What Did I Learn From Dr.Carr's Lecture?

In the lecture given by Dr.Carr, he spoke about various topics and terms that we should know from African Culture. For example, he stated that "Human brilliance must be connected to African brilliance. Human excellence must be connected to African excellence. To be African is to be brilliant and excellence." I feel that Dr.Carr means that all Africans are human beings and we are just as smart as everyone else. He also speaks about Mbongi. When I first heard the word, I just thought it was simply another African term, but after hearing the definition I figured it meant so much more. Mbongi means "house with no walls" and is both a physical and intellectual space or common shelter. The other main important terms Dr.Carr listed were: Boko, to break or to cut, Yemba, to create a shelter in order to cover and protect, Lusanga, to mix or put together, and Kioto, to inhale. Each of these terms can be used in different contexts. Lastly, he covered a few simple terms: sedjem "listen", ma'at "truth", medew nefer "good speech", seba/sebayt "teach/teachings", sedi "educate", and medew iaw "staff of old age". In the end, African people are smart and can excel, however, they just speak their language when they educate not English. That is why they are not as accepted as white americans. Africans are just as smart if not more than they will ever be.

Alexis Nicole Thrasher

Group 19