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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 14, 1993)
David Badc^rs/DN Africa Continued from Page 7 tude and meditation, l imagine the creation of a journeying bridge tak ing me through my foreign soul to foreign people who bear my true essence; it reminds me of a journey ing bridge that is attempting to close the gap between myself and my African people. It is a painful experience to wish to know my past history and to know that such knowledge is lost Tears, utter haired, disbelief and fiery pain is what I feci when I’m not over my rainbow, and when I think of how I ended up on the other side. This place over the rain bow that I escape to reminds me that 1 have been robbed and vio lated — it reminds me that I am not truly equal. It reminds me that l am looked upon as second class in the eyes of that other nation, and it reminds melhat these circumstances will continue to exist until the end of time. The only way I can reach equality and sustain the prosperity of the past is through reading and having a dream to escape to. At this point, to hope lor the return of equality and prosperity is unrealis tic This place over the rainbow, called Africa when it is viewed on the world map, is a place in the middle of the world, which makes it the heart of the world, only from the heart is life breathed. Africa is the place of the origin of man, it is the place from which the life of all countries stemmed. I visit this place over the rainbow because in Africa 1 am somebody. 1 become a descen dant of the original people of the earth, and l am no longer less than three-fourths of a human being. I a m nr > longer remi tided of the bond age, servitude and oppression of the Black man, but 1 am in company with the great kings and queens of Africa. No longer am 1 reminded of Jim Crow laws and “No Niggers Allowed” signs, for when I’m in Africa, I’m among my own people, and the signs all say, “Welcome!" Africa is heaven on earth, it’s a place that I know exists, even though I’ve never seen the land. It is a good, holy place Just as the rainbow isasignfrom God, onlyby going somewhere over the rain bow will heaven appear, and over the rainbow lies Africa. There is a hell, and you reach it by returning from the rainbow. Believing in two entities is a must for my kith and kin. In Africa, me and my people are in heaven, anywhere else, we’re in hell This is why I visit Africa as much as I can, through my dreams, because as soon as I awake, 1 am drowning in the "lake of sulfur and fire.” It is important to be where wel come is not worn out It is impor tant to be in a place where hiding is unheard of. It is important to be where you are loved. When I am awake, I’m not in a place where I am welcomed. I’m not in a place where hiding is unheard of. And I’m definitely not in a place where I am loved. I’m in a place were hiding is common, and I wear a mask. Go to Africa some night You’ll find that there are no masks. Once you go there, you’ll return time and time again. Africa is in the heart, and in the heart you find love . . . Remember, it’s somewhere over the rainbow. Sandra Smith is a sophomore- criminal justice major. movie, after anything, come to Papa John’s for Breakfast, Sandwiches, and Dinner! "Night Owl" Special Gyros w/choice of Potato 10 p.m. - 3a.m. Only $2.99 Carry Out and Student Discounts Available 114 S. 14th * Next to Twisters Relationships j Six Week Preaching Series Sundays, 10:30 AM Cornerstone-UMHE 640 N. 16th St. January 17 "The Strength To Love" January 24 Love is a Gift, not a Bargain January 31 The 'C' Word: Covenant, Commitment... February 7 Pain, Confrontation, Forgiveness February 14 Facing Outward February 21 The Connecting Point -- John Harris Guest Preaching Take a Spring Break reality check Trash the trappings Q III II IV IFg of winter and school, and Q MNI VU | don the warmth of a island. Next, slip into the rippin’ blue waters of South Padre. Soak up the sun on our 34 miles of white sand beaches. Our playground has beach volleyball, sand castle building contests and lots of really cool entertainment. Detour from the beach and experience me uiumaie in \ / partying with our sensational v/ night life. And we Party Smart on South Padre so you won’t fall off the deep end. If you're in the mood for a real fiesta, just drive 20 minutes for a diversion in Mexico. Centralized island accommodations fit any budget. Call the Visitors Bureau for a color brochure on hotels, motels, and condos. ✓ And save some real chump change (up to 50 percent!) on select airlines. Southwest, American and Continental serve The Valley International Airport in Harlingen. (let the hare facts on discounts for you and your friends hv calling South Padre Island FREE! 1-800-343-2368 ] ■Hiaa'Miiiif
