Life as an African Hebrew Israelite is “a cultural thing: being clean, healthy, and looking good!” explained keynote speaker Carmen Gray at the “Black History from a Global Perspective” luncheon held on February 18 at Modesto Junior College.
Held in observance of Black History month in collaboration with the American Association for Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC) and the Associated Students of Modesto Junior College (ASMJC), the event offered Gray’s presentation and a “special lunch” conducted inside the Mary Stuart Rogers Learning Center. Gray, an MJC student, amiably welcomed participants who had come to hear about the advancements currently taking place in The African Hebrew Israelite of Jerusalem community in Israel and satellite communities across the U.S.
After remarks from MJC Director of Student Activities Wendy Byrd on behalf of the AAWCC, Grey, an MJC student and dedicated follower of The African Hebrew Israelite of Jerusalem community, offered a slideshow to illustrate her life and experiences while living in Israel in addition to the links between African American history and the African Hebrew Israelites.
“It’s not a religion, it’s a lifestyle,” she explained giving examples of their vibrant culture which include things such as a communal way of life, a vegan diet, and very high moral standards. Grey stressed the fact that lifestyle beliefs of the group are its foundation as well as its continuing objective.
Upon their arrival from the U.S. in Dimona, Israel in May 1969, the original 350 followers were lead by Ben Ammi, the American founder and spiritual leader of the group. He guided them to where they currently reside after having a “Divinely-inspired mission to establish the prophetic ‘Kingdom of God’ in the Holy Land”. Over 40 years later there are more than 3,000 men, women and children living in this “interdependent” population functioning as its own city. With a number of respectable businesses, notable organic farming techniques and a strong love for one another between the people, Grey enlightened the audience with the tales of a place that sounds unparalleled in congeniality which explains the number of visitors they receive each year. Some of the African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem reside in locations throughout the United States America, including Atlanta, Chicago, and St. Louis.
Although the luncheon was held in recognition of a group that is vegan, the menu featured traditional “soul food” dishes such as catfish, collard greens and peach cobbler, which were an odd contrast to the customary foods of the featured people. The group, which runs one of the largest vegetarian food retail chains in the United States, follows a strict diet that avoids meat, citing Genesis 1:29.
The group’s focus on lifestyle and culture is what primarily stood out in the presentation; they lead a very active and productive existence. They adhere to a balance of laws and commandments following the prophecies of “the Holy One of Israel,” focus on remaining physically fit (a “holy concern”), and reinforce their identity by wearing ‘cultural clothing.’ Following dietary and dress guidelines, and other codes of behavior, the group maintains a set of customs and traditions that have been handed down from generation to generation. The observance of the Sabbath and Holy Days (Passover, Shavuot, Yom Kippur, Succoth and Memorial Blowing of the Trumpets) as advised in the Old Testament, is their way of expressing admiration to their God. Additionally within the functioning community there are various forms of entertainment such as the arts, comedians and musicians with other lighthearted celebrations including the Annual Peoples Ball, wedding ceremonies within the area, and a two day festival of picnicking and sports for the New World Passover.
Grey concluded her fascinating presentation with vital details on the eradication (in Israel) of many diseases plaguing the African American population in America, including heart disease, obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure.
Meg Boseh, on behalf of the African Caribbean Market, spoke about the importance of cultural clothing within a given society of people. Clothing is significant, she said, as an expression of who you are in addition to defining yourself as a legitimate and authentic part of a culture.
The people of the land (African Hebrew Israelites) feel that they are currently “undergoing a process of redemption,” she said; the recovery from the effects of slavery and having lost nearly all knowledge of themselves in their cultural identity and heritage. Besides the attire functioning to identify faithfulness among followers, it also is a way to communicate and validate values.
Although the existence of ‘the people in the land’ raised controversial opposition, debate and much political chatter in Israel and elsewhere, they continue to cultivate themselves from within a lifestyle which may prove to be inspirational as well as refreshing to others throughout the world.
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