michael lawal

When you look around you as a person of African origin, you have to question why it is that Africans don't believe in Africa. Why is it that Africans dont help or support each other, and why is it that Africans celebrate anything that is foreign?. The only true answer to that is that the identity of Africans and Blacks across the world has been continuously reinterpreted by external systems. African heritage, languages, spiritual traditions, and intellectual accomplishments were devalued by centuries of narratives imposed by colonial institutions of control.

As a result, many people adopt identities that were never really their own to learn how to navigate life. Educational systems have minimized or disregarded African cultures and accomplishments. Stereotypes were often perpetuated by media portrayals. Social and economic forces that encouraged conformity to dominant norms inhibited cultural authenticity.

Please dont get me wrong, I am not saying Black identity is weak or nonexistent, but rather the powerful and deliberate influence of historical systems meant to limit both perception and opportunity. Most Africans constantly have to switch identities to survive, and this fragmentation deepens when they continually balance social demands with their innate cultural identities. This has resulted in a sense of alienation from communal history, uncertainty about heritage, and a decline in pride in cultural roots over generations.

For those of you in London for DAS. I hope you are enjoying the beauty of our great city in all its diversities beyond the X doom narratives. It’s a beautiful city with many flavours. If you truly want to experience the soul of the city, go for early morning walks at 5 am.

For culture, don’t miss Hackney and its surroundings. While you are here, you can escape to Richmond for a day or Windsor to see and experience something different. Both towns are just a 30-minute train ride from London Waterloo. Please don’t drink too much 😊🤪. For those tight on time, there is plenty to explore in and around London.

Soho and Covent Garden — This central area is the heart of London’s theatre, literary, and LGBTQ+ scene, packed with historic music venues, independent cinemas, and creative energy.

South Bank — A major riverside cultural hub featuring Shakespeare's Globe, the Tate Modern, and the National Theatre, blending modern artistic performance with historic Southwark.

South Kensington — A refined institutional and academic quarter, it houses the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Science Museum, set among grand Victorian architecture.

Shoreditch and Hackney — The epicentre of East London's hipster, indie, and contemporary street art culture, filled with independent galleries, live music spots, and weekend hubs like Brick Lane and Broadway Market. This is one of my own favourite neighbourhoods in London.

Camden Town — Famous for its alternative, punk, and rock-and-roll heritage, live music venues like the Roundhouse, and the sprawling chaos of Camden Market.

Brixton — A vibrant South London district shaped deeply by its Afro-Caribbean heritage.

Notting Hill — Known for its bohemian spirit, pastel-colored mews, Portobello Road Market, and the world-famous annual community celebration.

And if you are able to make a friend with a city of london passport holder ask them why city of london has its own red passport, rules and customs, code only for the initiate😊

Enjoy all London has to offer and don’t forget to come back again.

Thanks, Dad, for giving me such a beautiful and love-filled childhood. I truly took it for granted until I began to see that 99.9% of the world’s problems can be traced back to childhood traumas and the daddy issues world leaders face.

The best gift anyone can give humanity right now is to show love to children so future generations can have less pain and suffering.

I grew up with a lot of Indians in the UK, but having the opportunity to visit the country for the past 10 days and getting to explore the very local culture, temples, medicines and warmth, and the ability to make the chaos work with grace is something I will definitely cherish for the rest of my life. Deeply grateful #india

Also experiencing the festival of light from its origins feels truly special. My hope and prayers as I celebrate Diwali with my India brothers and sisters across the world:

🪔 This Diwali, may we remember the brightest lamp is the one we light within. 🪔

As my host make the drawings on the floor and light the 🪔 this prayers rush from my heart, may we go inward and gently shine love into the corners we've kept in the dark: the hurts, the fears, the parts of ourselves we've hidden away. Light doesn't fight the darkness. It simply embraces it until only light remains.

When our heart glows, it lights another. And another. Until we see that we were never separate, just many flames of the same eternal light.

May love guide you, peace fill you, and oneness unite us all.

Happy Diwali ✨🙏

#Diwali #FestivalOfLights #InnerLight #Oneness #Love #Peace

This is the sort of young energy and love that will power ethereum for years to come. Thank you India for your love and hospitality.