When Africa Calls Uhuru
is a dramatic poem in search of what it means to be human. Henry Beissel takes the reader to the Rift Valley in Kenya where it is believed the evolution of Homo sapiens largely took place. The narrative unfolds in a dialogue between nature, science and history, three voices that evoke the fauna and flora of Africa and conjure up the history of its colonization. Ultimately, the poem celebrates today’s liberation of the ‘dark’ continent, arguing that since all humanity was born there, all people are brothers and sisters, whatever the colour of their skin. “Dance, my beloved / Africa,” the poet rejoices, “you are free / to choose freedom now!”