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.