Consciousness is always intentional. It is critical to mentally liberate ourselves from the hegemony of Western narratives that have long dominated our social, political, and cultural landscape. Western standards of success, governance, and morality do not reflect African realities. We must consciously reject these standards and instead embrace our own. This means supporting African businesses, promoting African scholarship, and building institutions that serve African interests. Imagine a future where African narratives are no longer filtered through Western lenses, where African success is defined on its own terms, free from external validation.

We have the capacity to contribute to our collective empowerment by consciously engaging with the systems we participate in, and the narratives we uphold. Only through intentional, sustained action can we hope to realise a future where we are truly sovereign, autonomous, and free.

I must begin by clarifying the definition of "African," not only for this article but in a broader context. We often limit the term to the continent itself, occasionally acknowledging the diaspora. However, it's crucial to emphasise that the diaspora encompasses all those of African descent, including Afro-Caribbeans, African Americans, and Afro-Latinos. Our shared history stems from the displacement of our ancestors during the slave trade, which began in the 15th century. African heritage endures and thrives, whether you're in Trinidad, Colombia, or elsewhere.

Steve Biko’s words remind us that true liberation is neither granted by others nor passively accepted—in this world it is seized through conscious action. True liberation requires more than survival—it requires continuous, intentional engagement with the structures that still seek to undermine African self-determination. Despite the revolutions and triumphs of the 1960s and earlier, which secured us limited privileges meant to appease us, our living conditions are still far from what we owe ourselves. Over time, a sense of resignation, and in some cases complacency, has taken root. Those in power have found a way to offer just enough privileges to keep us discontent but not to the point of sparking a revolt.

Struggle is an inherent part of life. For Black people, the real question is: will we endure the struggle imposed upon us by those who neither respect us nor see us as equals, or will we choose a struggle of our own making?

What we see today in many African communities is a form of existential despair. The oppression has been internalised, and in some cases, accepted, but not fully confronted. Rather than actively engaging with the ongoing challenges, many have retreated into passive observation, as if liberation were a historical achievement rather than a daily struggle. This passive stance is itself a choice. To disengage is not neutral—it is an intentional decision to let the existing oppressive structures persist unchallenged. Whether it’s the issue of natural resource extraction, where multinational corporations exploit African resources with minimal benefit to the local population, or the perpetuation of negative stereotypes in media, passive activism—voicing concerns without action—maintains these injustices. Inaction is a form of complicity, so in doing nothing, we contribute to our own exploitation.

For us to reclaim our agency, we must engage in a deeper exploration of our cultural, historical, and social essence. Colonial narratives have long portrayed Africans as inferior, dependent, and backward. They have also rationalised the long leashes we have afforded the unpatriotic leaders who are destroying our nations from within. These stereotypes, deeply embedded in global perceptions, have stifled African self-identity. We must “bracket” these narratives and focus on what is fundamentally African—on our own terms. What does it mean to be African? It begins with understanding and valuing our own philosophies, traditions, and histories, recognising the ingenuity, strength, and communal nature of our societies.

To view oneself as a victim of historical forces is to relinquish the power to shape the future. By understanding who we are, we reconnect with our true essence, peeling away layers of colonial distortion and Western domination. We must rise above the narratives of dependency and inferiority and construct new systems of governance, education, and societal structures that reflect African dignity, history, and potential.

For some, the task of dismantling centuries of oppression may seem insurmountable, but liberation can begin with small, deliberate actions. Supporting local businesses, promoting indigenous knowledge systems, or simply questioning the narratives consumed in media and education are powerful steps.

If we all wait and hope for a different future for ourselves, our children, and the next generation, then who do we expect to fight our battles? No one will liberate Africa but Africans.