Journalists Beaten by Kenyan Police

Two journalists were attacked on January 20, 2013 while trying to capture coverage of a riot in Kibera.

One journalist was hit in the head and held by officers while his fellow colleague was beaten badly. The police confiscated the memory card and damaged the journalist camera.

Both journalists followed procedure by presenting themselves to the officers and showing their press cards.

Both men are in the hospital for treatment and the incident is being investigated.

Happy New Years in Africa

It is said that the best place to party in Africa is in South Africa. They have huge parties that include fireworks, music and dancing. It is a celebration that everyone partakes in.

After the party, everyone gets prepared for the carnival known as the Minstrel Carnival. This carnival dates back to the 19th century when slaves in Cape Town Africa were only allowed to be off on one day and that was January 1.

Those that engage paint their faces white (as opposed to black) and they put on costumes and sing songs and listen to the banjo players.

Rather than focus on the slavery aspect, they use this carnival to celebrate life and a new year.

Africa At Christmastime

I thought that it would be interesting to look into how Africa celebrates the most wonderful time of the year (according to us Westerners). What I found out is that Christmas is celebrated similar to the way we celebrate it. The only difference is that it is not commercially celebrated. The market here makes sure to offer all the glitz and glamor of materialistic things in order to make Christmas a fantasy as well as a money making opportunity. In Africa, they focus on the love and family unity even though some may engage in purchasing a plastic tree or inflatable Santa. They enjoy singing carols and attending church during Christmas.

Africans also use this time to exchange gifts (those who can afford to do so). Mostly, the gifts that are given are books for school, clothes and shoes. They also make it a point to purchase a new outfit to wear to church on Christmas if they can. Children are not given toys like the kids here. There are not toy stores there like they are here.  They are proud and happy to receive the much needed school supplies etc..

Christmas dinner is a huge celebration that is held after church. They engage in barbeque's (goat meat is a favorite), okra soup, tea, beef, biscuits and Liberian rice.

The list can go on and on about the African Christmas and the way that they celebrate but this is just a quick overview of what goes on at that time.


Merry Christmas!
Ghana says Afishapa (Merry Christmas)
Zimbabwe says Merry Kisimusi (Merry Christmas)