have Dr. Tony Browder toexplain it to me. As I walked through Covent Gardens through the three arches into St. James Park towards BuckinghamPalace, I noticed an old castle to my right as I passed . . .
When I got to the end of the road which curved, there seated was the Queen, larger than life. Cherubim and birds andother blessed creatures carved into the edifice. Golden and black gates covered the entrances. I reflected on theAsantehene in Kumasi and the British destruction of the king's palace in search of the golden stool. After the king snd hismother were arrested and sent to the Chelles islands in Madsgascar, and the king returned Christian, the British gave theAsantehene a building as a castle. The new castle is nothing compared to Buckingham palace.
Just the park, where the palace sits, the paved roads, cobbled streets (similar) to the same seen in Ghana (where there ispavement) is evidence of the travesty that is neocolonialism and enslavement. Britain can leave the EU rather than offerreparations to African descendants of the slave trade and African descedents of colonialism- - both. Membership in theEU benefits people who do not have the resources to shop around for better healthcare, pay tuition instead of attendingan EU college with free tuition, retire in a country where their retirement dollars will go farther. . . . The EU decision seemsto be part of a larger plan, similar to the USAs political decisions which isolate and estrange.
When I was in Ethiopia, the lion roared philosophically, and it roars in England too. Gondor is the prototype for England'scastles. There is so much back and forth culturally it is dizzying.
I see why the Eastern border including DC. is called New England and New York, New York. From its subways to citydesign, the eastern coast is home to British culture . . . Kemetic culture. As seen in the current exhibit at the Britishmuseum, the presence of Kemet practically and philosophically in the building of a western culture lies in its relationshipwith a black world. Kemet saw divinity within the animals and birds another living things, while the Greeks did not. Thisrespect paid forward is seen in a global disrespect for life, esp. non-human.
On my way back to Convent Gardens I found myself lost in paradise-- mama swans and her ugly duckings prepared fornightfall. I walked towards town, stopping to take photos of monuments to WW2 women soldiers, and carved inscriptionswith unicorns and serpents and nymphs. I passed a large building covering muliple blocks -- it was the Parliment whereI'd been watching discussions on BBC. Police stood at the various entrances. I also saw large underground stations likeNYs Grand Central. Red buses vied with hearse carriages (cars) the preferred mode of transport. Gas prices must not bean issue. Lots of people walk. I listened to discussion re underground access to Birmingham which still takes hours toreach. Reminded me of Antioch and Vallejo suburbs which are not easy to get to without a car.
I was on a treasure hunt for Ira Frederick Aldridge, Shakespearean actor. He moved to England at 17 to make the stagehis home. His story is topic of the play Red Velvet. The playwright is spearheading refurbishing of her theatre in SouthLondon. The current play ? is the last production before the theatre closes.
I did get by the National Gallery to see Aldridge's portrait and though I missed the curtain, I tried to go to an opera to seeinside the Royal Opera House where Aldridge starred as Othello. I'd planned to go by his home, but rainy cold weatherand time were not on my side this visit.
As I walked through Covent Garden at dusk a black man played Otis Redding's Sitting on the Dock of the Bay. He didn'twhistle.
I felt quite at home, even though what they speak in England sounds like a foreign language. I couldn't bring myself to buyanything with the country's flag or colors. I don't wear the American flag, why would I wear that of this colonial power. Inever got used to seeing Ghanaians wear scarves and shorts and blouses with stars and stripes.
How patriotic. Sister Imahkus (One Africa) spoke often of the Ghanaian love of all things American.
posted by Interchange @ 3:15 PM
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Update Zanzibar (smile)
From: Wanda Sabir
Sat, Jun 29, 2013 at 7:32 AM
To: TaSin Sabir; Bilaliyah
I tried to send this yesterday after the safari, lost it and had to type it again. It never sent. I am in Zanzibar now. TaSin it looks like Tana, Madagascar. The hotel roof looks just like the second place we stayed.
The room is sooooo much nicer. For some reason there is no blanket or top sheet. I have to ask for one.
We are right on the Indian ocean. It's pretty here. You have to do this with me next time. From yesterday. I don't know why it is so hard to send images, but I had to remove it to send the narrative.
June 28, 2013 Take Two (smile)
The days are running together. I leave for Zanzibar in the morning at 8 a.m. I will shoot you an email once I am at the hotel. I don't know why this phone is not texting internationally. Can you send me a text?
My number is:255 0755360765 (I tried texting you again TaSin. I think I will return to the store where I bought this phone and ask what the problem is.)
The O'Neals just threw a party for their son Patrick, granddaughter Malia and daughter-in-law Aisha. The party was also for the students from Stoneybrook and American University, medical and anthropology students.
Some of the guys in our truck were annoying, youth, testosterone and white skin. One kid who got dirty yesterday and messed up the back seat, took my seat, it was annoying. I sat there, to keep the peace.
I used the bathroom in a corn field today too. At the last place we stayed, the ground was wet and the tents weren't up when we arrived and it was getting dark. It was the last day. for me day five and after Frances said she got rooms for the students, I asked if they had another for me, and I got a room for $40. The men had upgraded me to a bigger tent but I was tired of camping. My arms hurt, my trigger finger (where I press the shutter button).
I met the teacher who took the college students to stay in his village. He is Masai. A young woman named Helen Thomas was with him. I told her she has my mother's name and my grandmother's maiden name.
Her dad died and her uncle is taking care of her family (4 kids, but it is hard). She is the first in her family to go to college. Her fees are just $500 per year. The semester starts July 15. I have seen her college; it's not far from UAACC.
The name of the village translates as Black Tea -- Mati ya Chai. There is a brown river that runs through town. We saw lot of Wildebeests hanging out in the road. It gave us a sense of what it must be like when there is the big migration. I want to return when the animals are moving from one part of the Serengeti or Ngorogoro.
Lake Manyara National Park was tje first park we went to; it was the warm up park. We practiced taking photos while holding on as the vehicle moved. Just kidding. We learned to frame shots and our driver,
Julius was really patient. Later on, I think we were beginning to get on his nerves, because he would not stop sometimes and other times pull off before we were ready. I started speaking up when i really wanted a shot.
We saw so many lions, lots of them, cubs and nursing mamas. We saw lots of nursing mamas: elephants, ;baboons, zebra, a leopard, wildebeests. . . .
I loved the zebras. They are so pretty and the elephants. Two males were vying for the attention of a female who was standing near a tree and scratching herself. Cute. My clothes are so dirty, I can write my name in them.
We went to this really cool gallery/museum. It is patterned after the Guggenheim Museum in NY except it is African. We then went to a market in town where I bought three Masai dolls. Overkill since I already had one I bought in the gift shop with the Serengeti. She has earrings on, but I am going to fix up the others.
I am going to go back and get you some earrings and sandals. They have some really pretty ones. The Berkeley Flea Market markup is high. I found the earrings I bought before I left for sale for a little over a dollar. I am going to get a couple Masai blanket. The cook, Jumani was really great. He fixed really great veggie soup for me twice for breakfast. Most often I just ate bananas. I miss mangoes and avocados. I have to find some in Zanzibar. I have to remember to get my DVDs from Mzee Pete in the morning. I can see myself forgetting them and I need them for my presentation in the morning. I will write a note to myself.
There is a park with lots of baobab trees, but we didn't go there. Next time. Our driver needs website for his business and for his nonprofit. I told him about what you and Shawn do. I will introduce you all to him. He is interested in raising money through his website(s). The nonprofit is to help children continue their education after elementary school which is free. Kids take a test for high school and have to pay fees which many cannot afford. If they could pass the high school exam they could skip this and go straight to college.
Did I mention the cheetah we saw. It just walked by our car slowly. Another group of tourists had been waiting for it to travel across the plain for over and hour and we roll up and it walks right by us. After a short while the kids would want to start moving and I was like, what is the rush? It is not like we see this often.
We drove through Ngorogoro to get to the Serengeti. There was a museum in a couple of parks. The Masai were all over both parks dressed transitionally kids and adults. At one of the museums where we learned about Dr. Leaky, I met a docent and mentioned that they should have a website. The timing couldn't be more perfect. One of the researchers is coming out with a book. They need a catalog of the fossils and artifacts and history of mankind. So anyway. I gave him my card, but I have the museum's information (smile).
My battery is dying again. It's cold and I do not have enough cover. It is going to be a long night.Let's see if I can send you a couple photos (smile).
Love.
Mama
posted by Interchange @ 3:12 PM
0 comments
From: Wanda Sabir
Mon, Aug 12, 2013 at 4:01 AM
To: Wanda Sabir
Greetings Friends and Family:
I am headed back to Babylon-- I am leaving Zimbabwe and headed to Lusaka (2:25 - 3:35) and then Addis Ababa for(8:25 p.m.-n 10:15 p.m.), then to Rome (2:25 am-4:25 am) then on to DC (8:30-10 am) then to San Francisco (12:45p.m.)
If you are in any of these places, drop me a line (smile). I am going to look for Internet or a novel (smile).
It has been a marvelous journey and I am really grateful for all your kindness. I have met many people whom I now callfamily and as such my heart is full as I say farewell for now (smile). I started the trek in early June in Ethiopia and thentraveled on to Tanzania/Zanzibar where I discovered a lot about the salve trade and a people's resilience. I also had anopportunity to meet a couple of freedom fighters who are doing much to change the world for the better as they bridge theriff between Africa and Africans in the Diaspora. I am speaking of Mzee Pete and Mama C in Arusha at UAACC.
I hung out on the beach in Bwejuu, Sister Upesi paradise on earth. Mama Yemanja rose in her majesty the evening I wasdeparting. In Mangatpani Sister Aida nursed me back to health as I had an opportunity to learn more about the trade inAfricans. My visit to Pemba was a highlight of the Zanzibar sojourn. I really loved the large island and met a traditionalhealer and met fishermen and a really nice extension of the Khadija and Muhammad's family in the person of AbdrRahman (nephew),
Zimbabwe is such an African country when one thinks of precolonial, pre-white invasion. I think this is certainly a result ofPresident Mugabe's reign (smile). For all his faults this is certainly a plus. Zimbabweans are a proud people because theyknow their history. I cannot say this of all the places I have visited. Many Africans want to disappear into whiteness to theextent that the children do not speak their indigenous language or recognize the names of their heroes (Senegal, SouthAfrica).
It's hard here for folks and in Harare, one can see the hand of western culture but that is the way of the economic world.America's ideology makes the world go round (for real). National Heroes Day (8/13-14) falls strategically the week afterelections. It is a national holiday as was election day.
I have hung with the people literally as I took combes to distant cities --I am talking hours and hours on hot cramped vansand buses, with the occasional ride in a private car. (People carpool like that here, kind of cool). I visited Mutoko whereGogo Jean and Stella take care of a community of children who are orphaned, many to parents with HIV/AIDS. I got toclimb a mountain there. Visited Great Zimbabwe twice and can't begin to tell you the wonderful energy that engulfs theplace.
Chimanimani Arts Festival was a great opportunity toi get a taste of Zim music and dance. My battery is about to die, so again thanks for making this East African tour so wonderful.
I will certainly be back (smile).
PS Gloria C., I have a message for you from Jemali re: the house (nice man).
Mon, Aug 12, 2013 at 4:01 AM
From: Roni Jordan
To: Wanda Sabir
Wanda,
Lots to share and I can't wait to hear about your journey. I was on the phone when you arrivedat MOP and I hope you found all well there. Travel safe and let's talk once you settle in.
Min. Roni Jordan
Mother of Peace / Africa Outreach
City of
Refuge UCC Oakland, CA
916-730-0225
http://sfrefuge.org
ww.motherofpeacezimbabwe.org
www.ronijordan.organogold.com
www.coffeeallovertheworld.com
916-730-0225 my direct line
From: Jean Cornneck
Mon, Aug 12, 2013 at 12:10 PM
To: Wanda Sabir
God bless you in your endeavors we love you very much and looking forward to your next visit
From: Munyaradzi Elton Sagiya
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 at 1:57 AM
To: Wanda Sabir
Hie Wanda
Thanx for the mail. It is my hope that your journey back was good as Ambuya Mujena from the Shona Village fortell. For myself, I am doing fine here, currently at working and starting my preparations for going back to the University.Registration is starting next week and 26 August lectures will be kicking off. It is my hope that you also found yourdaughters and their families well and missing you a lot!
Bye!
Munyaradzi Elton Sagiya
Great Zimbabwe National Monument
P.O Box 1060
Masvingo, Zimbabwe
+263 77 5 102 724
From: Wanda Sabir
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 at 4:28 AM
To: Munyaradzi Elton Sagiya
Hi Munyaradzi:
TaSin is well. I haven't spoken to Bilaliyah yet. We talked for 4 hours and then went out to dinner. She is fasting an extra week. It is Sunna, something Prophet Muhammad did.
By the time I finished my tea, we were at a Vietnamese restaurant, the sun was down and she was eating from my claypot with coconut rice and tofu with vegetables (smile). She ordered curried chicken, but they brought curried tofu insteadby mistake. They corrected their mistake. I had noddle soup and tofu with vegetables. TaSin and I spoke about sadza(smile).
One of my former students works there. He is almost finished at UC Santa Cruz. He was in my English Lit class.
I have to go to work tomorrow and I am going to bed at 4 a.m. I am still on Zimbabwean time (smile). I saw your email though and I had to respond. I am surprised to see that you "miss me" (smile). I got no hug goodbye or anything (smile).
I love Gloria. thanks so much for introducing us. She is such a sweetheart. I met Godfrey as well when he and his sister took me to the airport. I have attached a photo (smile).
I got home yesterday afternoon. I will forward a note I sent to my other friends regarding my journey home FYI. My note to Gloria bounced. Please send me her email address. I must be writing it incorrectly.
All the best. By the way, I shall miss you too over the coming months.
TaSin thought my desire to adopt a young woman at the orphanage, Mother of Peace, was a great idea (smile). Did I tell you about this? Bella Bridget is 14 years old and a sweet heart as well. She has older siblings. She and her friend,climbed the mountain with me. You should have heard them singing god's praises as we stopped at each station on theway to the top (well the first seven (smile). Bella is the one praying (1581).
the bridge photos are not that spectacular. The ones you already have are better. Mine are not posed and most are from the rear.
Please send me the photo of the baobab tree in the middle of the street you told me about. It is 4:28 am I am really going to bed now.
have a great day (smile).
posted by Interchange @ 3:05 PM
0 comments
From: robert king wilkerson
Sat, Jun 8, 2013 at 8:40 PM
To: Wanda Sabir
Wanda! Hope you are traveling safe and well. I am just writing as promised: Below are my words to Charloltte and Pete!
Greetings Charlotte and Pete from the belly of the beast!This will be a very brief missive..just to say hello, and to say- Iwish I could greet you personally. And if circumstances were different, I would. For the time being, otherduties/obligations requires my presence elsewheres. However, my good friend, Wanda(Sabir) will hand deliver this toyou. While this is a bit consoling to me, it does not quench my desir to visit you(myself) in the flesh, hopefully, in the nottoo far distant future. In the meantime, I extend my Love/Respect/Admiration to you for your committment, dedication andself sacrifices you have made throughout your lives, aiding others in their quest to help "create" a better world.
I Salute You!Robert H.King
Wanda Sabir
Sat, Jun 15, 2013 at 5:32 AM
To: robert king wilkerson
Cc: Wanda Sabir
Bcc: TaSin Sabir
Hi King:
On my way to Arusha on Monday. Ethiopia is really lovely all its various aspects and peoples. It has a rich and powerfulhistory I am just dipping a toe into (smile). Maybe next time I'll spend more time here, like a month or many an entiresummer to really get a feel for the folks.
I had a great time this past week--I did a bit of traveling to Lalibela and Gonder and lastly to Bahar Dar. These are historicplaces, at least two former capitals of the country. There are so many churches here, really beautiful edifices. In Lalibela Ivisited churches carved from a mountain--all connected by tunnels. I then went to see another church a bit further away ina cave. There were skulls and other bones of martyrs who came to the church to die (smile).
The buildings are truly works of majesty and skill--artistic, each window, arch or imprint means something and it is allconnected to biblical history. In Gonder there are these beautiful drawings on the walls of the churches, however, it is thecastles which really blew me away. I didn't know there were castles in Africa.
Of course I have been spending money on trinkets--guess what, crosses no less. I have 4 at this writing. No, I am notChristian --yet (smile). I also bought scarves. All women and girls where long dresses and cover themselves. In dressMuslims and Christians look the same.
Yesterday, I saw three hippos when I took a boat ride across the third largest lake in Africa, Lake Tana which meets theBlue Nile. We sailed to that point. I also visited the Zeke Pennisula (?) and one of two islands Lake Tana, this one forwomen monks. I couldn't visit the other one, it's just for me.
There was a prison there--crazy huh?
At the site where there are at least six castles, there were cages where the kings kept lions, symbolic of the Lion ofJudah. One of the castles was built by a queen and hers is the most artistic.
What I have enjoyed most about my time away was the silence and solitude. These places of worship are great places toreflect and empty oneself of worries and thoughts of anything other than the marvel of the greatness of the creator andcreation, of which we are an important, yet not so important aspect. Seeing a building dedicated to the creator carvedfrom the outside in?! Just shows me how nothing matters more than one's faith in something greater than what one cansee.
I am sure, while locked up what kept you going was the knowledge that man was nothing and that spirit was greater thanthe container that held your body. So anyway, I am listening to Quranic recitations broadcast from the mosque nearby. Ilove it. Similarly while in the country, in the mountains surrounding Lalibela and Gonder, one could here the faithfulreciting in Ge'ez (old Amharic, the language of services.)
Got to run.
From: TaSin Sabir
Sat, Jun 15, 2013 at 10:19 PM
To: Wanda Sabir
Beautiful mommy you are getting all deep and spiritual this sounds like a rewarding trip for you. LOVE IT!
also i got you message about the books I'll do it on monday.
From: Wanda Sabir
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 at 8:01 AM
To: TaSin Sabir
Dear Daughter:
Good morning in America, good evening in Addis. Today I rested, getting ready for the next leg of the trip. I am really looking forward to Tanzania. Finally staying with people I know. That should be nice.
I think there is a soccer game. I keep hearing cheering. Ethiopia must be winning (smile). I was going to an Orthodox church this morning and then shopping for some last minute items, but I am tired of forking over $50 a shot when I want to go somewhere. Can you imagine paying $50 a day for transportation, even if you just want to go across town?
Well today was going to cost me $65 for a van, because no cars were available. I was supposed to go to the late service--6:30 am. I woke up at 4 and decided against it and called to cancel. These folks are as tired of me as I am of them. Addis is like New York, no one has time and everyone is running chasing the buck or chasing you for a buck (smile). The country was nicer. Even Bahar Dar was nice, and it is a bigger city than Addis. I hope with all the development it doesn't turn into Addis. I leave for Tanzania at 6 in the morning. I have to be at the airport at 7, three hours early.
I think Ethiopia won. Good for them (smile). The woman whose phone you texted let me read your message from Cassy's sister-in-law. I think you emailed me too, right?
Well I am signing off for now. I have to check and see what Sister Charlotte said about tomorrow's taxi fare.
peace and love,
Mama
PS Please tell Fred Happy Father's Day. I don't think he checks his email. Give my regards to your father as well.
TaSin Sabir
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 at 9:03 AM
To: Wanda Sabir
Hi mommy. Happy fathers day to u too :-) Thanks for keeping me in the loop. Are u okay on money?
From: Wanda Sabir
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 at 9:14 AM
To: TaSin Sabir <tasinsabir@gmail.com>
I don't know. Call my bank and see. Are you sure you don't have my SS# somewhere? The Internet connection here is too slow to check things like this (smile).
Abenet is here. I wish I'd known. I would have called her yesterday. She might be able to find me a less expensive way to the airport. I am never staying at the Guest Hse. again.
Mom
From: TaSin Sabir
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 at 9:16 AM
To: Wanda Sabir
I dont have your ss.
From: Wanda Sabir
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 at 9:36 AM
To: TaSin Sabir <tasinsabir@gmail.com>
okay.
Peace and Blessings,
Wanda Sabir
From: TaSin Sabir
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 at 11:24 AM
To: Wanda Sabir
Your account checking balance is 2413.66 your savings is 360.72
From: Wanda Sabir
Mon, Jun 17, 2013 at 11:45 AM
To: TaSin Sabir
thanks! I got an account balance today at the airport here in Arusha. I am here! I might be able to join the O'Neals on an excursion with their son, grandchild and daughter-in-law who are visiting for ten days.
the name of the place is Ngorongoro Crater. The son is treating his parents, but if they can figure it out, I might be able to join them. it's nice here. I am sitting in Brother Pete's palour. The kids have all retired after telling Baba goodnight. Hegave them all sweets and hugs.
The kids are all orphans and live on site. The place UAACC, is a little village, almost a city behind the enclosure. There isart everywhere.
There are sculptures on the trees and along the walk leading to my hut. There are 21 kids here ages 7-9 up to 13. Thekids are really sweet. I am going to give them the books and dolls (except one for my friend in Zimbabwe's daughter. Igave a doll and a book to the woman I met at the Guest Hse. whose adoption for a baby came through. She is Irish andnice. We went on walks, went to the cultural restaurant together and she secured a better room for me while I was away(smile).
The folks at the Guest Hse. were trying to milk me for more money this morning. The ATM at the bank went out of orderafter spitting my card out after I canceled the transaction. Funny coincidence. I gave him 500 Birr and told him they couldbill me the rest ($33). They owe me money. So I will not be paying them anything.
I saw Upesi at the airport in Addis. Can you imagine my surprise. To be walking down the aisle and see someone fromhome. I am staying at her place in Zanzibar (smile). She was going to join her husband there, but she is leaving June 30.I might see her though, Sister Charlotte and I are going to the Zanzibar Film Festival this month.
The place is like camping. I didn't see any bugs, but it is dark and feels like the wilderness (smile). My imagination is tooactive. I do not relish walking back to my room from here. It's nice in Brother Pete's room. Their friend, Ms. Jesse is heretoo, we've been talking. She is a former magistrate who is here representing a client on a case, then back to Dar esSalaam.
Compared to Addis, Tanzania is more like West Africa, except more rural. The people grow corn and sunflowers andbeans. It is really pretty driving down the road and seeing all the pretty yellow flowers. The mountains are really distant,the area not elevated.
I am going to do a few day trips and see what can be arranged re: exploring. I might just shadow Mama C. My computeris about to die, but I will type as long as I can.
The visa was $100, the most I have ever paid. I hope it lasts for a while (smile). I know it works for Zanzibar, so that'sgood.
It's late here. I am going to get a phone. I will text you the number. Another young woman from Sacramento is comingwho helps Brother Pete with a grant application to complete a kitchen for the kids.
I am listening to your outgoing message now. It is night here, so I will be off to bed shortly (smile) to sleep with the lighton.
Too much going on in the room to shut them off--art and furniture and an over active imagination.
Peace and Love,
Mama
PS The kids had a graduation today. The UAACC hosts an after school enrichment program that uses art for education.
From: Wanda Sabir
Mon, Jun 17, 2013 at 11:47 AM
To: TaSin Sabir
Oh, thanks for the account balance. I have a slight stomach ache this evening. I might fast tomorrow, just drink water, untilit feels better. Brother Pete liked the presents.
Peace and Blessings,
Wanda Sabir
Visit www.wandaspicks.com
From: TaSin Sabir
Mon, Jun 17, 2013 at 12:08 PM
To: Wanda Sabir
Awwww. I missed your call! my phone was in the bedroom charging and i was in the living room. I'll pick up. I usually pickup all numbers so I'll have to turn my phone ringer up next time it's in another room.
I picked up your artwork from Kamau yesterday and he we telling me how he climbed mt. killeminjaro back in the day.You'll have to swap stories when you get back. Glad you're with people you know now. Have fun.
love you
TaSin
From: Wanda Sabir
Tue, Jun 18, 2013 at 10:39 AM
To: TaSin Sabir
Yes. Kamau told me the story. I am going on a 5 day safari beginning Sunday with a group. I only have to pay the parkentrance fees thanks to Brother Pete. I won't see the Masai though.
When I get back, I go to Zanzibar (early and then on to Dar es Salaam for a few days and then back to Tanzania on aferry. I hope I can do a short climb and overnight when I return before I leave for Zanzibar.
There is a film festival--10 days and I am joining Mama C. A film about her is screening. I might see Upesi there, she isleaving June 30, she said. We were running around today. I got a new phone, Samsung, this time. It will be active in 72 hours.
There was a protest in town today, not the part we were in-thankfully. There was no bomb, just tear gas (smile). Wevisited one of or the oldest residence in Tanzania today. A two story house, with a lovely garden. A rhino head graced the upstairs porch.
At the safari which begins June 23-June 28, we'll visit Lake Menawa, Serengeti Park and Ngorogora--all for $245 for me.
I gave Sister C $500 for my room and board, even though I am not here for the entire time, since I am not paying the rate she asked. The kids loved the dolls. I wish I'd had something for the boys besides books, but they liked the dolls too.
I read them two books this morning. Folks don't get up super early here, but I do. I think Tanzania is an hour ahead or behind Addis. I will be heading out with the crew from here on Sunday to prepare for the students who have paid about $1000 for this trip. Please contact my bank and have them take the hold off my account.
I withdrew money today and I think they thought something funny was going on after more than four consecutivewithdrawals. I need to withdraw money in the morning without any problems. I might have reached my limit. Change thelimit if I have (smile).
thanks! I only need $245, but I have to take it in Tanzanian shillings and then Brother Pete will convert the currency intoUSD. The banks don't give USD. I have to withdraw 401, 779.8 TZS.
Sister C and I went to an Ethiopian lodge and restaurant today as we were running errands to use the bathroom and thenshe couldn't resist and bought her usual. I bought something too. Lentils and cabbage and carrorts and potatos, and fortomorrow I have the yellow split peas and more cabbage. I am going to town again tomorrow, this time with Brother Pete.
I wish King could have come, he would have loved it here. Hanging with another OG (smile).
Brother Pete, as I mentioned has his own place, and Sister C is next door in her own place. Her place is really nice, thefloors are tiled with really pretty tile. Her kitchen is modern and the bathroom is nice too. She has a studio in her placeand the couple share a door when they want to visit. Brother Pete's place also has the huge TV and I think I said he haslots of DVDs and books whereas Sister C has beautiful art work on her walls, some original like her multimedia work--shequilts too. One of her pieces is a part of a traveling show called And Still We Rise, curated by Dr. Carolyn Mazzloomi. Herwork is on Emmit Till.
After I leave the film festival I am going to go to Dar, not just to see the National Museum and the slavery museum, but tomeet with women attorneys to talk about incarcerated women in the US esp. the youth who are being tried as adults. MissJessie, the magistrate I met her, a good friend of Brother Pete and Sister Charlotte, here Monday. She and I shared a fewmeals together.
I haven't taken any photos outside of UAACC. Tanzanians don't like people taking photos, so I have just been looking andwishing I had glasses that were camera lens. The women wear the pieces like the ones in Madagascar with the wisesayings. They wear one as a skirt and the other like a shawl. The colors are pretty. The girls and women cut their hair low--most of them. It's cute, shows off their pretty eyes, but you have to look to see if a person is a girl or a boy.
The girls wear skirts.
Mama C said Tanzanians still practice genital cutting, even though it is against the law, but now young people are refusingso the elders are looking at more gentle ways to introduce manhood and female rites of passage.
It has been really fun listening to these stories. These couple have created a world one can only dream of when onethinks about true umoja or kujichagulia--they are a part of the community with a twist. African and American--the goodparts, the revolutionary parts, the conscious parts. The values we hold as Pan Africans are evident here. One can readaffirmations painted on the walls in murals and see these values exemplified in the faces of heroes and heroines depictedas well.
They speak the language, Brother Pete laughs at his accent, but he communicates (smile). Sister Charlotte shiftslinguistically, yet, despite living in Africa since 1970, first in Algeria and then in Arusha, she is still African American.
the kids left to go to bed. they come over to read in Brother Pete's sitting room and then come into his chamber to wishhim goodnight. As they were preparing to come in this evening they told me so I could join them. I am an insider now(smile).
Sister C told me where I can walk in the morning. I will walk straight and not turn so I don't get lost (smile).
Oh, please check to see if the car insurance needs paying. thanks!
Oh, please make sure that I have 1624.00 in the bank June 27-28, 2013. The bank sends my rent to Martha for the first. Whatever you might have to add, will be available to reimburse yourself with June 30 when my checks are deposited.
Mama C said that she often wonders if she is dreaming, life has been so good. She told me some fun stories about herkids and how they came to live in the United States. Her daughter who had been home schooled until age 15, saw MTVand wanted to go to the US and claim that part of her heritage. Her big brother who had been to Tanzanian publicschools, didn't like it in Brooklyn and returned home with his mother, but Stormy, loved it and has been in the US since.She is 38 now.
We passed a few colleges and universities. We also passed the courts where they are holding Rwanda tribunals.
Peace and Blessings,
Wanda Sabir
Visit www.wandaspicks.com
From: TaSin Sabir
Tue, Jun 18, 2013 at 1:01 PM
To: Wanda Sabir
I missed you again! I was washing my hair this morning. Try again please :)
Where is your check book so I can get you account number to deposit some money or if you have your account number you can just email it to me.
From: TaSin Sabir
Tue, Jun 18, 2013 at 2:04 PM
To: Wanda Sabir <wandasabir@gmail.com>
Too many security questions and long hold then they hung up on me when i tried to call bank of america and take off thehold. you have to call them. here is their number
travel number try this one first:
602-597-2395
regular number:
800-432-1000
To: Wanda Sabir
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 at 6:40 AM
To: TaSin Sabir
I will put my account number in a draft like I did before. Of course I will call again.
Mom
From: Wanda Sabir
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 at 6:59 AM
To: TaSin Sabir
I was able to withdraw money today with no problem. A group just came in from New Jersey on their way to Zanzibar. The college professor brings a group here every year. She has been coming for over ten years. She married a Tanzanian man. They have two children. I will try to call, but today might be difficult.
Mom
On 6/18/13, TaSin Sabir
From: Wanda Sabir
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 at 7:41 AM
To: robert king wilkerson
Hi again King. Brother Pete enjoyed the books and videos and greetings. We were together when he read Gail's message about Herman. I hope they release him so he can at least realize some of his plans re: Herman's House (smile). Hope this note finds you well.
Peace and Love,
Wanda
From: TaSin Sabir
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 at 8:42 AM
To: Wanda Sabir
Okay. I had to restart the aaa policy because it was cancelled. I pretended to be u but put the payment on tasins card. Sowhen u get back u can change it to wandas card. Haha being you on the phone is so funny seems so obvious but guessim a good actor. The bank call was more secure though didnt want to guess wrong and have your account shut down.Going to the movies in an hour and half 10am so if ur by the phone nows a good time to call. Or after the movie at noon.
Love you
robert king wilkerson
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 at 9:12 AM
To: Wanda Sabir
Greetings once more, Wanda! Glad you are enjoying your trip... I have been mired down in emails and phone calls, andmy thoughts are (or have been) running wild... In any event, continue to travel safely....and return to me!
As Ever/king
From: Wanda Sabir
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 at 9:26 AM
To: TaSin Sabir
Might miss you again. It's 7 p.m. now. I will call you now. Brother Pete has to go get his son tonight. They come in at 3 a.m. I will try tomorrow too. The professor with her class teaches gender studies. her husband said they were just there for a conference in Oakland. I wonder why Bilaliyah didn't go or know about it since her degree is in Women's Studies as well as Psychology. African Feminism. I have heard of this. There is a woman at Mills, Dr. Amina Mama, whom I have yet to meet.
Did I tell you I was moved? I washed clothes today and I have water all over the bedroom (smile). There is a tub in the new place. I don't know if I am taking a bath (smile). I took my first shower this morning. There is a mosque up the road. I think I will got to Juma on Friday.
Peace and Love.
Mama
From: TaSin Sabir
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 at 10:22 AM
To: Wanda Sabir
Sounds good. have a good night. im in the theater now waiting for the movie to start. Sara and I are watching fast and furious 6.
From: Wanda Sabir
Fri, Jun 21, 2013 at 1:40 AM
To: TaSin Sabir
Hope you enjoyed it (smile). I am going with one of the kids to Juma, I hope (smile). It drizzled last night a bit. It isfreezing here. I wish I'd brought jeans. Next time I certainly will while traveling in the winter in Africa.
Peace and Blessings,
Wanda Sabir
Fri, Jun 21, 2013 at 2:11 AM
From: TaSin Sabir
To: Wanda Sabir
Have a good time at Juma. how was your birthday?
From: Wanda Sabir
Fri, Jun 21, 2013 at 6:19 AM
To: TaSin Sabir
Wow. You are up late. Juma was good. the Khutba was about Taqwa and how one has to live her faith. The women werereally nice. One sister, Khadijah, took my hands and spoke to me in English and Kiswahili. Hussein translated for us.
She invited me back next week. I might be back in time. If so, I will go again. I forgot to ask if I could take a photo withthem (smile). Most women wore black, the burka without the face covering. Others wore colorful wraps head andshoulders covered. There was a carpet covering the space between the two genders. We got the side that is on the floor,which means the men had the colorful side. I was tempted but resisted looking over the wall on the side to see how theother half lived (smile).
I almost nodded out (smile).
We got a ride to the mosque which was built by the Arab owners of the chicken factory which supplies chickens and babychicks to lots of businesses. Sister Khadijah works there. Before this masjid was built, people in the community had totravel to another city to pray. The muslim population is the minority here. Hussain said his mother and father bothconverted to Christianity. he and his two siblings, brother and sister are still Muslim. Today is not only the summersolstice, it is also the 12th day of
Shaʿbān
—
ن عشبا
, "scattered", marking the time of year when Arab tribes dispersed tofind water. In 18 days it will be Ramadan (smile).
I need to figure out when that is exactly. I think I will be in Zanzibar, which means I will be in a Muslim country during thisperiod. That should be fun.
My birthday was great. I think I sent you an email about that. Yes, I know I did. I responded to Bilaliyah and copied you(smile).
I am going to have people send copies of their letters of recommendation to the P.O. Box. I did not put a vacation hold onthe mail. I will do it later today or tomorrow.
I hope you are throwing away all the junk mail at the house.
Brother Pete's son took photos. I am going to see if he will let me copy them from his card on the camera. If so, I will sendyou a copy.
Peace and Blessings,
Wanda Sabir
From: TaSin
Fri, Feb 25, 2022 at 7:33 PM
To: Wanda Sabir
Wow. You are up late. Juma was good. the Khutba was about Taqwa and how one has to live her faith. The women werereally nice. One sister, Khadijah, took my hands and spoke to me in English and Kiswahili. Hussein translated for us.
She invited me back next week. I might be back in time. If so, I will go again. I forgot to ask if I could take a photo withthem (smile). Most women wore black, the burka without the face covering. Others wore colorful wraps head andshoulders covered. There was a carpet covering the space between the two genders. We got the side that is on the floor,which means the men had the colorful side. I was tempted but resisted looking over the wall on the side to see how theother half lived (smile).
I almost nodded out (smile).
We got a ride to the mosque which was built by the Arab owners of the chicken factory which supplies chickens and babychicks to lots of businesses. Sister Khadijah works there. Before this masjid was built, people in the community had totravel to another city to pray. The muslim population is the minority here. Hussain said his mother and father bothconverted to Christianity. he and his two siblings, brother and sister are still Muslim. Today is not only the summersolstice, it is also the 12th day of
Shaʿbān
—
ن عشبا, "scattered", marking the time of year when Arab tribes dispersed tofind water. In 18 days it will be Ramadan (smile).
I need to figure out when that is exactly. I think I will be in Zanzibar, which means I will be in a Muslim country during thisperiod. That should be fun.
My birthday was great. I think I sent you an email about that. Yes, I know I did. I responded to Bilaliyah and copied you(smile).
I am going to have people send letters of recommendation to the house. I did no
Peace and Blessings,
Wanda Sabir
(510) 712-4015 mobile
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I am a serious person who is concerned about the well-being of African people past, present and future.
