I Pledge Allegiance To The Iwu
Ajuju (Question): What does 'Iwu' mean?
Zham (Answer): In the Nigerian language of Ika, 'Iwu' means 'code', like a code that someone lives by or Code of Conduct.
Ajuju: What does 'Uche' mean?
Zham: In the Nigerian language of Ika, 'Uche' means principle, like a rule someone follows.
Ajuju: Why do you want to accomplish this?
Zham: Our God-given rights as a people have been violated. This violation must be corrected.
Ajuju: What do you want to accomplish with The Iwu?
Zham: My goal is the creation of an independent, self-sufficient, self-protecting worldwide Black African community. Freedom is my goal.
Ajuju: Why is this important?
Zham: 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 will continue to be oppressed and mistreated in all areas of life. No one is born to be oppressed.
Ajuju: Why are comments on your social media pages disabled?
Zham: Uche Mmesa (Principle #17) tells us not to get involved in pointless debates. They require a lot of energy, do nothing to change our condition and are used as a tool against us. People who talk the most do the least. Long story short, live it or leave it.
Ajuju: How do I know these uches are the truth?
Zham: You can feel it. Everything you've experienced in your life lets you know these words are true.
Ajuju: I understand that my ancestors came from Africa but I've never been to Africa. I don't consider myself to be a Black African. What should I do with The Iwu?
Zham: Re-Africanize and then return.
Ajuju: Why did you choose to create The Iwu instead of starting an organization?
Zham: We already have organizations, groups, caucuses etc. but more than anything else, I feel that what the Black African community needs is a code that we can all live by. A code doesn't require central leadership, it's easy to understand and can't be destroyed. Plus, if every Black African followed the same code of conduct in all areas of life, we wouldn't need any central groups - we would all be working towards the same goal which is our freedom.
Ajuju: Why do you use the term 'Black African'?
Zham: I use the term 'Black African' to specifically describe those people who are the descendants 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. These people may currently call themselves any number of things including 'African', 'African-American', 'Afro-Caribbean', 'Afro-Brazilian, 'Black', 'Negro' etc. We're all Black Africans.
To be clear, Arabs, Europeans and Asians living in Africa are not us.
Ajuju: Why do you focus on the Black African and not all "people of color"?
Zham: Do you ask other groups why they focus on the issues affecting their community and not the issues affecting the Black African community? Of course you don't. It would be foolish to ask someone why they are looking to help their community and not help someone else's community. So why are you asking me that question?
The history, issues and current state of the Black African are unlike those of any other people. History has shown that combining the issues of other groups with the issues of the Black African usually leads to the issues that specifically impact our community being placed behind others. Plus, other groups can and do speak for themselves - they don't need our help.
Ajuju: What insight can you give anyone thinking of living by The Iwu?
Zham: Adopting these uches is a major step in the establishment of justice. It'll require discipline, sacrifice, distancing yourself from friends and family who don't adopt them and will increase loneliness. Some people will criticize you for adopting these uches. Also, adopting these uches will cause our oppressors to focus more on you.
Fortunately, your efforts will help eliminate one of the greatest systems of injustice humanity has ever seen - those systems oppressing the Black African. You'll serve as the foundation for the greatest advancements in human history – the re-establishment of the Black African community and our restoration of a peaceful, balanced Earth. You are a humanitarian. You are a warrior. You are a child of God. Your are the Black African. Future generations will thank you. I thank you.
Ajuju: I'm a Black African parent. How should I teach The Iwu to my child?
Zham: Teach them in a way and at a time that they'll understand.
Our struggle is complex and I did my best to present these uches in a way that anyone could understand. I tried to put them in order from easiest to understand to more complicated. The truth is heavy but we are strong.
On a side note, I'm not a father but in my experience kids are smarter than adults think they are. You'll do fine.
Ajuju: Who is The Iwu for?
Zham: The Black African.
Ajuju: How do you want to accomplish it?
Zham: By the creation of a code that all Black Africans can follow. The Iwu.
Ajuju: Some of these uches will be difficult to live by. What do I do about those?
Zham: Do what you can when you can. You don't have to start living by these uches overnight, some will take time. Make progress each day. No one can ask for more than that.
Ajuju: Will you add more uches?
Zham: Maybe.
Ajuju: What will you do with the donations?
Zham: I'll use the donations to follow Uche Eno Kwasi Ogun (Principle #24) and Uche Mmisen Kwasi Ogun (Principle #35). I'll keep the rest using some to maintain this website and to create other materials to spread The Iwu.
Ajuju: Why do I need to take an oath before I receive the Stage 2 Uches?
Zham: If you have to ask this question, you're not ready to receive the Stage 2 Uches.