Speaking Truth to Power: Selected Pan-African Postcards

Dr Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem's determination to speak truth to power, his vociferous belief in the potential of Africa and African people and his discerning analysis of developments in the global and Pan-African world are demonstrated in this lively selection of his weekly Pan-African Postcards.

With his exceptional ability to express complex ideas in an engaging manner, this book presents his philosophy on diverse but intersecting themes: his fundamental respect for the capabilities, potential and contribution of women in transforming Africa; penetrating truths directed at African politicians and their conduct; and deliberations on the institutional progress towards African Union. He reflects on culture and emphasises the commonalities of African people. Also represented are his denunciations of international financial institutions, the G8 and NGOs in Africa, with incisive analysis of imperialism's manifestations and impact on the lives of African people, and his passion for eliminating poverty in Africa.

Dr Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem's untimely death on African Liberation Day 2009 stunned the Pan-African world. This book, demonstrating the brilliant wordsmith he was and his steadfast commitment to Pan-Africanism, offers a legacy of his political, social and cultural thought.

His personality bounces off the page – one can almost hear the passion of his voice:
'Don't agonise! Organise!'

'For those who never had the privilege of reading Taju's column, Pambazuka Press, which published Taju's writings, has published a compilation of his Pan-African Postcards. It must have been an arduous task for Ama Biney and Adebayo Olukoshi who selected the Postcards because every column of Taju’s was a gem. This compilation will keep his indomitable pan-African spirit alive.'
Desmond Davies, NewsAfrica 31 March 2011

'Taju spoke truth to those in power. He boldly took to task leaders who did not have the courage of their convictions'
Dr Salim Ahmed Salim, former secretary general of the Organisation of African Unity (1989–2001)

'Tajudeen believed in the common citizenship of all humans and he used all of the resources available to him to stand up for dignity and common citizenship'
Horace G. Campbell, professor of African American studies and political science at Syracuse University

'Speaking Truth to Power is a testimony of a committed individual's contribution to Africa and the world. I highly recommend the excellent book to all those who would like to learn more about contemporary Africa as well as national and international institutions and political leaders from an unapologetic critical perspective. Purposefully, Tajudeen's e-mail messages sign off: "Don't agonise! Organise!"'
Tukumbi Lumumba-Kasongo Ph.D. in 'Journal of African and Asian Studies'.

CE LIVRE EST DISPONSIBLE EN FRANÇAIS

A FAHAMU BOOKS AND PAMBAZUKA PRESS PUBLICATION

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If you're an African non-governmental organisation of limited funds, please email info@pambazukapress.org to arrange a complimentary copy of this ebook (Adobe PDF).

In the wake of Tajudeen's passing, Pambazuka News received an overwhelming number of tributes to a man held with respect and affection by so many.