One
Root Festival 2004
Of One Seed
One Seed, One Root, One People. Welcome
to the 2004 peoples' effort to bring people closer. This
is the sixth year of a collective effort to gather as people
celebrating cultural diversity through food arts and music.
At this event, our universal language is neither spoken
nor written. Without words, we are creating the world without
borders. We permeate the environment with positive vibes,
creating goose bumps seen through the broad genuine smiles
on people present at the One Root Festival. We have come
to the baseline of the truth -- That we are of one seed.
We have come to witness the basic truth
of our existence. We have struggled daily alienating ourselves
from each other. The media have not helped us either. They
continue newsfeeding us on how we should be afraid of one
another. The government and politicians nko? They are still
engaging in the art of divide and conquer. So if we don't
take the time to reflect on solving our problems by ourselves,
we shall fall prey to the other forces of divisions. Whereas
we have tools necessary to create a steadfast alliance through
the awareness that we are of one seed.
From now on, may you ever feel at ease with
your neighbor, co-worker, former foes now friends, and all
human beings you associate with -- That any reservation
you may have should be temporary, because you have unearthed
the nucleus of the master's code. You have allowed yourself
to partake in the potluck of people's power. You have tasted
the food, arts and music of various cultures and you have
agreed to spread the creed of semblance. May you blossom
in abundance of faith, joy and hope for a stronger community
alloyed in the strength of siblings from one source, and
of one seed. (Ashe)
One Root Festival is a chance to remember
that we are family. The moment you have accepted the next
person as a kindred, that moment shall mark the beginning
of solution to myriad of man made mess. Hear the music from
many cultures, taste the food from many nations, see the
arts from other ethnicities. Notice the similarities. Discover
that we are Of One Seed.
Sahib Lanre Hassan
Doris Marie Jones
Founders, One Root Festival
