2014 B S A C FEB 2014

African Heritage Month reminds us of our history and culture; how it is celebrated by individual family and the community. In this article I will be sharing how traditional marriage is performed in Nigeria.

Marriage either traditional or Western is an important emotional and social transition for the bride and groom, and participation of family and friends in the process can be a major source of emotional and financial support for the newlyweds.

African marriage is a complex institution that generally proceeds by stages, most of which are characterised by the performance of prescribed rites. In Southern Nigeria (Yoruba tribe), marriage ceremonies are usually in four phases: Letter writing, Family

introduction, Engagement ceremony and the Wedding Ceremony.

Letter Writing and Introduction Ceremony:

In the letter writing ceremony the family of the groom will write a formal proposal letter to the bride’s family asking for the hand of the bride in marriage. Included with the formal letter are gifts such as kola nuts, fruits, wine, assorted biscuits and bottled water. The letter is a formal way in which the groom’s parents and family officially requests for the hand of the bride from her parents.

Introduction ceremony is an event in which both family members of the bride and groom are officially introduced to each other. The event

usually takes place at the bride parent’s house and the bride’s family is responsible for the preparation and costs, but if the groom’s family is able they can help with some of the costs.

In the introduction ceremony the groom’s families are led by an appointed speaker which represents their family. The appointed speaker for the groom’s family is referred to as “Olopa Iduro” (groom’s family spoke’s woman) this woman will first explain the purpose for which they travelled all the way from their town to the bride’s home and they must also give a good reason why the daughter is to be given to their family. Also on the bride’s side, there will be an appointed speaker called “Olopa Ijoko” (bride’s family spoke’s woman). This woman will be the one questioning members of the

African Marriage and Culture by Oluronke Taiwo, Black Student Advising Center

AFRICVOICE

grooms family why they should give their daughter away in marriage to their son.

The beauty of this ceremony is that they will cover the face of 3-4 women and the groom must identify his bride out of all the women presented.

Engagement ceremony:

This ceremony is recognized in Yoruba culture as the marriage, hence it is called “igbeyawo” meaning “wife carrying”. This ceremony signifies the union of the bride and groom with the full blessing of the parents and members of both extended families. It is part of the tradition that the grooms family and friends bring gifts for the bride which includes a suitcase filled with traditional clothes, pairs of shoes to match the traditional clothes such as ‘aso oke,(a cloth which is hand woven, and it’s made into buba and iro), wrist watch, 21 pieces of yam tubers, a bag of salt, kola nuts, bitter

kola (orogbo), wine, pop, a bible and the engagement ring. There will also be an envelope that consists of certain amount of money depending on each family.

The bride will now be requested to choose one item out of all the gifts the groom had brought for her. As a Christian she’s expected to pick the bible. Inside the bible is the engagement ring. If the bride picks the bible then the two families will be happy and they will start to dance and sing several traditional and gospel songs with drums to usher in the success of the engagement. The presentation of gifts to the bride process is usually called Bride Price. Bride price can also be seen as a way of valuing the labor of women, the effort involved by the bride's family in raising the female, and the labor value of a woman's offspring. The payment is also a way of securing the rights of the husband's group over the woman's children.

During the engagement ceremony stage, there is a tasting ceremony that symbolizes the issues couples experience in marriage. The bride and groom share honey to symbolize sweet love and happiness and peppercorn for the ‘heated times’ and ‘growing pains’ of family life ahead.

The wedding ceremony:

Just like any Western wedding ceremony both bride and groom would go to the registry for notification that the wedding ceremony will be done in the church and legal papers are given to be signed after the church ceremony.

In my own case I had twelve people in my bridal party. The church ceremony lasted for two hours followed by a reception of about a thousand guests, from all works of life, Nigeria and Abroad (Taiwo, 1981).

After the reception, the bride usually holds another party in her parent’s house. The groom’s family and the groom will later come to take the bride to her husband’s home. Prayers are held for the couple before leaving for the groom’s family house.

Ms. Oluronke Taiwo

“The bride and groom share honey to symbolize sweet love and happiness and peppercorn for the ‘heated times’ and ‘growing pains’ of family life ahead.”

The Meaning of Black History to Students: Different PerspectivesIjay NnabuoBSAC, Project Coordinator Black history month means a variety

of things to me and as we celebrate Black History month, I like us to reflect on our heritage and the

impact it has played in our present life. Let us remember the struggles and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., ponder on the words of

Malcom X, reflect on the wisdom of Maya Angelou and recall the efforts of Nelson Mandela. We should

continuously reflect upon how the freedom fights and the battles for equality that our ancestors fought

for us have brought us to where we are today. In fact we must strive to keep the fire of human rights and liberation burning every day. I urge

us to ask ourselves critical questions during this time: what valuable contributions have I made or

continually make to the African race? Have I actively participated in the fights against racism and

discrimination? How do I presently carry on the teachings and ideologies of our great ancestors?

We must all actively work towards closing the gap that racism creates and echo the struggles of our ancestor. As we celebrate Black

History Month, let us remember that “change does not roll in on wheels of inevitability but comes

through continuous struggle” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Damilola Onifade

African Heritage Month to me is an important month that celebrates the

milestones we all as Africans have made. It brings together people of all works of life and recognizes important events that have made us who we are

as individuals. It is also a yearly reminder of what the people before us have gone through for the struggle of

equality (both white and black) and their amazing strength and courage amidst overwhelming adversity.

As a youth in today’s society I know that racism - at times silent can have an effect on an individual’s wellbeing. But the month of February allows me to

draw upon examples of people living in far harsher times and reflect upon the way they dealt with the world around

them. I am very happy that African Heritage Month exists to bring us together and to encourage each other

towards our goal for success.

Elizabeth Attomsa

Personally, I celebrate African history

throughout the year and not just on Black History Month. Last year during this time, I had wondered if there were

any events Dalhousie held for African History Month, or if there was any recognition of African history month in general, and when I hadn't heard of

anything going on I was a bit disappointed. I was formally introduced to the black student advising centre this

year and I feel like I've missed out on so much in my first year. There is a sense of home, love, and security; almost like

a family.

Not to mention some of the amazing events held giving recognition to

important influential figures in African history. For example, the Martin Luther King event that took place on January

20th which was extremely well

organized and delivered an amazing message of love and world peace. I'm so excited to get more involved and meet

even more amazing people.

Odette Gbeve

African heritage month is an important month set aside for us to reflect on the progress and richness of black people. There is a vast majority of black people

that make this day worth celebrating. Racism, segregation and slavery despite the negative effects have actually

empowered the black race in many ways. February is a month when we all should remember the contributions of

remarkable liberation leaders and pioneers such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Dudley Laws and other who envisioned the privileges we enjoy

today.

I strongly believe equality is not yet fully realized in our society as black people

still experience systemic racism today. Racism is a phenomenon that is almost suppressed in our subconscious, and I

personally believe the only way out is to continuously educate ourselves on the issues of racism and discrimination. We need to press on and look at the

positive side of things rather than negatives. Through celebrations like those done through Black History

Month, we are encouraged to press on the richness of our contributions as black people. Black people make and

continue to make meaningful contributions around the globe today; this is the month of celebration, a

I JAY NNABUO

DAMILOLA ONIFADE

ELIZABETH ATTOMSA

ODETTE GBEVE

“As a youth in today’s society I know that racism - at times silent can have an effect on an individual’s wellbeing.”

“I celebrate African history throughout the year and not just on Black History Month.”

month of pressing forward and not looking back. I must emphasize while this period, brings back many sad

memories of the past, we must not dwell in the past. But rather this period should be a time to celebrate the many accomplishments black people all

across Canada and the world. Let us strive to be the best we can in whatever we do.

Ntombi Nkiwane

The marginalization of the black race in

Canada, and worldwide, in essence makes Black History Month (African Heritage Month) a necessity. Black History Month, enabled by the Ontario

Black History Society, provides a platform for black Canadians to be educated about their historical roots. It

also provides a platform for black Canadians to relate to and look up to people of their own race. Today’s

society is plagued with heteronormative notions which fuel black marginalization. Society does not portray nearly enough black leaders for

us as a black collective to look up to and emulate. This portrayal, or lack thereof, adds to the low self-esteem of

black people, which was facilitated by colonization. This psyche is what we

need to surpass in order to prosper. Although many of our elders grew up during the radical black liberation

struggles, many black youth of today did not. Black History month gives them an opportunity to conceptualize those crucial time periods.

As we celebrate the prosperity of black leaders in their own right during Black History Month, I would like to pose a

few challenges. I would first like to challenge black people, black Canadians, Canadians and the world at

large to transform the intersectional manners in which the political, social, legal and economic systems which continue to dominate and oppress

black people. Secondly, I would challenge black solidarity movements to adopt a more collectivist approach.

Many movements adopt effective strategies from other movements, and perhaps if black movements did more

so, this would create infinite possibilities. I lastly challenge black movements to shift from making essentialist claims, which contribute

largely towards in-group marginalization. I hope Black History Month continues to grow, and will gain

more recognition. I also hope that the mantra Black History month creates, is a mantra which infiltrates into the

hearts of black Canadians and the black community at large forever, not only in February.

NTOMBI NKIWANE

PRINCEWILL OGBAN

DOMINIQUE OLIVER-DARES

KAREEM WALLACE

“I strongly believe equality is not yet fully realized in our society as black people still experience systemic racism today.”

“Today’s society is plagued with heteronormative notions which fuel black marginalization..”

Spirituality and self-care by Princewill Ogban BSAC MSW Placement

As students get into the second and third month of the winter semester, school work begin to build up,

required and non-required reading

starts to add up, assignment due dates draw closer, and the need to meet and do group work becomes

eminent. While students work hard

to accomplish this, most are still actively involved in family lives either as a spouse, partner, child or parent

and some may have jobs to make

ends meet. This is the regular life of an average student but in all this, the need to maintain a work-life balance is

particularly important for overall wellbeing. Students must strive to implement proactive self-care strategies which could be drawn from many

sources including spiritual and religious tradition practices, mindfulness approaches, and therapeutic life style.

Most professionals and leaders have always resorted to self-care. Self-care enhances wellbeing and involves

purposeful and continuous efforts that are undertaken to ensure that all dimension of the self-receive the attention that is needed to make a

person fit to carry on the daily activity of life (Moore et al., 2011). Despite our busy life styles as student, it is

important we celebrate African Heritage Month and reminiscence the history that people of African descent

have contributed to areas such as human rights, religion, and education. For example, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King juggled education, family,

social justice movement, and religious activities effectively. He was able to take

on multiple tasks and engaged in numerous activities while he keeping a personal connection with God. For

Martin Luther King to have achieved all this as a Reverend, it makes me to believe that spirituality is vital to self-care.

For me, I subscribe as a Christian of African descent and belief in a higher power and a Supernatural being (God)

whom I connect with. According to Dombo & Gray (2013), spirituality is an important element in self-care and self-

care should be perceived as both a spiritual activity and an ethical obligation. Spiritual practice can include spiritual reading, attending religious

services, meditation, prayer or anything that helps us to find meaning beyond self. Finally, as we celebrate Black

History this month, let us reflect on this quote: “Never, never, be afraid to do what’s right, especially if the well-being

of a person or animal is at stake. Society’s punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way”.

- Martin Luther King, Jr.

TREVOR SILVER

YEWANDE TAIWO

BRYANNE EVANS (LEFT)

PERPETUAL OKAFOR

Students Perspectives on Valentine’s DayDominique Oliver-DaresBSAC, Receptionist This Valentine’s Day consider the love

in your life for there are two types. The first being the love of pain. It is deceptive. Sweet words fall from its tongue onto hopeful ears. It walks with

arrogance commanding attention it does not deserve. It holds precious hearts in its hands and squeezes until

nothing but bitterness remains. This is the love of broken people. Ghosts who do not yet know they are

void of their essence. Do not be consumed by this love for in time you too will reciprocate it. Learn from it,

grow from it and never dwell in it. Then there is the love that teaches you about yourself. It will break down your walls with a warm touch to cold spots

that you’ve tried to deny or ignore. It will build you up to heights that allow you to see the world beyond what it is

but rather what it has the potential to be. It will wake you in the morning with a smile and whisper words of strength

when darkness engulfs you. This love will compromise when you are rigid. It will stretch its forgiving arms around

you and bring remembrance of sweeter days. This is the kind to hold in your heart and share with those who bring light into your life. I am blessed to have

both in my life for without one I could not recognize the other.

Kareem WallaceWhen I think of Valentine’s Day a few people come to mind - friends, family

and loved one’s. Valentine’s Day is not just about relationships but about spreading love and cheers to those around you. Not everyone always feels

loved, and for this reason it’s never a bad idea to show someone you love and appreciate them for who they are

and what they mean to you.If in a relationship, Valentine’s Day is your make or break day. Your significant

other will be expecting to be surprised by your gifts of love or show of affection. Nevertheless, this day should be spent with lovers remembering what

brought them together in the first place while continuing to make their time and effort spent together meaningful.

This Valentine’s Day, I am especially sending my love to my brother, Ashley Valentino Taylor who will be celebrating

his 25th birthday. Always remember to keep what’s important close to your heart, and never dwell on past or negative relationships. The heart is the

most powerful gift God has given us and it has the power to love and forgive.

Trevor SilverBSAC, Receptionist

Valentine’s Day is a day to show your significant other how you feel and for them to do same for you. We all express love in different ways, as we all

express love in different ways from our

different experiences of love. But love should not only be shared or expressed on Valentine’s Day but every day as

well. After all, what is love if it is only expressed on one in a whole year? That said, I also don’t believe we should make a big deal about Valentine’s Day,

but use this day to reflect on the love that we shared and will continue to share with each of our loved ones,

friends, and family. Compassion and love are what makes the world go round so let us always strive to share the true

meaning of love.

Yewande TaiwoValentine’s Day, the one day when

people show feelings of love, affection and friendship. One cannot talk about Valentine’s Day without speaking about

love. We live in a world where most people don't understand the meaning of love. It is now a word that is used

loosely or as a means of getting something out of someone else. To me love simply means that despite your flaws, "I choose you". No one is perfect

and love is choosing to stick with a person and accepting them for who they are.  This Valentine’s Day let us

truly understand the real meaning which is commitment, forgiveness and genuine compassion.

Bryanne EvansValentine’s Day is my least favorite

celebrated day. Personally, I have never experienced a good Valentine’s Day, even when I was in a relationship, so the annual disappointment left me

bitter towards the whole occasion. I feel Valentine’s Day is overrated and there shouldn’t be a specific day to

express your romantic love for someone. If you love someone, you should portray your affection and

appreciation for them on a daily basis. For example, I would feel more special

MANU NKEMTA

NJILLAN FORBES

ASHAR GASKIN (RIGHT)

LYNN MWAKUTIRENI

if my boo bought me flowers, chocolates, teddy bears or a gift on a Tuesday just because he felt like it as

opposed to just only on Valentine’s Day because there’s an expected social obligation to do so. Maybe when my prince charming finds me and spoils me

on Valentine’s Day I won’t dislike it so much but until then I think Valentine’s Day is overrated.

Perpetual Okafor I see Valentine’s Day as a day of love. To

me Valentine’s Day is the day you rekindle the love you have with your loved ones. Valentine’s Day is not meant for only boyfriends and girlfriends or

husbands and wives, it’s for everybody. On Valentine’s Day, you show your loved ones that they are indeed very precious

to you. Valentine’s Day is mostly celebrated with gift sharing and exchange and taking your loved ones

out for dinner or lunch. To me this is what Valentine’s Day is all about (Love).

Manu Nkemta

I personally think Valentine’s Day is more business oriented than love. Love should be every day, every week, and every

month with the one you love. That’s parents, siblings, wife, husbands, boyfriends, and girlfriends. What if there

were no Valentines, would that mean one will never offer chocolates to loved one, or buy flowers, or send a card? We all understand the origin of Valentine’s

Day, but should it be celebrated the way it is now? It probably should be more a Christian holiday rather than pagan. For

me, Valentine’s Day is celebrated every day and everyone should show love every day.

Njillan ForbesValentine’s Day is a special day when I reflect on love, not just any love, God’s

love to me! His love defines me and

gives me strength to face another day. What I love the most about this love is that it’s unconditional when I’m good

and when I’m very naughty; I still experience and feel this love. His love sees right through and burns within me. A love that is pure, beautiful, and

undefiled. It is this love He shows towards me that makes me work towards becoming a better person by

sharing His love with people as often as I can. So Happy Valentine’s Day everyone and I pray you experience God’s love

every day of your lives.

Ashar GaskinValentine’s Day for me is not just about

showing love just on February 14th, but on every day and occasion to those you care about. Valentine’s Day should be a

continuous display of your feelings despite the commercialism that encompasses what Valentine’s Day

should truly mean.

Lynn MwakutireniValentine`s day, one of the single most

expensive holidays supposedly about the celebration of love. While this may prove a worthy cause to buy diamonds,

chocolates and flowers for the occasion, to me it is nothing more than an overpriced institutionalized fallacy of

romance in today`s world. In a sense it has become a mockery of everything that love and its celebration stands for. Valentine`s day is supposed to be about

love that endures forever, thoughts of one`s true love but it has evolved to be a holiday that centers on gift exchange

with the emphasis placed on the dollar value than the meaning of the gift. Valentine`s day stopped being a

celebration of romance, the long walks in the evening, love letters, stolen kisses and butterflies dancing in your stomach to be transformed into a day that

showcases opulent and ostentatious

gifts that are meaningless and lacking in the emotional department.

So for me Valentine`s day means another day reading romance novels about the fight for true love and listening to some good rhythm and blues music and some

soul anything from Marvin Gaye, Keith Sweat to R. Kelly. Because a day dedicated to love should be a reminder

of real love and how it feels because it is supposed to be priceless not represented by glimmer of diamonds

and the sparkle of expensive champagne.

Chioma NwasikeValentine's Day means a lot to some, but

I personally think that if you are in a relationship with someone, everyday should be Valentine's Day. You should do

what is in your power to show appreciation to your partner as much as possible. It's the small gestures that

mean the most to a girl like me. As I always like to say, never mix seasonal people with lifetime expectations.

CHIOMA NWASIKE

DEMILADE ONIFADE

Demilade OnifadeValentine’s Day is a celebration of love and the person who serves as an

anchor and a beacon of hope to you. This is the person who you see

potentially spending the rest of your life with, and know that would fully understand you. Hopefully on this day

you are standing next to the one person who makes you better, but if

you’re not…well just know that you will find them, it’s simply a matter of time.

Yolanda Roberts – Spoken Words Part 1. We preach togetherness But all we know is ourselves

We say my brother and sisters But behind closed doors we dismiss him, we dismiss her

We believe we are one nation But we are divided within our greatnessWe state we represent

But talk and dress in a different tone, one different from our own

We strive to defeat the divide

But aid in its mission time after timeWe rejoice oh mama AfricaBut her cries of disappointment are in

the distance…..Part 2.Saying we are not one but many for ourselves

Never seeing the brighter pictureThat we should not hate one another But learn each other’s stories

Uncovering our unknown sameness Our relativeness that relishes our lands

That has encouraged us to stand up

Fight together as one in nuisance

Singing our freedom song

That same oneness that has gotten us where we areGreat people rising against difference Standing tall and proud to shout I am

who I am

Despite the color of my skin, embracing

one another Knowing we are not alone in this fight Resting assured I have your back

As you have mine.

AnnouncementsAll students are encouraged to write a short article on any interest of their choice related to life experience as a

student and send to bsac2@dal.ca. All submissions will be entered foe a chance to win a prize.Tutoring/Mentorship Program: BSAC

also provide tutoring services for students on Mondays and Thursdays. Drop in at the centre to find out about

more details.

Upcoming EventsBirthday Celebration:

The January and February birthdays will be celebrated on Feb 27th in Room 307 in the SUB from 5pm-8.30pmSave the date for a movie and

debate on Mandela coming up Thursday March 20th in room 307  from 6pm-8.30pm

BSAC graduation and end of semester birthday luncheon will be celebrated on Thursday April 3rd from 12 noon in

Room 224

CreditsOluronke Taiwo Editorial Supervisor

Ijay Nnabuo Chief EditorOdette Gbeve Assistant EditorIbimina Koko Layout Editor