Our Philosophy

by | Dec 9, 2023 | Non classé

What is “A3K1ST” Africa First?
A3K1ST is much more than a streetwear brand. It is a brand that represents a movement that places Africa first, it is Africa above all, this movement embodies the creativity and vision of an uninhibited generation of the African diaspora, asserting its personality and identity.

What does this movement represent for the African diaspora?
This movement represents an invitation to focus on the interests of Africa and its diasporas above all. It is a call to work on carrying out projects, to develop links and structures to serve the interests of the diaspora and its communities.

The African Diaspora

What does African diaspora mean?
The African diaspora brings together people of diverse origins, descendants of African deportees in the Americas and the Caribbean, as well as immigrants from “former colonies” settled in the West.

How is it composed?
The African diaspora is an etherogenic group composed of multiple communities which have multiple languages, different spiritualities and religions, divergent and convergent interests. Throughout its history, this diaspora has contributed significantly to the culture, economy and politics of many countries around the world.

What is its impact in the world?
The African diaspora has a major impact, with strong ties to their country of origin and frequent involvement in development projects in Africa.

“A3K1ST Africa First”: a movement for the African diaspora
How did the movement start?

The movement began as a response to the need for the African diaspora to focus on their own interests and contribute to the development of Africa. With social networks we have witnessed an awakening of consciousness and many influencers are spreading an Afrocentric vision of the world. This movement is a movement of resistance to Western cultural and economic imperialism which tends to standardize values and cultures throughout the world.

What are its values?
The movement’s values include the celebration of self-esteem, self-awareness and commitment to the interests of Africa and its diaspora. The A3K1ST brand embodies these values through its logo, which represents an Afrocentric map of Africa which places Europe at the bottom under lower Egypt; upper Egypt is at the top of the map just like South Africa (the peoples Zulu are called people of the sky). A3K1ST celebrates the dignity of the diaspora and invites reflection on the place of each person in the movement.

The importance of the interests of Africa and its diasporas
Why is it important for the African diaspora to focus on the interests of Africa and its diasporas in the first place?
This is crucial because it strengthens ties with Africans in Africa, and contributes to the realization of global projects and in Africa, and serves the interests of the diaspora.

How can this help strengthen ties with Africa?
By focusing their efforts on common interests, the African Diaspora can strengthen economic, cultural and social ties with Africa and by working to implement global and local projects that benefit Africa and its Diaspora.

How can the African diaspora get involved in development projects in Africa?
The African diaspora is already actively involved in development projects by providing its resources, whether in the family and local circle or in its commitment to various humanitarian initiatives. However, this is not enough; effective co-development can only be achieved by relying on the expertise and needs expressed by Africans in Africa. This step is essential so that the African diaspora plays an essential role in contributing to the economic development of Africa through investments, partnerships and sustainable projects. It is impossible to copy Western models on the continent, this would only strengthen imperialism and the control of the continent by Western powers.

What are the challenges faced by African populations on the continent and the African diaspora in the implementation of development projects?
Challenges often include the need to overcome cultural barriers, logistical constraints and political obstacles in implementing projects.
The most important challenge is that of defining a paradigm for thinking about a singular mode of development adapted to the interests and specific challenges of Africa and its diaspora.

Conclusion
The “A3K1ST Africa First” movement is important for the African diaspora. This movement is crucial because it celebrates self-esteem, encourages self-awareness, and invites the diaspora to think independently and focus on the common interests of Africa and its diaspora.

“A3K1ST (Africa First)” mouvement in 7 points and 5 priority actions

by | Nov 25, 2023 | Non classé

 7 points

Africa First:

We proclaim Africa as our absolute priority, transcending geographical borders, fostering cooperation and common development. A3K1ST issues a passionate call to the African diaspora to place the interests of Africa and its diaspora at the core of its concerns, thus promoting stronger ties and meaningful engagement. A3K1ST advocates the fundamental notion that by focusing efforts on common interests, the African diaspora strengthens economic, cultural, and social ties with Africa. The movement encourages the diaspora to play an active role in global projects benefiting Africa, establishing lasting connections beyond geographical borders.

Celebration of Self-Esteem:

A3K1ST embraces pride and self-esteem within the African diaspora, encouraging each individual to recognize and celebrate their unique cultural identity. The movement promotes self-awareness rooted in the African context, challenging Western cultural and economic imperialism in favor of an Afrocentric worldview.

Resistance Movement:

As a resistance movement, A3K1ST opposes the cultural standardization imposed by the West, encouraging the preservation and celebration of African diversities. In this regard, it aims to prioritize local languages in exchanges on both the continent and the global stage.

Authentic Co-Development:

Acknowledging the importance of expertise and needs expressed by Africans in Africa, A3K1ST calls for authentic co-development, avoiding the duplication of Western models. We reject the blind imposition of Western models on the African continent, advocating for development tailored to the specificities and aspirations of Africa. The African diaspora is encouraged to contribute to Africa’s economic development through investments, partnerships, and sustainable projects, fostering mutual growth.

Independent Reflection:

Faced with challenges, the movement seeks to define a unique development paradigm tailored to the specificities of Africa and its diaspora. A3K1ST encourages the African diaspora to think independently, questioning established norms and contributing to the creation of a development model aligned with its interests.

5 priority actions

Spiritual Coexistence:

We believe in the coexistence of all African beliefs, spiritualities, and religions, honoring the diversity of our spiritual heritages.

Call to Action:

In conclusion, A3K1ST is a call to action, to focus energies on the interests of Africa and its diaspora, to develop links and structures in service of the dignity, prosperity, and independence of the people of Africa and its diaspora. In this regard, we advocate for the following actions:

Military Independence:

We demand the immediate withdrawal of all foreign armies from African soil, putting an end to external interference in the internal affairs of African nations. We believe in the self-determination of African communities, encouraging them to define their own destiny. This self-determination cannot be guaranteed without the creation of a continental military force. We believe in military independence, allowing Africa to ensure its own security without relying on foreign forces.

Economic Liberation:

We aim to end the economic oppression of the African diaspora by combating inequalities and creating equitable economic opportunities. Removal of customs barriers within the continent and the establishment of a common market on a continental scale. We believe in economic independence, considering the elimination of the CFA franc as a crucial step toward the financial liberation of the African diaspora.

Establishment of a Continental Central Bank:

We call for the creation of a continental central bank, consolidating Africa’s financial resources and promoting independent economic management. This bank should not practice interest or any form of usury.

Financial and Monetary Sovereignty:

We want to create a stable and transparent currency, indexed to gold and silver, completely independent of the international banking system based on currencies and the U.S. dollar. This currency is essential to ensure trust and sustainability in the African financial system. We believe in monetary autonomy, where the African diaspora actively participates in the management and evolution of its own currency.

Political Liberation:

We aspire to political liberation, an end to political oppression, and the full participation of Africans in decision-making. We want the creation of a federal government on a continental scale and the institution of a single passport for all African citizens.