Monday, November 15, 2010

It's not Zamunda, but it will do...


Because of America’s Slave Trade, many blacks do not know where their ancestors come from. I’m sure most black folks would love to be related to African Royalty. I could only imagine what it would be like to find out that you are flushed with cash, diamonds and oil. Well maybe just cash. Between America and China, the diamonds and oil might be all used up. Africa, the continent that gets pimped out by other countries but I digress….


Maryland resident Peggielene Bartels (don’t ask me how to pronounce this one folks!!) is the king of a fishing village of Otuam, Ghana. The crazy thing about Peggielene (besides her name) is that she is a woman. You usually hear about women being Queens but not Kings. Her Uncle was the former king of Otuam but he passed away. And the good folks of Otuam performed some ritual to determine the next king and Peggielene got the call. I guess they don’t use butterfly ballots like they do in Florida?


Bartels is known in Otuam as Nana Amuah-Afenyi VI.


Side Note: Black folks and names but I digress….


Before you think that some village in Africa is looking for your name in the yellow pages. Keep in mind that Bartels is a naturalized U.S. citizen. That means she knew about her ties to Otuam. I’m not saying that this couldn’t happen to “Tyrone” or “Keisha”. But I think that the chances are very slim. LeBron calls himself the “King” but that’s because sports writers promoted that concept. It’s not going to be easy for Bartels because it is a fishing village. In the American Greed Index - Oil makes more money than Fish.


The line to buy a lottery ticket is almost as long as the one for the soup kitchen. Many American’s spend their days dreaming of being rich and famous. YouTube is flooded with people that want to be overnight celebrities by stretching their 15 minutes of fame. Just think of all the time and energy people exert to have some pseudo title. And Bartels was minding her own business and now she is a King.

5 comments:

Tiffany said...

I always think that about people that we meet everyday. You never know who you are ignoring or turning down for a date.

Peace, Love and Chocolate
Tiffany

Citizen Ojo said...

Redbonegirl97 - That is true. But if I turned down a future Queen, I'm kicking myself in the behind!!

Val said...

But...some of those African kings were selling Africans to Europeans. So I'm not sure if I'd really want to be related to African royalty.

Nik said...

Interesting. I agree with Redbonegirl97. That's precisely why I try to be polite to all those i encounter. You just never know.

But back to the post, a king...for real? Lol. Interesting.

Citizen Ojo said...

Val - I don't think she should worry about that. Some past U.S. Presidents, Congressmen, Senators etc tried to stop Black Folks from having equal rights and Charlie Rangel is making a fool of himself to stay in his job. If the past doesn't bother him, "The King" shouldn't sweat it.


Nik - Hey!!!! That guy you turned down for a date last week is going to be King of Canada... you didn't know??? ha ha ha ha