Our names, Our Identity | Nyakara Morara | TEDxYouth@BrookhouseSchool

Quick Overview

Nyakara Morara advocates for embracing and using one's indigenous African name—such as her own Kipsigi name, Akosia, or her Ashanti name, Premper—as a crucial act of cultural reclamation and resistance against the lasting societal dogma inherited from colonialism that promotes Western names as superior.

Key Points: Morara introduces the concept that many people, especially the young, are afraid to use their ethnic names due to colonial legacies that instilled a sense of inferiority regarding non-Western names. She cites the example of the Indian poet Sujata Bhatt, who emphasized that indigenous names carry a different history and should not be diminished by Western standards. Morara shares her dual heritage from the Kipsigi community in Kenya and the Ashanti community in Ghana, noting that her traditional Kipsigi name is Akosia and her Ashanti name is Premper. She mentions that the father of modern African literature, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, changed his name from James to Ngũgĩ in 1977 to prove that using an ethnic name does not diminish success or acceptance. Morara argues that the colonial-era dogma instilled in African minds was that only Western things (names, culture, life) were good and righteous. She urges the audience to use their ethnic names unapologetically to honor their heritage, celebrate their culture, and inspire future generations to be their true, authentic selves. The speaker concludes that the only thing stopping people from embracing their heritage is their own reluctance, emphasizing that names should be used for cultural celebration and recognition, not subjugation.

Context: This TEDxYouth talk by Nyakara Morara, titled 'Our Names, Our Identity,' addresses the lingering impact of colonialism on African identity, specifically focusing on the societal pressure and internalized shame many face when choosing between their indigenous ethnic names and Westernized names. Morara draws parallels to historical figures like Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o who reclaimed their African names, arguing that these names are vital components of cultural heritage and self-worth.