Uhuru

Neoliberal policies promised to correct multiple distortions in postcolonial Africa. But democratic politics, land reform, rights and freedom all suffered. Shivji calls for Africa-centred thinking that embraces the continent's right to self-determination.

By the two-time winner of the Giller Prize for his novels The Book of Secrets and The In-Between World of Vikram Lall Uhuru Street is M.G. Vassanji’s stunning book of linked stories, set within the Asian community of Dar es Salaam. With delicate strokes, and with irony and humour, Vassanji brings alive the characters who live and work in the shops and tenements of Uhuru Street; among them: Roshan Mattress, so called because of her free and easy ways; a street-wise orphan fighting for survival; a Goan dressmaker who entertains her employers with local gossip; and a servant who opens up the world for the children in his charge, until he oversteps his bounds and has to leave. As the younger generation searches for a new destiny, and the older fiercely holds on to the past, Uhuru Street resonates with the moment of moving on, of leaving the place where we have roots, knowing that things will never be the same.

First published in 1977, this is an eminently readable introduction to contemporary literature in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa. The author examines work in verse, prose and drama, and discusses vernacular language problems, the role of oral literature and tradition and the varied responses to the struggle for freedom and its achievement. He argues that African literature is achieving its own inner dynamic, revealing a rapid spread of influences from one side of the continent to the other and a decrease in influences from the Western world. Part of his argument is based on a discussion of authors not yet known outside East and Central Africa, but whose works shows signs of great promise and originality. Dr Roscoe has close personal knowledge of many of the authors he discusses, as he has worked in East and Central African universities throughout the period of the literary awakening he discusses.

His fellow educators and colleagues placed academia on hold for him. Some actors and filmmakers that he knew took breaks from their performances to help him out. Other artists and writers delayed their own projects to work with him. Even tireless activists and people working in the social services or engaged within various civic venues were able to find the time to assist him. In every shade of Blackness, these "colored folks" joined together here; a cross section of backgrounds, genders, ages, and creeds. Each responded in a manner of his or her own- contributing by word of mouth, with pencil and pad, via email or text message. And their responses came in from all around the nation- Cleveland, New York, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Chicago, and many other places. Indeed, Kommon Knowledge sent out the call for uhuru and they all answered it. They united within these pages to share their timely message with the People. Until Uhuru: For US Colored Folks is a compilation of poetry and prose on the personal experiences of each writer joined together here. The presentation of their message to the People comes through the collective mindsets of these writers as well. Prepare for your political, spiritual, emotional, and social consciousness to be awakened!