Decolonize, Humxnize

Whose knowledge counts? Why delve deep to understand self, history and intercontinental relations? How do people and communities heal from the wounds of colonization and related trauma passed from generation to generation? Such intractable questions are explored in this collection of essays on decolonization. To decolonize means to humxnize, which is of even greater urgency in the 21 st century with colonization showing itself in new forms. Perspectives from several continents suggest pathways toward more convivial and equitable relations in society, and each chapter is presented in conversation with an illustration. The book will inspire young leaders, educators, activists, policymakers, researchers, and anyone resisting colonization and its effects and working for a kinder, gentler world. These 13 instructive and sometimes personal chapters speak to the urgency of decolonization, building on a culture of ubuntu or recognizing oneself in others. - François-Joseph Azoh, Psychologist, Lecturer at Ecole Normale Supérieure of Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire Connections between colonization, racism, and other "isms" are addressed, as are rehumxnizing intercontinental movements such as Black Lives Matter, #MeToo, and #RhodesMustFall. - Dr. Wanja Njuguna, Senior Lecturer, Journalism and Media Technology, Namibia University of Science and Technology Embrace this read and learn how we humXns are the X-factor in the liberation from mental and physical bondage. - Larry Lester, activist and President of the Greater Kansas City Black History Study Group, a branch of ASALH Decolonization brings a progressive transformation of the world. - Therese Mungah Shalo Tchombe, Emeritus Professor/Honorary Dean of Education, University of Buea, Cameroon Front cover Title page Copyright Praise for the Book Acknowledgements Contents Introduction to Decolonize, Humxnize References 1 What Kind of Leadership is Needed to Decolonize Minds and Societies? 2 The Quest for Decolonization and Effective Governance Systems in Africa Understanding decoloniality Africa’s post-colonial governance systems: Trends and trajectories Looking ahead: Toward effective governance systems in Africa Conclusion References 3 Healing from Within: Why Self-Definition and Decolonization Matter for Human Security References 4 Dancing Trees with Beating Hearts: Exploring feminist power and environmental connections My art The politics of my artistic orientation Political and artistic revelations 5 Feminist Political Economy, Land, and Decolonisation in Africa and the Global South References 6 On Millets and Resistance to Coloniality Coloniality in food State power in subduing knowledge about millets From sustainable practices to extractivism Reversing extractivism: A millet story of women farmers Conclusion References 7 Decolonisation as Conversation and Probing Questions Questioning coloniality from disempowered positions Decolonisation: Probing questions, no definite answers 8 On the Burning of Schoolbooks after Examinations References 9 Anthropology as the Disruptor: A Reflection on Decolonising Academic Knowledge Conflicting, competing, and complementary understandings of decolonisation Conclusion References 10 Where I Am, Who I Am 11 Researching Decoloniality and Africanizing Postcolonial Research in Africa What is decoloniality? What does researching decoloniality entail? What is postcolonial research? What does Africanizing postcolonial research entail? Conclusion References 12 Decolonizing International Development: Caution, People at Work The colonization project storytelling: Civilizing mission and development initiative The development project in the post-colonial period: “Aid” over reparations How Black Lives Matter made the world talk about the colonial and racist elephant in the room: Experiences of international development institutions and organizations Calls for a new world (development) order and a fair financial architecture Weighing the problem of coloniality in international development Imagining a decolonial future for international development Conclusion References 13 Is Decolonization More Than a Buzzword? Doing Africa Speaking out through kangas, writing, and publishing Values, history, language, education, and culture matter in knowledge production Epistemic journeys Umoja or unity Exercising real power in parliament Leveraging digital spaces Hope for Africa as a forever incomplete project Positionality Conclusion About the Authors, Editors, Reviewer, and Illustrator Back cover