The African Constitution

The following is an excerpt from the book, “The Destruction of Civilization” By: Chancellor Williams. [SIDEBAR: I’m not certain which time period this came from.]

“Drawn from African Constitutional and Customary Laws. Different versions and modifications of the same laws occurred in different societies...

THE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS OF THE AFRICAN PEOPLE

The following is a representative number of human rights, also drawn from customary laws or tradition constitutions:

Every Member had-

1) The right to equal protection of the law.

2) The right to a home.

3) The right to land sufficient for earning livelihood for oneself and family.

4) The right to aid in times of trouble.

5) The right to petition for redress of grievances.

6) The right to criticize and condemn any acts by the authories or proposed new laws. (Opposition groups, in some areas called “The Youngmen,” were recognized by law.)

7) The right to reject the community’s final decision on any matter and to withdraw from the community unmolested- the right of rebellion and withdrawal.

8) The right to a fair trial. There must be no punishment greater than the offense, or fines beyond the ability to pay. This latter is determined by income and status of the individual and his family.

9) The right to indemnity for injuries or loss caused by others.

10) The right to family or community care in cases of sickness or accidents.

11) The right to special aid from the Chief in circumstances beyond a family’s ability.

12) The right to a general education covering morals and good manners, family rights and responsibilities, kinship groups and social organization, neighborhoods and boundaries, farming and marketing, rapid mental calculation, and family clan, tribal and state histories.

13) The right to apprentice training for a useful vocation.

14) The right to an inheritance as defined by custom.

15) The right to develop one’s ability and exercise any developed skills.

16) The right to protect one’s family and kinsmen, even by violent means if such becomes necessary and can be justified.

17) The right to the protection of moral law in respect to wife and children- a right which not even the king can violate.

18) The right of a man, even a slave, to rise to occupy the highest positions in the state if he has the requisite ability and character.

19) The right to protection and treatment as a guest in enemy territory once one is within the gates of the enemy’s village, town or city.

20) And the right to an equal share in all benefits from common community undertakings if one has contributed to the fullest extent of his ability, no matter who or how many were able to contribute more.”

[SIDEBAR: How much would the greatness of our communities increase if we abided by the above stated rules.]