(please press LIKE on our Zambians in Atlanta page by clicking here azaonline.org - https://facebook/pages/azaonlineorg/207163888212 ) Hi, My name is Beene. I work in the foreign government sector and have had numerous opportunities to visit the United States of America and other parts of the world. I have actually sojourned in Atlanta for a short while during some of my visits. I have heard reports of how Zambians living in the Diaspora can sometimes be hostile and competitive with fellow Zambians and how gossip and malice run rampant in such circumstances. As a Zambian NOT living in the Diaspora, hearing this can sometimes be discouraging and disheartening to say the least. In my view, Zambians living in the Diaspora ought to have each other’s backs while out there and they should look beyond the tribal, social, religious and economic lines – going out of their way to look out for the welfare of fellow Zambians. To borrow from the Bemba’s (in the spirit of oneness) “Nga umo umwina Zambia asebana, ninshi bonse kusebana” meaning if one Zambian is put to shame, all Zambians are then suffering the same fate. Enough of the negative – on a positive note, I have heard, and ‘seen’ in some regard just how Possible it is for Zambians to be united even away from home – perhaps more so away from home. The event that brings Zambians living in the United states together in solidarity and brother/sisterhood – The Independence Day celebration organized by Zambians living in Atlanta under the leadership of…. Is an admirable event and one I aspire to attending in the not so distant future. The Independence celebration celebrates more than the independence of Zambia – but is symbolic in the sense that Zambians living in the Diaspora can come together in commonality of purpose and celebrate not only the independence of Zambia as a country, but also their collective and individual independence from whatever vice could potentially have had them in its grip. By this I mean that Zambians have a choice in how their life pans out and they choose to share the joy of liberty with each other as they come together to celebrate the independence of Mother Zambia. It is my hope and prayer that Zambians in the Diaspora will show solidarity, not only to mother Zambia, but to each other as they turn up in numbers to celebrate this joyous and unifying occasion. I wish everyone attending a happy and fun filled event and I look forward to attending at least once in the near future. Happy Independence in advance! We in Mother Zambia are rooting for you all As most of you already know the event will be held on 26th oct in the Ballroom of the former Holiday inn (now comfort suites). Entry is $20. Hotel accomodation is only $35 but there are only 27 rooms left. call sidique on 6788516601
Posted on: Wed, 14 Aug 2013 19:29:26 +0000