December Issue of "Igbo Kwenu" Magazine

Onyiiboy · 01-07-2008, 08:46 PM

IGBO KWENU!

Spirituality Issue

December 2007

Dear Family,

Thanks so much for all the encouraging feedback on the Rediscovery Issue (November 2007) of Igbo Kwenu!

Already, we've made monumental strides in these few months of starting this endeavor:

We are now officially a 501(c)3 non-profit organization - which means that all financial contributions are tax deductable.
In addition, we are working with the African Freedom and Justice Leadership Council (AFJLC) and the American Friends Service Committtee (AFSC) to host a
Solidarity Dinner in the Spring 2008. This dinner hopes to unify the African-American, Afro-Latino, Caribbean and African immigrant communities with a show case of delicious food from the Diaspora, go-go, hip-hop, traditional African drumming and dancing and spoken word.
And much much more to come!

With your assistance, continuous readership and encouragments, we are sure to accomplish
all designed goals set in 2008.

If you appreciate what we do and are able to make a fiancial donation in support of our efforts, please click:

Paypal Donation (suggested minimal donation is $10)

In solidarity,

Chioma
Editor-In-Chief

In This Issue

Igbo Spirituality 101

Madarocka Speaks Up!

Book Review: Purple Hibiscus

Igbo Monthly Profile

Igbo Spirituality 101
by
Onyii Anyiwo

The basis of Igbo Spirituality is the concept of "Chi."
Similar to the "Ori" of the Yoruba, and the "Ka" of Ancient Egyptians, Chi was
the fundamental force of creation. Everyone and everything has a Chi. Ndi Igbo,
like other Africans, worshiped one Creator, who is known by many names: Obasi
Dielu (The Supreme God), Chi di ebere (God the merciful), Odenigwe (The
Ruler of Heavens), etc. The two most popular names for Supreme Being used in
Alaigbo were Chukwu and Chineke. The dominant name, Chukwu, which is a
combination of the Igbo words "Chi" and "Ukwu", literally means "The Big Chi",
and shows that Igbos believed that the Supreme Being was omnipresent and
all-pervading. Chineke, which most people translate as "God the Creator"
actually has a deeper meaning. Chi is the masculine aspect of God and Eke is
the feminine aspect. Ndi Igbo knew that
it took male and female to create life, so the Creator of everything would have
to encompass both parts.

To read the complete article visit:

Igbo Spirituality 101

Madarocka Speaks Up!

I thank God! This is often the
reply of an Igbo native when asked, "How are things?" or "How are you?" by a
friend or family member. The
generalization of this reply is that "all is well". To my personal understanding this reply
proclaims that the person's faith is in God.

To say, I thank God, is to give Him thanks for all things regardless of
the outcome. Though we live in a
material world, Ndi Igbo(Igbo Natives) are faithful children of God, Chi, or Chukwu,
and display it clearly in the culture. As
for me, my pride is rooted in the fact that I am a direct descendant of the
Igbo tribe of Nigeria.

To read the complete commentary visit:
Madarocka Speaks Up!

Book Review of Purple Hibiscus

by
Chinyere E. Oteh

When I discovered Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's debut novel,
Purple
Hibiscus, a few years ago at my local library I quickly checked it out with
the anticipation of going directly home to delve into the story. I was even more excited and filled with pride
when I learned that Adichie was only 26 years old when Purple Hibiscus

was published. Since it was released in
2003, Adichie has garnered praise and numerous awards for her writing. The significance of her work has been
compared to that of Chinua Achebe.
Adichie continues to receive accolades, had a second novel published
last year concerning Biafra, entitled Half Of A Yellow Sun, and is
currently studying African Studies at Yale University.

To read the complete article visit:
Book Review

Igbo Monthly Profile

Chief Uwa Onyioha-Osimiri
, PhD,
is the Senior Spiritual Minister and Continental Envoy for the Chisim movement in the United States. Chiism (also known as Godianism) is a Neo-Traditional revival of Igbo spiritual practices. Founded by the late
Chief
Kama Onu Kama Onyioha, the goals of Chiism are to promote the universal
unity of humanity under the parenthoood of one God. She is also the Founder and CEO of the African
Women Economic Consortium (AWEC).

To read the complete Profile, visit:
Igbo Monthly Profile

MORE Articles

Libations for Music
by
Journey Woman

A Search for Identity
by
Nkemka Anyiwo

Miseducation and Spiritualiyt
by
Nkemka Anyiwo &
Akobundu Anyiwo

News

Help the Sun Rise!

Visit Our Sponsor
Please contribute to Igbo Kwenu! as we are surely rising. Here are ways to plug in:

Write

Volunteer

Donate

for more info, please contact chioma@journeywomanchi.com

We will be sending out Invitations to the Solidarity Dinner next year, so to get on our mailing list please click here to provide your detailed info (i.e. snail mail)

Donate to Igbo Kwenu!	This year-end donation will assist Igbo Kwenu! in accomplishing designed goals of taking cultural education and connection the next level! Your tax deductable contribution is very much appreciated. So, click here to donate now: Paypal Have a safe and blessed holiday!