Comparing and Contrasting"Having an Interest in Something"and"Being Interested in Something"African Americans and Africa

in·ter·est ( n tr st, -t r- st, -tr st ). n. 1. a. A state of curiosity or concern about or attention to something: an interest in sports. b. Something, such as a quality, subject, ... Many Pan Africanist and African American nationalist have historically shown an interest in their motherland.The passion and emotion for our African homeland goes back to when the first Africans were ripped from the shores of Africa.To many it has always been an escape,a place of wonder and excitement.For years the media convinced many of us to be ashamed of Africa as a place of backwardness and savagery.Those of us who studied Africa and identified with our homeland kept our eyes on development and progress going forward.We are definitely interested in Africa.A recent survey showed 80% of African Americans more than any other Black group,say they want more positive images of Africa and want to know more about the continent.Whether it is the new DNA technology tracing ones roots to the exact tribe or visiting the continent for vacation the number of our people interested in Africa is growing to shocking proportions. What is the frustration that many of us are feeling?The frustration is we do not have interest in Africa.Lets define and interest and see how it differs from being interest in something.An Interest is something gained by having assets or something tangible of value.An Interest gives you a return on principle.This means if you own land,you have interest,because it is tangible.That land may be used for farming and also wealth creation.We African Americans have to make the transition from being interested in Africa to having interest in Africa.Having interest means your bottom line is at stake.You have to be more engaged in Africa.You need political connections and backing to protect your interest.This is the challenge of groups like the Rosenthall Group,Kemetic Pipeline,and African Venture Partners and many others doing business in Africa.Money is on the line.This puts our love for Africa to the test.Chinese were interested in Africa,now they have interest in Africa they will protect through diplomatic relations and good will gestures.We have to go beyond slogans and rhetoric and get serious or we will be locked out of the continent of our ancestors.This is the time for us to step up and put our faith to the ultimate test.