Ismail Akwei

Kanye West is insanely wrong, slavery was not a choice and we can’t forget the past

In this bright future, you can’t forget your past. These were the words of one of the world’s greatest philosophers, reggae legend Bob Marley in his 1975 song with The Wailers titled No Woman, No Cry. These words quickly invaded my thoughts when rapper Kanye West hit below the belt with his, “When you hearContinue reading “Kanye West is insanely wrong, slavery was not a choice and we can’t forget the past”

The Bahamas moves to ban disposable plastics, flying balloons by 2020

The Bahamas, the Atlantic Ocean archipelago of over 700 islands, has announced its plan to ban all disposable plastics and flying of balloons by 2020 to address the growing marine pollution and poor waste management issues. The country’s environment and housing minister Romauld Ferreira said at a press conference last week they are developing aContinue reading “The Bahamas moves to ban disposable plastics, flying balloons by 2020”

All you need to know about black Africans with blue eyes

It will no more be shocking to many when they see black Africans with blue eyes after recent discoveries of such special people in various parts of the continent. They are not albinos, and do not have the typical dark brown African eyes. It wasn’t an easy experience for a black Nigerian immigrant couple inContinue reading “All you need to know about black Africans with blue eyes”

How Kenya’s Maasai tribe is getting paid for use of its traditional designs

Intellectual property rights are a new area for traditional African societies whose designs, colours and trademarks have helped make millions of dollars for multinational companies worldwide. The Maasai tribe of Kenya has awakened after years of cultural exploitation by dozens of brands including international fashion brands and car manufacturers who have incorporated their rich cultureContinue reading “How Kenya’s Maasai tribe is getting paid for use of its traditional designs”

This African American woman obtained patent for an improved ironing board on this day in 1892

Dressmaker Sarah Boone made her name by inventing an improved ironing board that made it easier to press sleeves without introducing unwanted creases. She acquired the patent rights on this day in 1892. In her patent application, she wrote, as quoted by biography.com, that the purpose of her invention was “to produce a cheap, simple,Continue reading “This African American woman obtained patent for an improved ironing board on this day in 1892”