Hail to the KenBrits!

“Togetherness is a hugely important aspect of life. It unites us, gives us security, much-needed support and a sense of belonging, and encourages us to love one another.” Sir Richard BransonThe diasporians, especially those from African countries, are often viewed as individualists who care for only themselves. On numerous, occasions they have been accused of adopting the western mindset of me myself and I, and for shunning the spirit of togetherness or collectiveness and neglecting the culture of ‘we are all in this together’. There are several reasons why people prefer to keep to themselves in the diaspora, which won’t be discussed here, however, there’s no harm in being together occasionally. Recently there’s been a shift and people across the board have started movements to facilitate togetherness. Not sure if it’s something to do with age [hence wisdom], but definitely the realisation that whatever people are chasing in the diaspora would not be worth a dime if it can’t be celebrated with people who understand the struggle.This post is a tribute and a huge thank you to a group of guys who started a movement. A movement to bring people together in the unlikeliest of places. A movement to bring people together to reminiscence, to reconnect with old friend and to make new ones, to upgrade acquaintances to friends, to create business opportunities, to create networks for a greater good, to raise awareness of struggles and how people are overcoming them, to empower the less powered and to celebrate the empowered ones. A place where feelings of hopelessness can be shined upon by spotlights of hope and encouragement. A place where people can let loose and have fun.Just the other day, this awemazing group of people organised an out of this world choma event – kahara style and all. The meat, chicken and baby-cow-legs [things I hear] were in plenty. People brought chairs, other foods, drinks, music and everything in between to make the event a success – and it was. People from all corners of the UK gathered in the serene park of Milton Keynes to create an atmosphere fit for kings and queens. Children played and made friends, hopefully, for life. I met a lady who was visiting from Kenya and I’m sure she’ll rave about this event – our very own Koroga KenBrit style.This event is one of many to come. All too often people are so self-indulged, self-involved and downright selfish that basic humanity is compromised and not on purpose; these events not only bring people together to eat and have fun, but to momentarily pause the hustle and bustle of everyday life, to recharge, to take deep breaths and take a fresher look on things. Mingling is not only good for the soul and mind, it’s good for the body – you see someone you haven’t seen in a long time and they look great, they tell you they drink [yes drink] soup made from baby-cow-bones and you decide to try that delicacy and see the effect etc.In that moment of togetherness and having fun, no one is above another – people are equal and focussed on peace, love and unity. In that moment of having fun and being together, all first world problems are forgotten, and people concentrate on just being with friends – I hardly saw anyone glued to their phones unless taking pictures! Fact! I applaud these guys and what they have managed to do in a very short time. There has also been a domino effect from this initiative – WhatsApp groups have sprung up – the serious ones, the business ones, the fun ones (24 hours people…. swag!) and the she-groups because women must always come out on top, the empowerment ones although some might raise scepticism and questions because it appears the line between empowerment and braggadociousness is blurred – topic for another day.It is my hope that this spirit of togetherness continues so that we can leave a legacy for our kids – first or second generation KenBrit-Kids. Our kids need this sort of example because currently most of them have hormones holding their brains hostage and they need firm consistent examples.To Tim, Mac Millan and the boys and girls who made this event the success it was and to those who were there in spirit – Bravo KenBrits! Keep the fire burning. Remember the African proverb – if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. Harambee!! ……..***For more like this…. Join the tribeLike us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterFollow us on Instagram