August 2

Today marks the birth of Nigerian physician Beko Ransome-Kuti, in 1940, and the death of his brother, musician Fela Kuti, in 1997. Their parents Funmilayo and Oludotun were a women’s rights campaigner and an Anglican priest. This family of musical, medical, faithful advocates for human rights had an enormous impact on NIgerian culture and politics during several oppressive regimes. Their mother, Funmilayo, would be killed by the military during a raid. Beko Ransome-Kuti founded a human rights organization and Fela Kuti created the musical genre known as Afrobeat. 

Today is also the Feast Day, in the Episcopal Church, of Samuel David Ferguson, who died on this day in 1916. He was the first African-American bishop of Liberia, and founded Cuttington College.

Today is also Romani Holocaust Memorial Day in several European countries. On this day in 1944, Nazis killed thousands of Romani families who were housed together in Auschwitz. 

Reflection: 

Fela Kuti said: 

Some of the lyrics to “Water, No Get Enemy” - 

In the language of indigenous resistance across the world, water is life. 

You can listen to this song here. 

Prayer: Holy Spirit, you have woven creation so that music, words, story, power, and reality are all aspects of the same life force. When we are weak in political power, give us inspiration in music, words, and story to shape a new reality. Amen.