African Women on the Move! African women are moving into leadership roles around the continent with the support of progressive voters who see beyond gender and recognize powerful visionary leaders. One of the women most recently voted into office as President in Namibia is 72 year old Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. She won more than 57% of the vote. A curated list of other African women leaders is found below: (female monarchs are not included in this list): • Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Uganda, June 2021 – present • President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania, in office since March 2021 to present • Prime Minister Najla Bouden Romdhane, Tunisia, October 2021 • President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania, March/April 2021 • Prime Minister Dogbé Tomegah, Togo, September 2020 • Prime Minister Rose Christiane Ossouka Raponda, Gabon, in office July 2020 • President Sahle-Work Zewde, Ethiopia, October 2018-2024 • President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, Mauritius, June 2015 to March 2018 • Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, Namibia, March 2015 • President Catherine Samba-Panza, Central African Republic, January 2014-March 2016 • Prime Minister Aminata Toure, Senegal, September 2013-July 2014 • President Agnes Monique Ohsan Bellepeau, Mauritius, March 2012-July 2012 and May 2015-June 2015 • Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila Namibia, March 2015 – 2024 • President Joyce Hilda Banda, Malawi, April 2012-May 2014 • Prime Minister Cisse Mariam Kaidama Sidibe, Mali April 2011-March 2012 • President Rose Francine Rogombe, Gabon, June 2009-October 2009 • President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia, in office from January 2006 to January 2018. She was the first elected female head of state in Africa • Prime Minister Maria do Carmo Trovoada Pires de Carvalho Silveira, Sao Tome and Principe, June 2005-April 2006 • Prime Minister Luísa Dias Diogo, Mozambique, in office from August 2004 to January 2010 • Prime Minister Luísa Dias Diogo, Mozambique, in office from August 2004 to January 2010 • Prime Minister Maria das Neves Ceita Baptista de Sousa, Sao Tome and Principe, October 2002-September 2004 • Prime Minister Mame Madior Boye, Senegal, March 2001-November 2002 • Prime Minister and President Sylvie Kinigi, Burundi, Prime Minister from July 1993 -October 1993 and President from October 1993-February 1994 • Prime Minister and President Agathe Uwilingiyimana, Rwanda, July 18, 1993-April 1994 (assassinated on April 7, 1994) • Prime Minister Elizabeth Domitien, Central African Republic, January 1975-April 1976
Good bye Namibia! What a fascinating contrast of urban living in Windhoek and coastal living in Swakopmund which is about five hours away . Windhoek is a typical city with restaurants, museums, businesses, places of worship, craft centers, market places, night life and shops in a thriving environment. Swakopmund is a coastal town with miles of sandy dunes and coastal waves that seduce surfers. What adds to its appeal is the dense community of seals and flamingoes that stretches for miles. Come and see the beauty for yourself. Elder Rev Qiyamah.
Bodily Representation Bodily representation of Black women within the context of global capitalism often projects images of ownership and exploitation centered in a patriarchal gaze. Just this week FB deleted a post of mine that contained photos of Himba women. Their clothing is the focus of this post. FB deleted my photos of the women with the following comment, “This goes against our community standards on nudity…” Who gets to be the “moral guardians”? Question- What do you think and should males be in charge of what body parts women can display? Let me hear from you. Sister Souurce will be posting the photos on our website so you can decide for yourself. Elder Rev Qiyamah PS the photos seen here are not the photos that were censored. To see the censored photos go to Sister Souurce website. Evidently at risk of having our account deleted we cannot leave the link to our website to view the pictures.
Swakopmund Tomorrow, November 29 Sister Souurce will say good bye to the town of Swakopmund. We take away beautiful memories from this coastal town that includes: -the second largest city in Namibia -Dune 7 – the highest dunes in Namibia; some of which include camel rides, parasailing and board surfing and ATV’s -surf friendly ocean waves -beautiful and expensive ocean view housing – smaller and affordable housing appeared to be available in some sections -downtown area with a diverse selection of stores and businesses -uniquely dense communities of seals and flamingoes with a few predator jackals -a nearby port that features cruises from and to South Africa -aquarium, library, museums, arts and crafts -street vendors that request to be paid for pictures that tourist take(average $1.00) -aggressive street vendors I highly recommend a visit to Namibia, particularly the capital, Windhoek where you will find all the conveniences of urban living with lots to see and do that includes museums, the local market place, monuments, and much more. A visit to the city of Seakopmund provides a comfortable contrast and is a must see because of the seals, flamingoes, miles of sand dunes, beautiful palm trees and miles of ocean scenes. While no Unitarian Universalist are present as far as I can discern the visit allowed me to observe my friend, professor BJ Bryson’s and what is involved to prepare and arrange for a student tour. Furthermore, the trip allowed me to reflect on the dynamics that Sister Souurce would need in place to create future tours to African countries that currently have UU communities. If you are interested in helping to plan and develop such tours please contact me at: qrahman@sistersouurce.org Warmest regards, Elder Rev Qiyamah
Day 4 Namibia Namibia Votes 2024 – The polls opened up this morning at 7am and were scheduled to close at 9pm. However the decision was made to allow everyone waiting in line to be able to vote. Namibia is undergoing its 8th Presidential & National Assembly election. It was reported that younger voters showed up in record numbers. 1,611,000 ballots were printed. Some voting polls ran out of ballots. Counting has started. May the citizens of Namibia be granted committed, competent and courageous representatives whose hearts yearn for justice. Pelican Point and Walvis Bay I had never previously heard of these two locations. Five hours from Windhoek, Pelican Point and Walvis Bay represent a different world. Sand dunes, crashing ocean waves, ocean front houses, salt deposits, and oil rigs all share space together with thousands of flamingos and seals. But I can show you better than to tell you, Warmest regards, Elder Rev Qiyamah
Today we visited Penduka Village, located 15 minutes from downtown Windhoek. The Village is located near a body of water at the Goreangab Dam in Katatura. It is the first body of water we have seen since being in Namibia. The village provides a source of income for women derived from jewelry making, painting, sewing, batik and embroidery. While these activities provide economic benefits they also have a therapeutic effect that seeks to empower the women and increase their self assurance through skills development. The grounds contains housing for visitors along with work spaces and a gift shop. Penduka means wake up. They are dedicated to “challenging the current paradigm and creating opportunities for women to thrive, ensuring their dignity and well-bring are at the forefront of our endeavors.” Elder Rev Qiyamah
Namibia Namibia is located in Southern Africa and shares borders with Angola and Zambia in the north and Botswana to the east. The capital, Windhoek is where BJ and I have stayed since our arrival on Sunday, Nov 26. English is the official language. Namibia’s female Prime Minister, Saara Kuugongelwa, is a member of the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) and has served as Prime Minister since 2015. Namibia only recently gained its independence in 1990. It was a German colony in the early 30th century and became an administrative territory under the League of Nations after WWI. South Africa administered Namibia following WWII. In 1966 SWAPO launched armed struggle against South African occupation. In 1988 South Africa agreed to Namibian independence in exchange for removal of Cuban troops from Angola. 2005 was a significant year when the Government began the redristribution of white owned farms as part of a land reform program. Namibia is a large country with a relatively small population of 3 million. The country is rich in minerals, diamonds and uranium. While Namibia is one of the richest countries in Africa the majority of its population lives in poverty. The Black majority were historically excluded from participating in economic development. While Namibia has made progress in reducing poverty, developed nations have manipulated the circumstances to benefit from the natural resources, thus constraining Namibia’s economic and social progress. High levels of inequality perpetuate the class divides and the poverty rates. High unemployment rates are attributed to slow job creation and low primary sector productivity. Some sources have rated Namibia as one of the “world’s most unequal countries.” As a casual observer I do not expect to understand the history of Namibia in my two week visit. However, I hope to share my reflections based on observations and research. So come along with me on this journey! Elder Rev Qiyamah
Breaking the Cycle of Child Begging Often in some developing countries one observes child beggars. I have only witnessed one incident of children begging while in Windhoek. The reason is the Department of Economic Development and Community Services along with the Social & Youth Development Division have mounted a campaign to break the cycle of child begging. They believe child begging on the streets places the children at greater risk of harm and exploitation. And that the problem is exacerbated when tourists give money to the children which creates a cycle of dependency and exploitation. Thus they discourage the behavior and instead invite donations to organizations that work to end child begging. These organizations offer holistic services such as shelter, education, counseling and advocacy. Thus, they tackle the root causes of child begging. Furthermore, they have developed literature to educate tourists that informs them that while their gestures are intended to be kind and helpful that it does not address the systemic issues like poverty and lack of access to education that lead to long term begging. When we know better we can do better. Let us work to eliminate poverty for all citizens. Warmest regards, Elder Tev Qiyamah Drought Namibia is also experiencing a drought. All around the country the grass that is usually green is brown and withered. Lakes, streams and rivers have dried up. This has grave implications for the animal life. In our hotel we are asked to take shorter showers, to use towels as long as possible , to flush only when necessary, no bath and to refrain from running the water while washing hands, shaving and brushing teeth. We will certainly do our part to conserve water during this drought season. Elder Rev Qiyamah
Come along with Sister Souurce as we accompany Dr BJ Bryson, professor at James Madison University on a site visit to Namibia. We will identify in country opportunities that provide a cultural experience for graduate students participating in a 4 week tour scheduled for May 2025. This tour will be a major learning experience for Sister Souurce as we think about future tours for possible sites with Unitarian Universalists in Africa, the Philippines, Khasi Hills in India and other exciting locations. Elder Rev Qiyamah
All Souls There are approximately twenty two Unitarian Universalist (UU) churches around the country whose names include the words “All Souls.” Sunday, November 17th I attended the worship service at All Souls Church Unitarian in Washington, DC. All Souls, founded in 1821, is one of our large churches, if not the largest, with a membership of 2,022. Sermon Preaching on the theme of “Widening Our Circle,” , Reverend Anastasia Zinke cited the example of Vietnamese Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh and a French soldier’s friendship. It was an unlikely friendship because the French Indochina War, fought between 1946 and 1954 included attacks on the peaceful Buddhist monks and their temples by the French soldiers. Unfortunately, France’s sustained war efforts were heavily funded by the United States. Reflections Reverend Anastasia reflected on the budding friendship of the monk and the soldier that was sustained over the years even after the two were no longer in the same physical locale. Rev Anastasia reflected on expanding our lives to embrace those that are different, thus widening our circles, transforming lives and bringing harmony and peace. Question Q. When did you last speak to or reach out to someone that was different? Q. What would need to happen to make reaching out to others part of your growth, part of putting your faith into action or intensifying it? Elder Rev Qiyamah
The People Speak! Soon and very soon some individuals in the nation will be elated, while others will be angry, reactionary and defiant. In the days to come the road ahead will not be easy regardless to who is elected. These are extraordinarily challenging times that require so much of us while we attempt to salvage and remediate our flawed and broken democratic process. More than ever we will be required to practice and cultivate a sense of renewal and mindfulness to get through the ensuing days. We will be required to exercise compassion and clarity for ourselves and others. This is a time to summon our highest and best selves and channel our vision of a fair and just world…as the bible says, “Put on the full armor of protection” and “gird our loins.” These circumstances might require us to walk into the ballot booths of our minds and vote for the highest and best version of ourselves. This might be a good time for some of us to hit the reset button or at the very least , pause. Pause so that we can gather our ourselves, to center ourselves for what lies ahead. Our society has a way of keeping us on information overload so that we are constantly multi-tasking and rushing here and there. Some of us may need to re-evaluate our selfcare as we prepare for the days ahead. As Unitarian Universalists we are encouraged to execute and activate the free and responsible search for truth as articulated in our fourth principle. I hope that you thought about the children and generations of children to come when you cast your vote. Do your part to ensure their future. I hope you walk(ed) into the voting booth like the ancestars sent you! This is a time to truly learn what it means to accompany one another as we navigate this scary and treacherous journey. Ask yourself what got you through past crises? Right there! Right there is where you might want to reflect on how you have managed and lean into that practice and space. Was it prayer? Was it calling on the support and comfort of friends, colleagues and other activists? Lean into those practices that invigorate you, that inspire you and “keep you keeping on!” Reflections This period requires a rebirthing, a rejuvenation, a revisiting of our values and beliefs to surface clarity, purpose and direction. The people will speak. And whether that is a good thing for you and democracy or a bad thing, it does not change the reality. In the old westerns the shootout happened between the gun slinging sheriff and the bad guy. In the adventure stories the army arrived in time to save the one last soldier fighting off the enemy. But this is real life – real time and real people. So whether they are your tribe or not, the people will have spoken. If they are your people, then you are celebrating and it is a time of jubilation for you. If not, either way, we still have work to do. Because power does not concede power without resistance. We will either celebrate, and or lick our wounds and get back to work. So gird up your loins and put on the full armor of protection. Elder Rev. Qiyamah
Clergy Appreciation Month October is national Clergy Appreciation Month, a time set aside to recognize the contributions and service of pastors, priests, reverends, ministers, and all other clergy members. How did you pay tribute to your clergy? Send your stories and pictures! Elder Rev. Qiyamah
HAPPY B’DAY TO ME! Today I celebrate 76 years of life. It has been filled with ups and downs and I am so grateful for my full and rich life: 52 years as a parent 38 years as a social worker in the area of gender based violence 34 years as a Unitarian Universalist 31 years as a grand parent 17 years as a Unitarian Universalist minister (parish and community) 17 years as Dr. Qiyamah – Thank you Clark Atlanta University 3 years as founder and volunteer Executive Director of Sister Souurce, Inc. 1 year as a published author I look forward to the next 25 years of “Good Trouble.” Those of you so moved, please donate to Sister Souurce, Inc. at www.sistersouurce.org (scroll to the bottom of the page – your donation is appreciated! Elder Rev. Dr. Qiyamah
Sunday Adventure! Hello, my name is Malia Michelle Rahman. I am eleven years old. Today my grandmother, Rev. Qiyamah, I call her Nana Qiyamah and I went to church at Coastal Virginia Unitarian Universalist, in Norfolk, VA. I went into a room with two kids and two adult teachers. We did arts and crafts. We were asked to make cards for Jackson, a kid that was in the hospital. We didn’t know what was wrong with him. There were fidgets, small toys for us to play with. I played with the Playdoh. It was yellow and bright as the sun. We took a group picture. Afterwards we went downstairs to the worship service. The children were invited to come up front for Story for All Ages. In my opinion worship was pretty boring. All they did was sing, light a chalice and talk about stories about hell and damnation. But a man named John Murray back then said everybody is saved. The speaker called that Universalism. When they blew out the chalice we left. and drove home. The End – Malia #church #fidgetstoys #coastalvirginiauu #sundayfunday #SundaySchoolService #unitarianuniversalist #Universalism #salvation
Many Unitarian Universalist congregations celebrate and offer animal blessings for members. This is usually a dedicated Sunday service held indoors or outdoors when members and friends bring their pets to be blessed. While in Norfolk, VA I attended the Coastal UU service Sunday where my colleague, Rev Viola Abbott serves. Dogs of various types were mostly present. While this might be considered a rather unusual or unorthodox service, it is not unusual for UUs. What are some diverse services you have attended or that your congregation features? Elder Rev Qiyamah #doglover #dogs #animallover #animalblessing
The Pentagon Papers: A Moment of Moral Courage “In a time of universal deceit, it’s a revolutionary act to tell the truth.” The words of George Orwell, author of 1984 There are moments in Unitarian Universalist history that moral imagination or moral courage is demonstrated that result in significant movement towards freedom despite the risks. This month marks the 53rd anniversary of the Pentagon Papers that revealed to the American public the misuse of power by the Justice Department, invasion of privacy and misuse of secrets by the US government. How It Began In 1967, Defense Secretary Robert McNamara convened a think tank of thirty- six individuals to assemble a report on the full history of the United States decision making on Vietnam spanning a period from the early 1940s through March 1968. The lack of transparency to the public and the duplicitous role of the US government that was uncovered was extremely distressing to one think tank member, Daniel Ellsberg. He had followed the draft resisters courageous efforts and protests challenging the Vietnam war that led to their convictions and imprisonment. Ellsberg pondered what actions he could take to resist the war. While the reports findings had been conveyed to some senators and congressional members they failed to make the information public despite their opposition. Ellsberg copied 7,000 pages of top secrets that demonstrated many administration officials had violated the law. He leaked the Reports to the New York Times. On June 13, 1971 the New York Times published the first in the series titled, Vietnam Archive: Pentagon Study Traces Three Decades of Growing US Involvement”. While several other newspapers published the papers, including the Washington Post, another 35 newspapers refused to do so. Legal actions ensued and the NY Times was “enjoined” to halt publication. Both the NY Times and the Washington Post filed a successful appeal to the Supreme Court in the NY Times vs. United States and won. Unitarian Universalist Involvement A US Senator Maurice “Mike” Gravel, from Alaska, was one of two UUs in the Senate. Senator Maurice received a copy of the Papers at a time when Ellsberg was trying to make the public aware of what was going on in Vietnam. The timing was perfect because Senator Gravel was planning a filibuster in protest of the Vietnam war. Obtaining the papers provided endless information for his filibuster. Later, Gravel sought a private publisher to distribute the Papers. Dozens of commercial and university publishing houses rejected Gravel’s request due to concerns about the backlash. Beacon Press Gravel approached Beacon Press, an independent, nonprofit book publisher based in Boston, that is owned and operated by the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations. Despite the potential financial and political risks Beacon Press agreed to publish the papers. President Nixon personally attacked Beacon Press. These unfolding of events eventually led to the Watergate scandal and the resignation of President Richard Nixon. Elder Rev. Qiyamah A. Rahman #PentagonPapers #moralcourage #Watergate #vietnamwar
Mining the Stories: Why History Matters Research on Universalist Women confirms that Universalist women stood at the forefront of the major social reform movements of the 19th century. They believed in putting their faith into action as a way to bring the “kingdom of God” to life rather than waiting for the here-after as proclaimed by many Christians. Like many Unitarian women, Universalist women worked for the abolishment of slavery, women’s rights, temperance, prison reform, public hygiene, and peace – thus embodying Universalisms emphasis on love and God’s saving grace that was proclaimed for all rather than a chosen few as many Calvinists asserted. Some of these women include: Olympia Brown, Abigail Adams, Louisa May Alcott, Susan B. Anthony, Clara Barton, Julia Ward Howe, Elizabeth Blackwell, Lucy Stone and Dorthea Dix. What do these individuals all have in common? Yes, they were all Universalists. And they were also all white and female. And they were all commemorated on United States postage stamps. Here are a couple more of our Universalist sisters that were historically granted visibility in early UU literature: Mary Livermore – A Universalist and gifted speaker was known as the Queen of the Platform for her magnificent speeches which she delivered all over the country and in Europe. The very announcement of her presence was enough to fill lecture halls. Another prominent 19th century Universalist often mentioned in literature was Elizabeth Emerson Turner Sawyer. She was born in Lyme, New Hampshire, in1822. Elizabeth was 11 years old when she went to work in the mills in Lowell, Massachusetts. She joined the “Improvement Circle” that was organized by Universalist minister Abel Thomas. It was there that she listened to essays, stories and poetry read aloud by diverse authors in preparation for publication in the Lowell Offering. The Lowell Offering was the very first magazine ever written exclusively by women in the United States. Finally, two additional historical Unitarian/Universalist personalities. Emily Green Balch is the only Unitarian Universalist woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize in 1946. She is one of nine UU winners of the Nobel Prize and the only woman. Finally, there is Maja V. Capek, born 1888 and died in 1966. She was one of the co-founders of the Czech Unitarian Church. In 1907 Capek emigrated with her family to the US and became head librarian in the Czech section of the NY Public Library. She urged Norbert Capek, her husband, to leave his Baptist ministry and convert to Unitarianism. In 1921 they returned to Prague to found a dynamic liberal church. Maja Capek introduced the now popular Flower Communion Service which had been conceived at the Prague Church. It was celebrated for the first time in the US at the First Unitarian Church in Cambridge, MA in the spring of 1940. Her beloved husband was killed by the Nazis. Maja joined the staff at the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Agency and worked for a number of years as a Displaced Persons Specialist in Egypt and Palestine. These are amazing women with amazing stories. Their stories are widely known and are often featured as the narrative of Unitarian, Universalist and Unitarian Universalist women. Sister Souurce, Inc. exists because we want to elevate the presence and visibility of African American Unitarian Universalist women and girls so that the world is as familiar with the African American Unitarian Universalist women that contributed to our faith tradition and to the justice movements. So that one day, the names of Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, Fannie Barrier Williams, Hester Jeffrey, Maria Baldwin, and so many other African American Unitarian Universalist women will be equally familiar. And when the history is presented it will include our names and our legacies. Please continue to support and contribute your writings to Sister Souurce, Inc. May it Be So and Blessed Be! Elder Rev. Qiyamah
Femicide in Kenya? Over the years women activists and allies have worked diligently to heighten the awareness about gender based violence. Several high profile murders of female Kenyan athletes has occurred over the last few years. . On September 1, 2024, Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, 33, was attacked by her former boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema. Ndiema set Cheptegei on fire as she returned home from church with her two daughters. Ndiema ambushed Cheptegei, and doused her with petrol, setting her body aflame as she writhed in agony and pain. Cheptegei died four days later on September 5th of multiple organ failure. It is believed that they quarreled over a small parcel of land that Cheptegei had built her house on in Kenya’s Rift Valley. Dickson Ndiema, Cheptegei’s former boyfriend has also succumbed to his injuries sustained when petrol intended for Cheptegei splashed onto his body, thus setting himself on fire. The 33-year-old Olympian was the third female athlete to be killed in Kenya over the last three years. In each case, current or former romantic partners were named as the main suspects by police. In 2021, world-record holder Agnes Tirop was stabbed to death and six months later Damaris Mutua was strangled. Some observers are saying that female athletes are becoming increasingly vulnerable. “[This is] because they go against traditional gender norms where the woman is just in the kitchen and just cooking and taking care of children.” Attacks on women have become a grave concern in Kenya. In 2022 at least 34% of women said they had experienced physical violence after reaching the age of 15. (For the full report see the Sister Souurce website at www.sistersouurce.org)
![Femicide in Kenya?
Over the years women activists and allies have worked diligently to heighten the awareness about gender based violence.
Several high profile murders of female Kenyan athletes has occurred over the last few years. .
On September 1, 2024, Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, 33, was attacked by her former boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema. Ndiema set Cheptegei on fire as she returned home from church with her two daughters. Ndiema ambushed Cheptegei, and doused her with petrol, setting her body aflame as she writhed in agony and pain.
Cheptegei died four days later on September 5th of multiple organ failure. It is believed that they quarreled over a small parcel of land that Cheptegei had built her house on in Kenya’s Rift Valley.
Dickson Ndiema, Cheptegei’s former boyfriend has also succumbed to his injuries sustained when petrol intended for Cheptegei splashed onto his body, thus setting himself on fire.
The 33-year-old Olympian was the third female athlete to be killed in Kenya over the last three years. In each case, current or former romantic partners were named as the main suspects by police. In 2021, world-record holder Agnes Tirop was stabbed to death and six months later Damaris Mutua was strangled.
Some observers are saying that female athletes are becoming increasingly vulnerable.
"[This is] because they go against traditional gender norms where the woman is just in the kitchen and just cooking and taking care of children.”
Attacks on women have become a grave concern in Kenya. In 2022 at least 34% of women said they had experienced physical violence after reaching the age of 15.
(For the full report see the Sister Souurce website at www.sistersouurce.org)](https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/459311010_122167601714141751_1990241783763848074_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=b_XHgQqum8EQ7kNvgEMq2KA&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&edm=AKIiGfEEAAAA&_nc_gid=AbiJN5jrqaooR2doSZpYcAa&oh=00_AYAcw4yoF3I9RDcAXvmprQSVZCMhJk6oElLAxdnm-FZXvw&oe=675DD59A)
![Femicide in Kenya?
Over the years women activists and allies have worked diligently to heighten the awareness about gender based violence.
Several high profile murders of female Kenyan athletes has occurred over the last few years. .
On September 1, 2024, Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, 33, was attacked by her former boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema. Ndiema set Cheptegei on fire as she returned home from church with her two daughters. Ndiema ambushed Cheptegei, and doused her with petrol, setting her body aflame as she writhed in agony and pain.
Cheptegei died four days later on September 5th of multiple organ failure. It is believed that they quarreled over a small parcel of land that Cheptegei had built her house on in Kenya’s Rift Valley.
Dickson Ndiema, Cheptegei’s former boyfriend has also succumbed to his injuries sustained when petrol intended for Cheptegei splashed onto his body, thus setting himself on fire.
The 33-year-old Olympian was the third female athlete to be killed in Kenya over the last three years. In each case, current or former romantic partners were named as the main suspects by police. In 2021, world-record holder Agnes Tirop was stabbed to death and six months later Damaris Mutua was strangled.
Some observers are saying that female athletes are becoming increasingly vulnerable.
"[This is] because they go against traditional gender norms where the woman is just in the kitchen and just cooking and taking care of children.”
Attacks on women have become a grave concern in Kenya. In 2022 at least 34% of women said they had experienced physical violence after reaching the age of 15.
(For the full report see the Sister Souurce website at www.sistersouurce.org)](https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/459559428_122167601822141751_252477548247966546_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=38MqrqnIlBQQ7kNvgESJbBf&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&edm=AKIiGfEEAAAA&_nc_gid=AbiJN5jrqaooR2doSZpYcAa&oh=00_AYDkE3cFm05mdynuhOMYsLnUrnlVXwyb7M0Linf_1HlNPg&oe=675DD767)
![Femicide in Kenya?
Over the years women activists and allies have worked diligently to heighten the awareness about gender based violence.
Several high profile murders of female Kenyan athletes has occurred over the last few years. .
On September 1, 2024, Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, 33, was attacked by her former boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema. Ndiema set Cheptegei on fire as she returned home from church with her two daughters. Ndiema ambushed Cheptegei, and doused her with petrol, setting her body aflame as she writhed in agony and pain.
Cheptegei died four days later on September 5th of multiple organ failure. It is believed that they quarreled over a small parcel of land that Cheptegei had built her house on in Kenya’s Rift Valley.
Dickson Ndiema, Cheptegei’s former boyfriend has also succumbed to his injuries sustained when petrol intended for Cheptegei splashed onto his body, thus setting himself on fire.
The 33-year-old Olympian was the third female athlete to be killed in Kenya over the last three years. In each case, current or former romantic partners were named as the main suspects by police. In 2021, world-record holder Agnes Tirop was stabbed to death and six months later Damaris Mutua was strangled.
Some observers are saying that female athletes are becoming increasingly vulnerable.
"[This is] because they go against traditional gender norms where the woman is just in the kitchen and just cooking and taking care of children.”
Attacks on women have become a grave concern in Kenya. In 2022 at least 34% of women said they had experienced physical violence after reaching the age of 15.
(For the full report see the Sister Souurce website at www.sistersouurce.org)](https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/459491506_122167602152141751_7191723632287052622_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=NIQdAmvNzMEQ7kNvgGOKHyI&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&edm=AKIiGfEEAAAA&_nc_gid=AbiJN5jrqaooR2doSZpYcAa&oh=00_AYDlwL0rVr6pcKcJWEp0UknX-uzShJ_I4KOjEBSE-knkQg&oe=675DE97E)
Homecoming by Elder Rev Qiyamah It is good to be home among familiar faces and places. The rituals and flow of my life slowly, yet clumsily reclaiming the patterns and rhythms of home. I unpack clothes – the colorful and stylish dress from the market place in Ghana, the Masaai cloth the Kenyan women wrapped so lovingly around my shoulders the gift of a sheep, Ms. UU, I named her, knowing I would have to leave her behind. At home my toiletries find their familiar places – the third drawer on the left and skin creams in the bottom drawer on the right. For days I continue to feel a numbness as I transition back into my life. I am not sure how to proceed and so I do not think about it. Like a robot I re-enter my life. Yet, there is a mixture of emotions tumbling around in my head, trying to make sense of what seemed sensible in Kenya. Now there is a sense of satisfaction, I did this thing that others “wished you were not doing,” I accomplished something others with far more resources and vision have not done. I stepped into a tsunami of trauma that caused separation between Africans and African Americans But specifically African American and African Unitarian Universalists. I began the healing process that no human or organization is in charge of. Not the UU Association, not the Pan African Leaders, no one., for it is divinely ordained. What the Ancestars decreed, no human can defy! The Ancestars whisked me away from the familiar and planted me in a strange land where I was present to hear and see a people, my people, my spiritual people of Unitarian Universalists and so I go forth to manifest and be a witness to the prayers of the ancestars. It was a holy pilgrimage. It was a homecoming! Mine and theirs! What have I witnessed that needs to be shared? And what is so secret that I dare not whisper it aloud in this lifetime? How can I convey the humanity of the people without minimizing the deep grinding poverty of UU Kenyans whose leaders feel a sense of abandonment? Some individuals know the story and others only bare the scars. Can we ever fully recover the history and heal from our painful encounters and past? I am grateful to be the vessel, the speaker and orator of their stories. Please do not view me as a wealthy American with dollar signs in your eyes. That is the colonizer shaping your images and narrative of who I am – who we are. I sense the winds of change as the Ancestars are about to do a thing. I believe the Holy Spirit, the Creative Energy in the Universe called God that moves and has its being through human agency is about to do a new thing in Kenya among the UUs. We can write this story. Will you join me? Previews to Come! Over the next few months Sister Souurce will be bringing you stories of Unitarian Universalists in Kenya. You will hear some of Sister Souurce’s words, but mostly we will strive to bring you the voices of the Kenyan Unitarian Universalists, so long have we have been separated. Let us rejoice and be glad this day has come. We are entering a new season of UUism where we are bridging the divide created between African and African American Unitarian Universalists. Join us on this journey! Stay tuned! Elder Rev. Qiyamah
Family Reunions Family reunions are an important tradition in Black culture. It represents a strong family ritual that connects family members often geographically separated. Similar to digital technology and social media, family reunions potentially can link families and create bonding opportunities centered around social interaction that includes food, games, music, dancing, special events and excursions. Close to 80-90, maybe even 100 relatives ranging from siblings to nieces and nephews, cousins and other extended family attended our 2024 family reunion from all around the country. My nine siblings and I represent about 21 nieces and nephews and countless cousins and other extended family. Several birthdays were also celebrated. Every reunion is high energy and super charged with special programming. They are very child friendly and includes bouncies and this year featured a large wading pool. This year we hired a comedian, a spoken word poet, and gospel rappers. We also had a talent show featuring some of our talented youth. Our programming always features dinners, brunch and worship service. There are always new faces attending as a result of research efforts that uncover new relatives in the family tree. Some resources to help those who want to plan a family reunion: -The Family Reunion by Karen King -Family Reunion Handbook: A Complete Guide to a planning & Enjoying Family Reunions by Tom Ninkovich -Family Reunion Plsnning Kit for Dummies by Cheryl Fall -How to Plan Your African American Family Reunion by Krystal Williams Elder Rev Qiyamah #familyreunions #family #blacklivesmatter
Sista’s gathering in Southfield , MI! While I am here in Michigan for a family reunion, my longtime friend, Haniyyah Rhodes invited me to a sista’s gathering. I love seeing us gather and share our stories and what is on our hearts and what work we are doing to love ourselves and to make the world a better place! Keep it up my sistas! Elder Rev Qiyamah
Day 26-Kenyan Pilgrimage I attended a final worship service today in Kayole Corner / Kangundo Rd in the Mathare Sports Center. The service was conducted by Rev Alice Magara. It was almost completely in Swahili so i am not sure what she said. My reflections were directed to the 20+ youth in the audience that comprised the majority of attendees. They consisted of soccer team members and orphans that I had spoken to the previous day. My words to them were, “Make good choices.” I reminded them of the career choices some of them stated for their life’s careers. And that on this journey called life their actions will sometimes bring them closer to their career goals or further away. After service I met with four or five pastors to talk about the UU Council of Kenya. This will be the body that will provide the finial oversight and serve as fiduciary between me and UUCK. May this next season of my life’s journey be a bold encounter engaging creativity, vision and abundance as we unite African American UUs and Kenyan UUs. Elder Rev Qiyamah
Day 25-Kenyan Pilgrimage “The women cook, dress children, take them to school. That is the culture…Most of the rights of women are being violated. Most of the men drink…come at night and ask for food. One of our members was injured because she didn’t have anything to give to the husband. According to African culture, the women have the responsibility to fetch for water, cook and go to the farm while their husbands are just doing nothing apart from sharing stories with other men.” “We formed youth task forces to educate the men and youths in our community to realize that women are not slaves. ..in the process we have brought new images in our community where the men are assisting their wife’s…stated Rev Kevin Ragira. Elder Rev Qiyamah
Day 24-Kenyan Pilgrimage I looked out at the sea of small faces as my time was drawing to a close. I was only a couple days away from my departure from kenya. I looked out at the faces of the orphans packed in the tiny room and I wondered what their futures held for them? The UU coach, Obed, informed me that the oldest of the 57 orphans was 15 years old and the youngest was three and a half years old. Ten of the children were already at greater risk than others because they were not attending school due to lack of school fees. And the young girls were at risk for dropping out for having no sanitary napkins and thus missing school. The orphanage was in its sixteenth year and some had aged out in the process. Obed was using soccer to motivate the youth, to keep them off the streets, the same place where some had come from. “We need soccer uniforms, equipment, gloves for the goal keeper, goal posts, shoes, balls and fields,”Obed said. “Soccer keeps me busy,”said a youth. “It is my talent and passion,” said another” “You can go far” stated the determined youth. When asked what they wanted to be when they grew up, some replied: “Pilot, teacher, footballers, neurosurgeon, scientist, military, doctor and nurse.” When I return and their small eager faces and plaintive voices grow dim, I will remember that my worst day is better than their best day and that I can play a small role in helping to turn things around for them by sharing their stories. Elder Rev Qiyamah
Day 23-Kenyan Pilgrimage The day has finally arrived when I meet the representatives of the UU Council of Kenya, the official body representing UUs from around Kenya. My goal is to share the results of my listening circles and my list of projects as communicated by UUs: To date I have interviewed 344 women, 24 girls, 3 orphans and 7 males. The most prevalent issue is school fees that interfere with education across grade levels. Lack of capital to invest in or for start ups was another critical challenge facing women. Most women wanted a cow or land as a way to mitigate their impoverished conditions. Health problems and lack of money to even finance the health insurance card sponsored by the Kenyan government. UUCK I get the sense the Council has not met in a very long time. Some of the leadership has been in office for over ten years. Others were returning having been previously away for ten years. A women’s component was created and an election will be held to elect new officers. And discussion will determine how to create a process that is representative of all UUs around the region. Present John Mbugua – called the meeting to order. Benard Macharias – chair Justine Magara – Coordinator(and acting secretary since Josphat Msinye left in 2020) 4 representatives from Nairobi 5 representatives from Central Region 1 representative – Rev Alice Magara- Kisii region 1 representative- Frederick Omwoyo – Western region Visitor- Rev Qiyamah A Rahman I presented the following 13 projects for review ( detailed descriptions to follow in future posts): -Upper Room-Guest Room (Bishop Purity’s Community) -Massai Women’s Beading -Maasai Sports Team -UU Family Based Centre -New Dreams for Young Mothers Network -Oke Ntukus Church Proposal -Community Helpers Program (pilot project) -Women’s Merry-Go-Round (pilot Project) -Youth Exchange Group -Disability Center -Community Center (pilot project) -LGBTQIA+ Shelter Project -Welding Project -Advocates -Bore hole -Farming Elder Rev Qiyamah
Day 22-Kenyan Pilgrimage Day of Review and Research In preparation for the meeting with the UU Council of Kenya the following day, I devoted my time to reviewing and researching the various projects UUs had shared with me as I traveled around the country. The process I proposed was I would present each project to the UUCK and they would prioritize the top 3-5 and I would work to identify donors for these projects. Elder Rev Qiyamah
Day 21-Kenyan Pilgrimage (continued) The same afternoon I met with a second group of women, JuJa UU Wonen’s Group. They had a Merry-Go-Round and Table Banking. “Twice a month we contribute 200 shillings each. We keep 50 shillings for orphans and the other 50 shillings for emergencies.” “We make packing bags from second hand clothes. We also make washing detergent, shampoo and a solution for stains.” “We are concerned with vulnerable children and families. In 2019 we started a house but had to close it down for lack of funds. Some of us work as volunteers. We go house to house to see what problems exist – HIV, TB-we call ourselves the doctors in the community. There are people and children that are hungry. Children not going to school because of lack of food. We need help with putting up people in a house. If we could get a house.” Elder Rev Qiyamah #kenya #poverty
Day 21-Kenyan Pilgrimage “If a girl is not in school she will be married and such girls become vulnerable to pregnancy because she is poor and she is pressured to get married.” ************************** I met with about a dozen women today from the Unitarian Universalist Women Central Kenya in Ruiru. Their reports identified two areas of need: social and economic. The group has forty-five children and six infants in their center. The mothers and infants live in the center. “The majority of the teen mothers do well at school but they need funding to go through to high school. They are susceptible to early marriages. It is not unusual for the young girls to ask the boys for sanitary napkins and the boys ask for sex in return.” Among the groups needs (in no particular order): -We need medical camps, centers for drug addicts (those that exist are very expensive). -“We need wheel chairs and braille supplies.” Lizz Njeri Maina UU Youth Leader central Kenya region indicated the following: “The borehole proposal would cater and tackle water shortage. The center has various needs: general cleaning, irrigation and drinking water. The main objectives are: 1. To ensure the congregation of the center stay in a clean environment. 2. To ensure the congregation have access to clean drinking and cooking water. 3. To ensure the agricultural nursery for organic plants get water for irrigation. 4. To ensure the center upgrades its washrooms from the traditional pit latrines to modern toilets that require water to flash. The center and the community will also access the water as the area doesn’t have a reliable source of water supply. The tank available has the capacity of 5000 litres and the project will necessitate more storage tanks.” Building The group also desires a building with sufficient space for office, rentals, classrooms Solid Waste Management Project -collection of garbage -sorting of garbage and waste -recycling Seedlings -establishment of seedling beds and nurseries -upon maturing sell trees for income LGBTQIA None of women’s groups had previously articulated any programming needs for LGBTQIA period to this group. They stated the need for a rescue shelter, a holding base and mentors. Elder Rev Qiyamah #poverty #teenpregnancy #kenya #blacklivesmatter #microfinance #LGBTQIA
Day 20-Kenyan Pilgrimage About 18 million people or 60% of the population in Kenya is poor and mostly ineligible for formal banking services. And yet, the informal sector of credit can be risky and not viable, making it difficult for the poor to climb out of poverty. Tackling some of the most pressing development challenges of women in Kenya has led to the popularity of women’s micro finances. It’s popularity is partly due to the elimination of a mid level,thus one less obstacle, provision of loans without collateral or interest and enhanced training and support for women. Inaccessibility to credit and the inability to save due to “hand to mouth subsistence” for particularly rural women confines them to the cycle of poverty. Unitarian Universalist women in Kenya have combined their entrepreneurial creativity and their sense of sisterhood to promote what appears to be two successful initiatives: Women’s -Merry-Go-Round This initiative consists of groups of women that agree to contribute a set amount of shillings per month into a common fund. Some of the women’s groups contribute an agreed amount or percentage to orphans in the community. Almost every UU congregation I visited had orphans and Merry-Go -Rounds.” This grass roots micro financing works fine when women have some income generating initiatives to meet their monthly commitment. A lottery of sorts is a feature of the system and given to a woman. This is a cash giveaway and is not a loan to be repaid but is a gift. Table Banking Like Merry-Go-Round, table banking consists of a group of women that contribute a monthly contribution. However, instead of the grant which requires no repayment, the women can apply for a loan. The loan plus interest is due the following months. Women can choose to pay on an installment plan if they desire. Twenty women comprise the group started in 2012. I had the opportunity to sit in on the meeting for this group of women that had both a Merry-Go-Round and Table Banking. Money was flowing as women handed their contribution to the designated party, treasurer, who promptly took the proceeds to the bank. Elder Rev Qiyamah #microfinance #womensupportingwomen #poverty #povertyalleviation #blacklivesmatter
Whenever I am traveling I try to visit the local Unitarian Universalist (UU) congregation. I am in Norfolk, VA and the closest UU congregation is Coastal Virginia UU Congregation located at 809 S. Military Hwy. My colleague, Rev Viola Abbitt is the minister. Elder Rev Qiyamah #blacklivesofunitarianuniversalists #blacklivesmatter #unitarianuniversalist
Day 18-Kenyan Pilgrimage Diana Meet Diana who is with the Molo UU Church in Kericho, Kenya. She was previously affiliated with Winners Chapel. She is a UU pastor of five years. She is also a business woman that uses her profits to help families in need, particularly the elderly. She owns five acres of land. Diana grows potatoes and peas. “I was helping fifty women. Currently, eighteen people are supported through my business…I buy things like rice, cooking oil and flour for them. I also buy charcoal. Kericho is cold and families need clothes and shoes. They need to live where they are safe. I want a piece of land that I can use for a poultry farm and also raise sheep and pigs. This in turn can help others. I would like about five acres. The land can cost 1.2 million shillings per acre.” “Also we have difficulties accessing families because we do not have transportation. A vehicle would allow me to visit families that live far away.” Diana currently pays for a motorbike to transport her. It costs approximately 800 shillings round trip or approximately $56. She stated she could purchase a used vehicle for $700. Husband and Wife Meet this husband and wife whose home we visited. He is 75 and she is 56. They have six children and four grandchildren. Three grandchildren are in school. All six children are in school. School fees and food are a challenge according to the wife. Their home consists of two rooms, the living room and the kitchen. The husband, wife, six children and four grandchildren, plus the wife’s mother, all live in the one room house. The great grand mother sleeps on the sofa and everyone else sleeps on the floor. “The house is made of wood. It is very cold at night. We spread a mattress on the floor in the living room and sleep on the cement floor and my mother sleeps on the sofa,” stated the wife. “I would be happy if I got a piece of land to build my own house. There is no toilet. “ The husband has chest problems and sees a doctor every now and then. The doctor puts him on oxygen. He is u able to see a doctor regularly due to finances. “One child suffers from pneumonia. They go to a chemist (pharmacist). I have an insurance card but paying is a problem. My mother is sick and suffers from high blood pressure,arthritis and sugar diabetes. My son is in college and needs exam fees totaling 10,000 shillings. Elder Rev Qiyamah #kenya #ghana #blacklivesmatter #unitarianuniversalist #Unitarian #Georgia #women #ghana #Poverty
Day 17 Kenyan Pilgrimage Today I interviewed 75 women, including several males in the Listening Circle. Pastor Josphat and his wife hosted Sister Souurce in their home in Sotit. The church was being used for a funeral. Their living room looked like a hospital waiting room overflowing with mothers holding, nursing and placating fretful babies. A number of women bought their special needs children. One male bought his special needs neighbor, a male that was a deaf mute. Fortunately they also bought someone that could sign. The most frequent challenge cited by women is assistance with school fees. The second most requested assistance is a cow. Evidently, every rural family that can afford one has at least one cow to provide milk for the family. Another request is land. In the rural areas the land is ones source to feed the family. Without land the family is at a tremendous disadvantage. From the 75 interviews I have selected several to share: * 54year old widow – 8 Children 1 grdchild (all in school). “I need help with school fees. I have a cow and I need assistance for a machine that cuts animal feed. I have a large farm. It has been dormant for three years since my husband died. I have a group for widows but we have never received support.” *51 year old 7 children 11 grand children- 1 of the children finished and the other 6 dropped out due to finances. “My daughter has mental problems. When stressed she tears off her clothes. My daughter used to be epileptic. Sometimes I go to the doctor. I have no health insurance. I need help with school fees. The house leaks when it rains. I need support. I would like a cow. My daughter went to regular school but was fighting children and they sent her home. My daughter is 14 years old. She is expecting. Men take advantage of her. She does not understand that she is pregnant.” *40 year old 5 children 2 grand children (all in school). The husband came in place of his disabled wife. “We have problems with school fees. My wife has eye problems. She is only using one eye and she has chronic arthritis. She cannot do anything. I have dormant land but I have spent all the money on school fees. I used to buy tea (leaves)to sell but now I have no money. We have three children in the university and sometimes that is a problem.” 34 year old single mother 3 children. School fees are a problem. “My husband tried to kill me and I have a throat problem. The doctor said I need an operation. I have health insurance, but sometimes I cannot pay the monthly fee. I need to start a business. I want to make chips (french fries), so I need the machine. It costs 12,000 shillings.” Elder Rev Qiyamah #kenya #blacklivesmatter #Unitarian #Georgia #unitarianuniversalist #women
Day 13-Kenyan Pilgrimage Sister Souurce’s African pilgrimage has reconnected me with my Pentecostal roots. From what I have observed here in Kenya the UUs are Christian identified UUs and some formerly Pentecostal. I say this because of the wholistic worship style characterized by intense and energetic prayer styles along with the use of music and the body in worship. You can put me in any space honoring and acknowledging the Sacred and Divine and I am at home. Also, the pilgrimage has impacted my preaching style. I have done noteless preaching since being in Africa because it is the tradition. Note less preaching is the tradition in the Baptist and Pentecostal churches so I am very comfortable with it. But I have gotten lazy being able to depend on a script. Initially, I was nervous, however, I am channeling my Baptist preacher grandfather. He would be so proud! When I first heard Bishop Purity and the Prayer Team pray what I heard was the elders from my childhood church where I attended with my grandmother. Here I have observed the Prayer Team pray for hours and sometimes all night long. These people are what we refer to as prayer warriors. This strong connection to religion via spirituality so reminds me of the African American religious tradition. African Retensions Earlier researchers and scholars used to claim that African Americans were stripped of our African culture. However, they have been proven wrong. African retentions have been observed in African Americans language, music, dance, and other customs. Travel We have been blessed with no car problems up to this point. Not very many individuals own vehicles in the rural areas. So when the vehicle refused to start after church today we could not even get a jump. Even mechanics are few and far in between. People rely on motor bikes for transportation. Someone rode into town and purchased a battery and charged ours. We are now on our way. But we have an additional passenger. Meet Ms UU, the host gifted her to me. We will ride with her in the car. I am not thrilled at the prospect of riding 119 miles with a goat. LOL!My bad, I just found out it is a sheep and not a goat. Holy Spirit I asked for an adventurous life but maybe, just maybe I had a different version of adventure. Holy Spirit take the wheel! LOL! Elder Rev Qiyamah PS Ms UU appears to dislike the bumpy Kenyan roads and we can hear her kicking and thrashing around in the hatchback. #kenya #Unitarian #blacklivesmatter #ghana #Bishop #Georgia
Day 12 – Kenyan Pilgrimage Today Sister Souurce continues its journey into the back roads and no roads in rural Kenya to meet Unitarian Universalists (UU). Many have expressed that they feel forgotten and even abandoned by UUs when the first Kenyans such as Bishop Patrick Magara was introduced to UUism. The UU pastors have expressed the desire for training and materials to better serve their people. They have done an amazing job recruiting and inviting Africans into UUism. Many Kenyans have integrated their African culture into UU culture. Almost all appear to be Christians that have transitioned to UUism for various reasons which I am still coming into an understanding about. Today was market day and we gave short notice of our visit. Still, 30+ individuals eventually assembled, welcomed us and shared their history. We spoke with the males before they left to conduct our listening circle with 20 women. The church is called Unification Church and Pastor James is the pastor. The Family Meet “grand father.” Everyone addresses him as such. He is 80 years old and college educated. The community is comprised of one family of 180 individuals that he is responsible for. He has 7 wives, 46 children, 80 grandchildren and 50 great grandchildren. The family does small scale farming on their 60 acres and grandfather owns 115 cattle. There are approximately 25 men and 25 women in the family. The land is basically dormant for lack of funds for fertilizer and seeds. Grandfather named three problems: The need for a new church building (the current one is 22 years old), delinquent school fees that parents are unable to pay and thus the cause for children dropping out of school or inconsistent attendance. A final problem is individuals with disabilities who are often confined to home with few services available to assist them. In the course of the day I would meet with grandfather and other males in the family to talk about possible partnerships with Bishop Purity’s community, interview approximately 40 women, including a late evening listening circle, interview retired Assistant Chief Paul and Bishop Purity and pen this FB post. All this while working on a sermon for Sunday service. Stay tuned as we prepare to leave Maissi land and head to our next destination. Elder Rev Qiyamah #blacklivesmatter #kenya #Unitarian #ghana #Bishop
Day 11 – Kenyan Pilgrimage Another full day with our listening circle to gather information about the challenges that Unitarian Ubiversalist women in Kenya experience. Today I interviewed over fifty women. This community appears to have a disproportionate number of widows in comparison to others I have surveyed. In the midst of conducting the listening circle a young 27 year old mother indicated her child had meningitis and she had not been able to take her back for follow up due to lack of funds. I quickly googled it and confirmed what I suspected, that is, it can be life threatening. We quickly organized a trip to the local clinic. It happened to be the very one the mother had taken her child to. The child had in fact been treated. However, she was referred to the hospital for a cat scan to determine if her unusual behavior was the result of meningitis complications or some other condition. On another note, if you recall the listening circle where two young pregnant women had agreed to name their babies after my mom and grandmother to honor them. Both girls have now delivered. The first was a boy, however the second was a girl. There is now a baby girl, Lucinda in Kisii, Kenya! My grandmother would be so proud! Life is truly an adventure! Elder Rev Qiyamah PS on a more mundane matter. I have been very fortunate up to now to have no encounters with mosquitoes. I got my first bites yesterday. It was like they were making up for neglecting me. The bites are different from those I am used to. These leave huge quarter sized lumps that of cause itch like hell. But I am inoculated and I diligently take my malaria meds and I sleep under a mosquito net. Welcome to Kenya! LOL! #blacklivesmatter #unitarianuniversalis #kenya #Georgia #ghana #childbirth #Unitarian #malaria
