Free at Last? September 26, 2006

Posted by earthlingconcerned in Richard Nixon

I haven’t written anything for a while, and for that, do apologize. I am working on something and it should hopefully see the light within the next day or two. But in the mean time, here’s a wee little breakdown about something I found humorous while reading The Fate of Africa: From the Hopes of Freedom to the Heart of Despair (Martin Meredith):

In 1957, Ghana became the first black African country to gain independence from the shackles of colonialism. This was the beginning of the eventual independence of the entire continent which since then had gone through growing pains that are barely improving today. Not wanting to enter into the discussion about the mistakes that have transpired since those early days of independence, I will like to bring you back to the hope and joy that were present early on.

After Britain pronounced the country’s independence on 6 March 1957, messages of congratulation came in from leaders around the world. Delegations arrived from fifty-six countries exuding warmth and goodwill. Britain sent the Duchess of Kent; the Chinese sent a general in a turquoise blue uniform; the Russians, a junior minister, with a fistful of invitations to Moscow and South Africa sent a delegation (albeit, an all white one). The United States made one of the largest gestures of respect by sending then Vice President Richard Nixon as a representative.

It was said that his enthusiasm was shown through his consistent handshaking, hugging local chiefs, holding babies while posing for photographs and so and such. At some point during all of this commotion, he slapped one man on the shoulder and asked him how it felt to be free. To which he replied, “I wouldn’t know, sir, I’m from Alabama.”

What a world it was, and still is.