LECTURERS

SUDAN - THE LAND OF EBONY AND THE RIVER NILE

Lecturer: Dr. Gada Kadoda

Theme: A step of knowing - To present the Identity (Ebony) and the Unity (Nile) of the Sudan.

The lecture would begin with a historical overview of the Sudan, continue to show the make up of the Sudan inclusive of its diversity. Emphasis would be placed on Sudan's Identity and the elements that contribute to its Unity. The lecture would also address how its historical complexity has led to the present day wars within the Sudan.

BIO

Currently: Lecturer in computer science at the UWI.

I grew up in Khartoum, during the 1970s and 80s, Sudan was going through its second military government. Always close to my grandmother, I learnt her intelligent ways to survive in times of crisis and national states of emergencies; and listened to her stories of pre-independence Omdurman - the capital of the Mehdia, where you can still see evidence of our famous 19th century battles.

Born to two young professionals, nationalistic and active members of what I would call our version of left wing politics, I was privileged to learn their generation ways and challenges. My sister tells me all I need to know about the generation I teach now at the UWI. She spent her toddling years, and I my mid-teens, in Juba - the capital of southern Sudan where my parents moved. Those were the early 1980s before the re-start of the war in 1983. I draw on those memories, as a child I enjoyed the beauty of that part of our land and felt instinctive unity that Sudan yet to realise.
I draw on experiences during my undergraduate years at the University of Khartoum, the passion and the riots against what seemed at the time the worst kind of oppression. We sang for freedom, remembered Lumumba and felt high as the police chased our crowds around. During that time, in the mid 1980s, we overthrew one general, went through our second parliamentary democracy and before the end of the decade had a coup that put another who held on to date.

My experiences university-hopping in England during my postgraduate studies and research jobs make up my next set of treasurable times. One, just for you, is my peculiar pride looking at the Sphinx decorating the Thames. If you listen carefully, their spirit sends fatherly signals to those He guards in Truth.

I learnt a great deal from being part of England's Diaspora African community as I became more aware of the many versions of my mind set. During my years as a student, I immersed myself in the richness of our dance, food, fashion shows and festivals and wondered how many more I could add from my own mosaic of people and vast land. I started to link my history to that of my others. Interacting with the wider society and colleagues at work and the training I gained has had a positive effect on my outlook to the world. Having become slightly richer, I did more travel, reflected on a phase that looked to be nearing its end, and generally stayed within the comfort of like minds.

At this stage, I am looking at my formative and informative time in the Caribbean. In the large sense, it closes the circle for me, lines my link and marks the scope of my agenda. This too, it seems how I chose to trod my way home. I am also able to stand in Nime Kumbuka this February in Jamaica.