Ibo landings

"..On the surface, the story seems one of simple defiance, as Ibo men, women and children drowned themselves in front of their white captors..."

Suddenly the other implications of the Ibo Landings become quite clear:

  • All African American people whose ancestry is traceable to the Georgia Coast "Ibo (Ebo) Landings" of slaves abducted from Igboland and Biafraland during the days of Slave Trade are part of the Igbo race and heritage
  • All Caribbean people who were plucked from Igboland and Biafraland and sent there as slaves, and their present offspring are part of the Igbo race and heritage
  • Any persons or groups of persons or people who have Igbo blood and genes in them in any part of the world, no matter under what circumstances they left Igboland / Biafraland, is Igbo and is therefore part and parcel of the Igbo race, Igbo heritage, and Igbo Nation.

The Igbo race has a homeland in Biafraland. But the Igbo race is also dispersed, established and entrenched in so many other countries today that it is more accurate to speak of a "Greater Igbo Nation."

While Nigeria marginalizes and threatens to snuff out and finish off Igbo / Biafrans in Igbo / Biafra natural homeland, it is quite clear that the Igbo / Biafran race is here to stay. This should be a source of consolation, hope, and inspiration for the determined struggle to carve Biafra out of Nigeria. This should constitute a lesson to Nigeria: Biafra is, Biafra shall be; Biafra lives. We will pay any price for our freedom.

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"Throughout Georgia's Sea Islands, there are several different "Ibo Landings." Although most of the stories originate from Dunbar Creek on St. Simons Island, just about every surrounding island has a little inlet that the locals call "Ibo Landing." This is less the result of historical confusion as much as it is an indication of how this story has been embraced and mythologized by African-Americans in this region.

This story is one of many versions of this popular legend. No one is quite sure who these Ibo (also spelled "Ebo" and "Igbo") captives were, where they came from, or if they committed suicide at all. Records from the period are sketchy concerning this incident. But it doesn't really matter whether the incident happened or not, for over time it became a myth that gave pride to thousands of Africans forced into slavery on the vast Sea Island plantations that once controlled the area.

On the surface, the story seems one of simple defiance, as Ibo men, women and children drowned themselves in front of their white captors. As the story spread throughout the islands, however, two popular myths emerged: that the Ibos walked on the water back to Africa, or they flew back. Either way, the metaphor of a cultural link between African-Americans and the Motherland is strong. The Ibo Landing story continues to be used today as an argument for cultural continuity, most notably in Julie Dash's 1991 film about the Gullah people, Daughters of the Dust.

If you're interested in learning more about Gullah culture and the Sea Islands, you may want to check out the following sites:

Georgia Sea Island Singers - For over 20 years, this unique group has toured the world sharing songs and stories set against the history and mystique of the Georgia Sea Islands.

Golden Isles Navigator - A very comprehensive site about the region and its people. Especially helpful if you're planning a trip.

Daughters of the Dust - From the Internet Movie Database. Learn about one of the few films to feature the Gullah people and their unique traditions."

 

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Site sanctification: 

"...We are now in the final phase of our goal - the peaceful actualization of the world power Biafra. Our African American brethren our now stepping forward, they are now ready to carry our fight to the White House, Congress and beyond. But before this phase is put in place, there is the matter of the sanctification of at least one "Ibo Landing site", - "Thoroughly research, locate and sanctify all “Ibo Landing” sites in the new world, so that the souls of our departed brethren may finally find peace". Umu Biafra, a site has been designated, there are plans being made for this most important ceremony towards the later part of this year. Please keep this in mind. It is important that we show up for this great occasion, for unless we stand by our brethren in the New world, why should they stand by us?...Ekwe Nche. April 2002

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