McRib and Ebeneezer

Sat. night we had a farewell dinner with the students of Orlando West, school officials and our travel agents Tracy, Gail and their families. Tracy and Gail work for Michelle Travel in Jo'burg and have become family to EXCEL, they always go above and beyond the call and saying goodbye to them and our Orlando West family is always bittersweet. At the close of our dinner we presented supplies and equipment to Orlando West from a "wish list" they supply us with each year. I want to thank our students and parents again for making this possible!!! The final touch came with Aaron Jones again singing the U.S. National Anthem followed by all the students from Orlando singing the S. African anthem. My wife Brenda closed the evening with a hymn. We embraced our friends (family) and readied ourselves for the next day.

Sunday morning we got an early start and drove to Ebeneezer Baptist Church in Sharpeville. The church is pastored by Bishop Phillip Molefe Sr. father of Phil Molefe our friend from SABC. They honored us throughout the service and saluted the contributions the program had made to the country over the last 12 years. In a emotional personal moment for me, Bishop Molefe proclaimed me as "my own son" and said when he came to the U.S. I would receive "my father". This was particularly poignant because earlier Bishop Molefe had earlier shared with us that he had a son who was assassinated while attending college in Buffalo, New York and working as an anti-apartheid activist. He said the U.S. will always be a special place because his son's blood spilled on our soil as he courageously fought for freedom against the evil system of apartheid. We left the service uplifted and ready encouraged.

Soweto

Saturday morning 7/28/07 we had a full tour of Soweto which included: visiting a poverty stricken township, small creche (daycare), the home of Bishop Desmond Tutu, and former home of Nelson Mandela (now a museum). We had never seen poverty like that in the township. The home we visited housed 16 people but was little more than three small rooms. However, each bed was neatly made with everything in its place. The creche was for the children of the township and was made from a steel shipping crate. The teachers at the creche explained the children's lesson plans and daily routine. Students, parents and supporters of EXCEL had donated new toys, coloring books, pens & pencils, etc. and we presented them to the teachers. This was followed by a wonderful impromptu moment, student after student took money from their pockets without any instruction from the staff, and placed it into the hands of the teachers and the owner of the house we visited. Our guide gently instructed them to use their right hand to give as using the left was disrespectful. It was an image each of these students will I'm sure carry with them forever.

We also saw the opposite of the township in Soweto. A hospital that stretched almost three blocks, homes with expensive intricate brick work and exquisitely decorated stain glass windows, hand carved designs on doors and gates that made one's jaw drop. Soweto is much more than the image presented in the media and our guide wanted to make sure we saw ALL aspects of Soweto.

The former home of Nelson Mandela was small but full of memorabilia. We saw over 300 proclamations and awards from around the globe, the boots he wore on Robben Island, a championship belt given to him by Sugar Ray Leonard and more. We took pictures outside of Desmond Tutu's home which he still occupies. Our guide let us know he still regularly walks through the community and has even invited full busloads of visitors from other countries into his home. We had no Bishop sightings but were satisfied to visit the homes of 2 Nobel Peace Prize winners a stone's throw from each other. INCREDIBLE!!!!

NEPAD and ANC

Friday, July 27, 2007 was quite unique. We experienced private meetings with two extremely powerful entities in the country that other tour groups never get the opportunity to experience. In the morning, thanks to connections made by Dr. Rubin Patterson, we met with Prof. Mzobz Mboya Director of Education and Youth Training for NEPAD (New Partnership For African Development) NEPAD is a vision and strategic framework for Africa's renewal. It advocates good governance as a basic requirement for peace and security. It also advocates the partnership of African people on all fronts: economic, education, capacity building, youth development etc. Prof. Mboya was a gracious host and outlined the full plan of educating and training the youth around the continent in order to build a more solid infrastructure.

In the afternoon we visited the offices of the ANC (African National Congress) the ruling party in S. Africa and of course the party of Nelson Mandela. We were introduced to every aspect of the party literally floor by floor and were given access to each department head with a Q & A session with each. The students were told about the origins of the organization, it's history, and how the ANC was banned during Apartheid but continued to grow and in fact flourish underground. The tour ended when we were introduced to David Maimela the President of SASC (South African Student's Congress) which leads ALL student political organizations in the nation. He engaged our students in an electric conversation about student leadership, defeating apathy, and the deep need for them to have a strong voice in government and in their schools. He implored them to be leaders and not followers, stand for justice and equal rights for all people regardless of race or other differences. We marvelled at his passion and keen understanding of global politics as a young college student himself with such awesome responsibilities. We were also greatly honored that he would carve out time in his day to speak with us. What a rare opportunity to interact in such a way with ANC members who continue to shape history.

Rocket Alum in South Africa

While the students were taking their tour, Phil Molefe hosted some of the adult delegation in his office. As we laughed and reminisced, Dr. Cooks brought up the name of a former student who was from S. Africa. When she said the name Papi Leapeetswe Molotsane I sat up in my seat because Papi and I had been student leaders together at UT. Papi was an officer in both the Black Student Union and the African People's Association. Phil said he had Papi's phone number and would call him. He said Papi was doing MAJOR things and in fact had just finished a stint as CEO of Telekom the largest communications company in South Africa! When he reached Papi on the phone we had a wonderful reunion and made arrangements to meet later at our hotel. When Papi walked through the hotel doors several hours later, we embraced and laughed like old times. It was amazing to be standing in a hotel lobby in Jo'burg with a fellow Rocket! Papi insisted on taking us to dinner so we could continue our reunion. As it turned out, Papi had become one of the most influential businessmen in S. Africa and in addition to Telekom being on the New York Stock Exchange, he had also helped bring the Broadway production of The Lion King to South Africa for the first time where it continues to play to standing room only nightly. I shared with him my passion to continue to enlarge the profile of The University of Toledo to be an even greater global institution by partnerships with the EXCEL program and African countries and he pledged his support. He greatly enjoyed his time at UT and wants to become involved again with his Alma Mater. We promised to have ongoing discussions.

SABC/PHIL MOLEFE

We left Orlando West and took about 15 of their students with us to SABC. SABC is the South African Broadcasting Company. It is the largest television network in S. Africa with four different stations each carrying a different type of programming for a different type of audience. Kind of like PBS, CNN, ABC/NBC/CBS all rolled into one large network broadcasting on four stations. They also have a radio tower which broadcasts numerous formats. In other words, SABC is THE media center of South Africa and growing. Phil Molefe is the General Manager for International Affairs for SABC and one of the most powerful men at the network. When he speaks anywhere in the country, things move. EXCEL is extremely blessed because Phil is also a great friend of our program after a chance meeting with Dr. Cooks EXCEL founder many years ago. Since that time he has beeen a major supporter of the program's efforts in and out of S. Africa. Mr. Molefe arranged for a full tour of SABC facilities (radio and television) for the students and afterward hosted a reception and fielded questions. He told our students how important this time in their lives was and how critical it was for them to have a global perspective and always think beyond the box. It was a wonderful way for them to end their day and we only said brief good-byes to Phil because we would see him later in the week. More on that in a later post.

Computer Blues II

Sorry about the abrupt ending to the Orlando West post. The internet was shutting down (AGAIN) unexpectedly and I had to post quickly. I promise to get caught up this evening on our return to our new hotel. We are now in Durban having done a game drive, and visited Pitermaritzberg on the way here. We promise to tell you all about it plus get caught up on what happened in Jo'burg. Right now we have to catch the bus for today's activities. once again, EXCEL is on the move!

Orlando West

The TOLEDO EXCEL Program has a 12 year partnership with Orlando West H.S. in Soweto. Orlando West is one the most significant parts of the anti-apartheid struggle. Some of the most active members of the Anti-Apartheid movement were students and Orlando West is thought by some to have been the largest contributer. EXCEL visits Orlando West on every trip to S. Africa and pairs our students with theirs. When our bus arrived on campus their was a great deal of excitement that was at first muted because the students of Orlando were finishing their third day of written exams (multiple choice tests are kind of a joke to these students). However, when we emerged from a meeting with Principal Malindi and Orlando West Department Heads the atmosphere immediately changed. The student government from Orlando West entered the room and the energy level went to 10!!! They embraced and kissed those of us who have visited in the past as they would long lost family members. We were just as excited as to see these beautiful children again and returned the warm welcome. The Orlando West students immediately made our students feel at home embracing them and firing questions about everything from hip-hop and fashion to their feelings about the War in Iraq and the presidential campaign. They had opinions about every key issue in their country AND ours. When we were taken into the school common area outside for a rally the energy level reached 100. Over 1,000 students cheered and clapped, some of them wore UT blue and gold shirts given out last year. They shouted "Toledo, Toledo" or "UT" "UT" We were led to the stage by Mr. Malindi and other staff. One of their students sang the S. African National Anthem in 3 different languages and one of our students Aaron Jones performed the national anthem of the U.S. The Orlando West students performed brilliant original poetry, rap, songs, and we were treated to a performance by the incredible Orlando West Dance Squad as well. They mixed traditional African dance with hip-hop and pantomime. Andrea Hill an EXCEL student who will be a freshman at UT in the fall introduced the other students to sustained screaming, and greeted Orlando West on behalf of all EXCEL students. Victoria Pheifer EXCEL graduating senior, gave the purpose and significance of EXCEL. At the close our students performed an impromptu song and were joined by all the students of Orlando West at each chorus. It was an amazing sight, that had to be seen to be believed. The wonderful thing is that Mark Ramey is a member of our delegation and is documenting the entire trip.

Anti-Apartheid Museum

On Wednesday 7/25/07 we visited the Apartheid Museum in Jo'burg. The tone was set from the start of the tour when we were handed cards that let read either Black or White. Our guide let us know we would be considered either "black or "white" for the the remainder of the tour. "blacks" went through a tight entrance and immediately realized they were separated from the "whites" by a crude metal fence which ran from the floor to the ceiling. "Whites" walked comfortably up a ramp while "blacks" climbed steep steps. After a long day of walking and travel the point was driven home with force. Our guide warned us that some of the video clips we would watch would be extremely violent but urged us to endure them if we could so that we would better understand the level of conflict and tension during the anti-apartheid struggle. He had memories himself of running from large military type police trucks in Soweto and seeing a friend run over by one. What we saw in the clips was violent: people (men, women, and children) being beaten bloody with rods, 1 man being thrown from the top of a bus to the pavement below, a weeping woman uncovering bodies left on the side of a road after a peaceful demonstration turned violent, people being attacked by police dogs, hereded by the hundred into police vehicles. The similarity to footage from the U.S. Civil Rights/Black Power movement were immediately recognizable. EXCEL students sat in silence some shaking their heads in disgust, some looking angry, some sad, some expressionless as they processed what they saw and heard, all learning. Our guide talked about the importance of, even after all the violence, the need for reconciliation and ONE South Africa for all the people that Nelson Mandela advocated and the nation strives for today.

Prof. Rubin Patterson, UT professor of Sociology and Director of Africana Studies gave a lecture when we returned to the hotel to expand on what we had experienced that day, plug in a few holes, and compare it to experiences in the U.S. He talked about how many of the leaders of the Anti-Apartheid movement were in fact in contact w/members of the civil rights/black power movement in the U.S. and that they shared experiences and discussed ideas. They were also influenced by each others writings. One of the young lions of the apartheid struggle, Steve Biko, was educated at a U.S. university and studied our movement before going back to S. Africa. He was one of the most pivotal leaders of the movement until he was assainated in prison after long periods of torture. Dr. Patterson's lecture provided students time to process and critically analyze what we had absorbed during the day.

Computer Blues

I have to first apologize for the lack of new posts over the last several days. The hotel was experiencing major problems with their internet hook-up but their EIT staff seems to have solved the problem so I will do my best to catch you up over a series of posts I will write this morning. This also alters my plan of having others (students, UT faculty/staff) post but I promise you will hear from them over the next couple of days when we arrive in Durban and Capetown (7 hr drive later today). We would also love to see more comments to let us know you are reading, it gives all of us a connection with home.

Sharpeville

This was a day full of learning and discovery. Our students have been studying the system of apartheid and the anti-apartheid movement for months and as the bus pulled into Sharpville we all realized we were now driving through the same streets we had been reading about. The differences between Jo'burg and Sharpville were immediately apparent. This community had no Mercedes Benz taxi cabs, or casinos, or night clubs, just hard working, determined, strong people. Their life experience was etched on their faces and woven into their gaits as they strolled the streets and glanced at yet ANOTHER tour bus rolling through their neighborhood. The TOLEDO EXCEL students were more than tourists they had become engaged learners and had great respect for these people and their brave struggle, particularly the victims and survivors of what is known as "The Sharpeville Massacre". On March 21, 1960 69 people were killed by S. African police as they protested the apartheid system which required them to carry passes in order to walk their own streets, and live in their own community. We learned from our tour guides that all the victims were shot from behind as they fled machine gun fire. The tour through the museum and memorial was heartbreaking. Our guides were both born and raised in Sharpeville and their deeply personal reflections added to the experience even more. We learned that no one was spared. Men, women, and children were brutally shot. We also learned that the victim toll of 69 written in most accounts came from a corrupt police force and vastly underestimated the number actually killed. Tears welled in most eyes as we listened to taped audio of Sharpeville mourners weeping and crying out at the mass burial service. The most poignant moment of the trip came when Sammy Spann (Director of UT Camp Adventure) crossed the street to take a picture of the post office and struck up a conversation with an older gentleman who lived in the area. After a few moments he discovered this man was actually a survivor of the massacre. He quickly asked him if he could speak with our group and he graciously agreed. We stood transfixed as he gave an eyewitness account and talked about a pregnant woman standing next to him who one moment was singing a song of protest and the next was shot as she turned to run. He said "I have forgiven, I must forgive, but I will never forget that day. They lied about the number. . . I counted over 200 bodies . . . many were my friends . . . my family." We crowded around him asking questions, snapping pictures, he smiled then and said how happy he was that we had come. He urged us to tell his story and never forget. We never will . . .

Long Day's Journey Into Johannesburg

Sorry the previous post was so short. We had almost 19 hours in the air between Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday and then when we arrived at our rooms were not ready so by the time we got into our rooms, showered, slept, etc. we were completely worn. So let me go back to a few highlights of our trip to this point. We arrived in London to long, long lines through security checkpoints and customs. Obviously, with recent events at Heathrow Airport security was on "elevated alert" so security was tight. After clearing customs with no problems we had a 7 hr. layover in London. We spent the time talking, doing a little shopping, and doing a little sleeping. The flight into Jo'burg was over 11 hours and the horror for the students was the video went in and out so there was little to do on the flight because most of us didn't sleep much because we were far too excited. When we arrived at Oliver Tambo Airport a victory cry almost went up! Most of the day Tuesday was spent recovering from the flight and settling in at the hotel. Tuesday evening we had dinner at a place called The Emperor's Palace. It is a breathtaking place which includes: a hotel, six full restaurants, expansive food court, casino, amusement park, arcade, and 2 night clubs all under one roof. The preconceptions some students had about the economy in S. Africa disappeared even before we went inside because we saw 3 Mercedes Benz taxi cabs parked outside! We had a wonLderful time (w/out frequenting the clubs or casino) and really had the opportunity to unwind and prepare for the next day which would include visits to both the Sharpsville Museum and Anti-Apartheid Museums and begin our study of the similarities and differences between the S. African anti-apartheid movement and the U.S. Civil Rights and Black Power movements. More a little later.

Safe and Sound

We arrived in Jo'Burg yesterday at around 7:00 a.m. exhausted, weary, but safely. As we touched ground one student said, "Can you believe it, we're in Africa . . .AFRICA!!!!" We are off to the Sharpesville Museum and Anti-Apartheid Museum so I am rushing but will write a detailed blog this evening. EXCEL is on the move!!!!!

Ready For Take-Off

It is Sunday, July 22, 2007 and we are gathering in the TOLEDO EXCEL office where the shuttle service will be picking us up to take us to Detroit Metro. The students are full of nervous energy and excitement, in fact we all are. For some of the students this will be their first time flying. Just imagine, your 1st flight and you're about to log 18 hours in the air!!!! We received a call from another student who was behind an 18 wheeler truck that turned over. We will wait as long as possible but they may have to meet us in Detroit. Our flight does not leave until 10:30 p.m. so everything should be fine.

Friday, we sent many of the donations brought by students ahead of us. Books, toys, clothing, school supplies etc. eleven boxes in all. Thank you EXCEL family!!!! The donations will be divided between several creches (daycare) and schools we have adopted over the years throughout S. Africa. A very special thank you to Dr. Stanley and Mrs. Betty Calhoun who donated a full set of Encyclopedias and other books to Orlando West High School in Soweto!!! There will be much more on Orlando West in future posts. The school has developed a wonderful and lasting relationship with TOLEDO EXCEL through these PEACE Project Studies. Well, we are about to pack our shuttle so I must sign off for now. I will try to post from London but if not, there will be a new post from Jo-burg. EXCEL IS ON THE MOVE!!!!!

Passports

Today our last student received their passport for the trip which was cutting it pretty close. However, the student actually applied in early April and was told they would receive it by June 19 at the latest. Passports have been moving incredibly slow this year and even some of the students who applied in March just received their passports within the last two weeks! We are sending a big THANK YOU to Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D) Ohio and her staff for tracking the passports of our last couple students and making sure we received them in time to travel. So, we are now breathing much easier and finishing up our last minute packing. Five more days before we leave and there is still much to do so, for now it's goodbye!

Welcome to Our World

Welcome everyone to TOLEDO EXCEL Live Out of Africa!!!! My name is David Young and I am the Director of the TOLEDO EXCEL Program at the University of Toledo. I first want to give a HUGE thank you to Sheila Doles for suggesting this blog and doing the initial set-up. I also want to thank Merida Allen Associate Director of TOLEDO EXCEL for coordinating the trip. This site will give a daily account of some of the highlights of the TOLEDO EXCEL Global Diversity Peace Project done this year in South Africa. We are taking 15 students along with 7 UT faculty/staff members, 1 student's Grandmother, and a photojournalist, to do a 16 day ethnographic field study of Johannnesburg, Soweto, Sharpville, Durban and Cape Town South Africa. The study will foccus on the differences/similarities between the Civil Rights Movement of the United States and the Anti-Apartheid Movement in South Africa. Some of the highlights of our study will include: Visit to African National Congress (ANC) Offices w/lecture from past and present ANC officials, visit and interaction with students from Orlando West High School in Soweto (landmark school during apartheid struggle), visit former home of Nelson Mandela, tour Anti-Apartheid Museum, historical tour of Soweto, tour and lecture at University of Kwa Zulu Natal in Durban, tour of Robben Island (w/lecture by former Robben Island prisoners), tour of Constitutional Hill in Johannesburg, interaction and lecture at Amy Biehl Foundation in Capetown, study of urban cities and rural townships in each province, and the participants will also take part in a game drive near Durban.

I will coordinate this page, but posts will come from Ms. Merida Allen, TOLEDO EXCEL students, other UT faculty/staff traveling with us, and possibly a few special friends in South Africa. We depart the U.S. on July 22nd from Detroit and fly into London for a layover before we arrive at our final destination in Jo-burg. We are tying up loose ends for the rest of this week and will be sure to post anything interesting as we prepare for our trip. Talk to you soon!!!!