The Iwu (Code) - Stage 1

Uche Mbu (Principle #1)

Regardless of my nationality, I'm a Black African before anything else. The Black African is anyone who is a descendant of the Black-colored people from the African continent. These descendants can live on the African continent or anywhere else on Earth, it doesn't matter.

My goal is the creation of an independent, self-sufficient, self-protecting worldwide Black African community. Freedom is my goal.

Uche Ebuo (Principle #2)

I understand that the Black African community = the Black African family. The Black African family = Black African man + Black African woman + Black African children. There are no substitutes to this equation. The blacker, the better.

Uche Eto (Principle #3)

Our oppressors work very hard to break up the Black African family. They know that breaking up the Black African family will hurt our community.

I'll find a partner that I can raise children with. I'll choose my partner very carefully. If I can't stay with my partner for any reason, I'll make sure that our children are raised in a positive environment where both parents work together to make sure the children are safe, loved and educated.

Uche Eno (Principle #4)

The Black African is one people. We'll achieve our goal together. Cooperation, respect and trust between us is very important. I will remove any tribal, local, regional, national, international and/or language barriers that separate us. I won't argue over the different names and terms used to describe the Black African because it's a distraction and a waste of my time and energy.

Uche Isen (Principle #5)

I won't mix the issues of other communities with the issues of the Black African community. I represent my community. Other people can represent their community.

Uche Isin (Principle #6)

Our oppressors have declared war on the Black African. This war comes in many forms including physical, mental, economic, religious and educational attacks. Sometimes this war is difficult to see. I know that many Black Africans either don't understand or like to pretend that they don't understand this truth.

All people have God-given rights. The God-given rights of the Black African have been violated by our oppressors. This prevents us from living with complete freedom. If we choose not to take action, we'll continue to be oppressed and mistreated in all areas of life. No one is born to be oppressed.

Uche Esa (Principle #7)

I won't ask my oppressors to stop mistreating me. I know that would be a waste of time and a sign of fear. My oppressors won't stop mistreating me because I ask them to nicely.

I know that being nice to or having sex with our oppressors is not a way end our oppression. It didn't work in the past, it doesn't work today. If it did work, the Black African wouldn't still be oppressed.

Uche Esato (Principle #8)

In dealing with my oppressors, I'll:

Research and learn as much as I can about them (who they are, what their goals are, how they act, how they oppress us etc.)
Create a plan of action to deal with an oppressor whenever I need to
Fight for my God-given rights
Cooperate with other Black Africans who are willing to fight

Uche Itenei (Principle #9)

Whenever my oppressors are involved in it, I'll create justice for any injustice I experience. I'll only receive the justice that I create. My oppressors will not treat me with justice.

Uche Iri (Principle #10)

Because of our oppression, some Black Africans have been taught to hate themselves and other Black Africans. Some Black Africans love their oppressors and help them mistreat other Black Africans. Self-hate is a very real form of mental illness in the Black African community that must be corrected - by us.

When I meet a Black African that hates themselves and their people and loves their oppressors, I'll try to help them understand why their behavior is wrong. If they can't be helped, I'll stay away from them.

Uche Mmanai (Principle #11)

I understand that we are also responsible for what has happened to us. We haven't done enough to prevent ourselves from being oppressed. Basically, we've allowed ourselves to be oppressed.

Uche Mmebuo (Principle #12)

I won't just hope and pray for things to get better. I'll do something to makes things better.

Uche Mmeto (Principle #13)

Generally speaking, the Black African is very emotional. Our oppressors know this about us. I understand that some situations and/or comments don't need a response from me. Before I respond or act, I'll try to understand what is happening or being said, how it affects our current situation and how it will affect our community in the long run. Once I understand what is happening or being said, I'll respond intelligently and calmly. I control my emotions. I control my state of mind.

Uche Mmeno (Principle #14)

I understand that it's easy for my oppressors to trick the Black African because we usually believe whatever our oppressors tell us. I also understand that my oppressors are always using new tactics in the war on us. Before I act, I'll ask questions about what I see and hear so that I understand what is happening. Once I understand what is happening, I'll do something. I have to do something.

Uche Mmisen (Principle #15)

I'll study the mistakes our ancestors made in dealing with our oppressors so that I don't repeat them. I'll study the successes our ancestors had against our oppressors and adapt them to our current situation.

I'll study the methods our enemies have used against us in the past. I'll study what they are currently doing. I'll use this information to predict what they might do in the future so that I can be prepared to prevent it or act against it.

Uche Mmisin (Principle #16)

I'll never harm the Black African community by drug-dealing, gangbanging, robbing, fighting, killing, pimping, raping or participating in any other destructive activities. Our people have to be safe and protected in our community before we can come together to defeat our oppressors.

Uche Mmesa (Principle #17)

I won't be distracted from my goal by pointless debates, gossiping, arguments, empty promises or false apologies. I won't be distracted by stupidity and/or ignorance. These distractions don't help us achieve our goal. If it can't be used to help me achieve my goal, I'll stay away from it. All my energy will be put into thoughtful action.

I'll talk less and focus on taking action. Also, I won't focus on what people say - I'll focus on what they do and don't do.

Uche Mmesato (Principle #18)

I know that returning to my Black African roots is very important. Not knowing about the ways of my ancestors has led to confusion. If I don't know my own history, it's easier to believe the lies my oppressors tell me about my ancestors. My heritage has been replaced with the ways of my oppressors.

To help rebuild self and group pride, I'll read about Black African society before our invaders came. I'll read about and practice Black African languages, religions, diet, marriage, childcare, community governance etc. I'll respect our great achievements in all areas of life. I know that my ancestors were great nation builders, warriors and scholars. I'm their son/daughter. I'm them.

Uche Mmitenei (Principle #19)

I won't judge myself or my people based on other peoples standards of intelligence, beauty, ability, how to live, self-worth etc. I judge myself and my people based on what I know about our traditional Black African ways of life.

Uche Ogun (Principle #20)

I'll eat healthy foods, exercise and get enough sleep. I'll stop my use of alcohol and/or drugs (legal or illegal). I know that I'll need a healthy body and mind in this fight for freedom.

Uche Ohu Kwasi Ogun (Principle #21)

Each morning I'll ask myself “What will I do today to help free the Black African?”
Each evening I'll ask myself “What did I do today to help free the Black African?”
If I'm not satisfied with my answer to the second question, I'll do better tomorrow.
It's not my job alone to free the Black African from our oppressors. If each of us does our part by living by this code, I know we'll be successful.

Uche Ebuo Kwasi Ogun (Principle #22)

Fear is natural. I'm won't be ashamed to admit when I'm scared. I won't let fear stop me from taking action. One of the best ways to overcome my fear is to confront it and learn how I react to it.

Uche Eto Kwasi Ogun (Principle #23)

I understand that the Black African way means equality between men and women. Men and women have separate but equally important roles in our community. To place men above women is anti-Black African. To place women above men is anti-Black African. I won't let the concepts of masculism and feminism be used as tools against you by my enemies. Our history shows that we have always valued both sexes.

Uche Eno Kwasi Ogun (Principle #24)

Economic independence is very important. I can't be free when I rely on my oppressors to feed me. When possible, I'll start my own business in my own community and hire my own people. I'll focus my business on what I am good at naturally. I'll buy from businesses owned by my people.

When possible, I'll own land/property.

Uche Isen Kwasi Ogun (Principle #25)

I place my Black African people above all other people. I won't treat anyone outside of the Black African community better than I treat my own people. That would be disloyal and a sign of mental illness.

When dealing with other Black Africans, I'll be truthful, respectful, peaceful, helpful and generous.

All issues between Black Africans will be discussed and settled within our community. All important information about what we are doing to end our oppression will be kept within the community.

If another Black African must be disciplined for working against our community, it must be done with truth and justice in mind.