Did Africans pick cotton in Africa during colonization? What did the term ‘akata’ derive from?
- Julius
- 7 days ago
- 5 min read
Some Social Media platforms run by Africans who moved to and live in the United States (U.S.) talk very harshly about African Americans. Their actions appear to stem mainly out of jealousy and envy. They call African Americans the derogatory name ‘Akata’ which means cotton pickers in some African nations with reference to slavery in America.
These Africans believe that African Americans are lower class Blacks, because their forefathers were enslaved and forced to plant and harvest cotton and agricultural products. Many Africans who move to the U.S. want to separate themselves from the African Diaspora community, because they don’t want to be portrayed as descendants of African American slaves.
However, they don’t realize that they are also considered to be Black when they move to the U.S. no matter how much they try to hide this fact. Furthermore, they tend to ignore that they in fact were forced to pick cotton in Africa by the Europeans during their own colonization period. So then, why are they calling African Americans ‘Akata’ when they were also picking cotton?
Akata
(sometimes derogatory) A term for African-Americans. It was coined by Nigerian students in the U.S. during the 60s-70s in honor of the Black Panther Party; but now perceived as having derogatory connotations. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/akata
The term "Akata" is derived from the Yoruba word meaning "wildcat" and is often used to refer to African Americans, particularly in the context of their cultural identity. It was coined by Nigerian students in the U.S. during the 1960s-70s in honor of the Black Panther Party, but it has since been perceived as derogatory, implying a lack of authenticity or connection to African culture. The term carries negative connotations and is considered a racial slur by some, particularly in discussions about cultural identity and heritage.
Please watch these two videos as further reference:
African Americans are 'Slaves' & 'Ni66ers? This African Says We Are.
Sugar Hill - Akata Scene
The Africans who like to use the term Akata to describe African Americans in a derogatory way should take this into consideration:
Filling Out Race and Ethnicity Questions on Applications in the U.S.
On many applications and paperwork in the United States, you are required to fill out what race or ethnicity you identify as. Race and ethnicity are social constructions, and they are also culturally specific to the country you live in. In the United States, the racial categories are, White/Caucasian, Black/African American, Asian, Indigenous/Native American, and Hawaiian/Pacific Islander. White/Caucasian are people who have ancestors who came from Europe or the Middle East. Black/African American are people who have ancestors who came from Africa, Asians are people who came from Asia. Indigenous/Native Americans are people who have lived in the United States for thousands of years before European colonists arrived, and Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders are people who have ancestors from Hawaii or the Pacific Islands who also lived thousands of years on the islands before colonialism.
Thus, Africans who move to America are considered Black/African Americans. They can't deny this fact, even though they try to do so.
So now let's answer the following question. Did Africans pick cotton in Africa during colonization?
Yes, during the colonial era in Africa, many Africans were forced to harvest cotton, often under exploitative and coercive conditions. Colonial powers imposed cash crop economies, and cotton was one of the primary crops. Local populations were frequently subjected to:1. Forced labor2. Low wages3. Land expropriation4. Coercive farming practices.
This exploitation was particularly prevalent in regions controlled by European powers, such as the French, British, Portuguese, and others. The legacy of these practices continues to impact African economies and societies today. In which African countries?Forced cotton production during the colonial era was particularly prevalent in several African countries, including:
1. Mozambique (Portuguese East Africa): The Portuguese colonial regime forced local populations to grow cotton, often under brutal conditions.
2. Burkina Faso (French West Africa): French colonial authorities imposed cotton production on local farmers, often using forced labor.
3. Mali (French West Africa): Similar to Burkina Faso, the French forced Malian farmers to grow cotton, controlling prices and labor conditions.
4. Tanzania (German East Africa, later British Tanganyika): Both German and British colonial powers compelled local populations to grow cotton for export.5. Uganda (British Protectorate): The British colonial administration promoted cotton production, often through coercive means, particularly in the early 20th century.These practices were not limited to these countries, but they are notable examples of the widespread exploitation of African labor for cotton production during the colonial era.
What other West African countries?In addition to Burkina Faso and Mali, other West African countries where forced cotton production was prevalent during the colonial era include:
1. Benin (formerly Dahomey): French colonial authorities forced local farmers to grow cotton.
2. Chad: The French colonial regime imposed cotton production in Chad.
3. Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire): French colonial powers compelled local farmers to grow cotton.
4. Togo: German and later French colonial authorities forced local populations to grow cotton.These countries were part of the French West Africa federation, and cotton production was a key aspect of the colonial economy. The legacy of forced cotton production continues to impact these countries' economies and societies today.
What about Nigeria and Ghana?While cotton production wasn't as dominant in Nigeria and Ghana as in some other West African countries, both countries did have colonial-era cotton production.
However, the focus was more on other crops like:- Nigeria: Groundnuts (peanuts), palm oil, and cocoa- Ghana: Cocoa was a major focus, and Ghana became one of the world's largest cocoa producersAlthough cotton wasn't the primary crop, colonial powers still exerted control over local economies and imposed cash crop production.
The impact of colonialism on agriculture and local economies in Nigeria and Ghana was significant, shaping their economic trajectories. Was Africans used as slave labor during colonial Africa?Yes, during the colonial era in Africa, local populations were often subjected to forced labor, which can be considered a form of slavery. While the transatlantic slave trade had been largely abolished by the late 19th century, colonial powers still used coercive measures to exploit African labor for various purposes, including:
1. Forced labor on plantations: Africans were compelled to work on plantations producing crops like cotton, rubber, and cocoa.
2. Infrastructure projects: Locals were forced to build roads, railways, and other infrastructure projects.
3. Mining and extraction: Africans were coerced into working in mines, often under hazardous conditions.Colonial powers used various methods to enforce forced labor, including:
4. Direct coercion: Physical force, threats, and violence.
5. Taxation: Imposing taxes that could only be paid by working for the colonial authorities.
6. Labor laws: Enacting laws that required Africans to work for a certain number of days per year.These practices were widespread and had a profound impact on African societies, economies, and individuals. The legacy of forced labor during the colonial era continues to affect many African countries today.
Summary:
When Africans call American Americans 'Akata' in a derogatory way, they are also referring to themselves, because Africans picked cotton too. The Africans who move to America and attempt to distance themselves from African Americans are still considered Black/African Americans. During colonial Africa, Africans were used as forced/slave labor, but many are unaware or try to deny this fact.
Basically, Africans and African Americans share much of the same history and ancestry. African Americans and Africans shouldn't allow ignorant rhetoric to divide these two groups.
African Americans
Sugar Hill Akata scene
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