“As we fight to end poverty, we also fight to rebuild African narratives” – Interview with Coumba Toure
In Africa, storytelling is deeply ingrained in our culture and holds immense value. It has always been a vital part of our lives, bringing families and communities together. I have cherished memories of gathering around the fire, sharing stories, laughter, and delicious roasted maize and nuts. It was during these moments that we felt a strong bond and a sense of belonging, said Coumba. So, when I heard about the storytelling session, at the WINGS Forum 2023, I could not contain my excitement. This was not just any ordinary session, but the African Philanthropy night, hosted by the Africa Philanthropy Network (APN). What made it even more special was the presence of Coumba Toure, a renowned storyteller with the ability to bring forth the essence of African values, particularly the concept of ‘Ubuntu’ – the interconnectedness and shared spirit of humanity.
The African night exceeded my expectations. The room itself was a testament to the vibrant African spirit, adorned with traditional decorations like grass huts, spears, and traditional mats, accompanied by music that resonated with our heritage. The decorations, instantly took me back to the days of storytelling in my grandmother’s hut. It was a nostalgic experience that reconnected me with my roots. As Coumba shared stories about African Philanthropy, I found myself completely engrossed. Time seemed to fly by, and I wished the session would never end. Through her stories, the theme of the Forum, “transforming philanthropy,” was beautifully exemplified. She reminded us of the power of narratives and how they can shape our understanding and actions.
As Coumba concluded, I needed to hear more. This interview became a deliberate effort to ensure that I could hear more from Coumba.
Tarisai Jangara: I was really intrigued by your stories Coumba and I had a few follow up questions. How did you feel when you entered the room which was beautifully decorated in an authentically African style?
Coumba Toure: Stepping into that room made me incredibly happy; the room was truly beautiful. I believe that beauty is something we strive for. We desire justice, peace, and beautiful surroundings because we often get lost in our struggles, pain, and anger. We tend to forget what we are truly fighting for. Having beautiful things that are African style is important because we have learned to separate beauty from Africa. When people become successful or design spaces, they try to distance themselves as much as possible from Africa because the narratives and stories we hear associate Africa with poverty and difficulties. There is a correlation here – as we fight to end poverty, we also fight to rebuild our African narratives.
TJ: Given what you said, how can we challenge the existing narratives that portray Africa negatively?
CT: By sharing our stories, we can shift perceptions. People form thoughts and opinions based on their life experiences and the stories they hear. As human beings, we cannot experience everything, so much of what we know is based on the stories we hear. In the global philanthropy filed, stories about African philanthropy are not widely known. Only a few people are aware of the structured philanthropy models we have on the continent. I share these stories not for others to copy or revert to them, but for people to know that they exist and understand the principles they are based on. By doing so, we can create new narratives that are born from those models. If people have never heard of different philanthropy models, all they know is the dominant narrative of western philanthropy. Even Africans are striving to develop the same model, forgetting that better solutions can be found in the diversity of approaches.
TJ: You place emphasis on storytelling, do you think the African Philanthropy night made a difference?
CT: I hope that it made a difference. I spoke from my knowledge and in a way that I know best, and that was all I could do. Many people approached me and said they were touched by what I shared. Africans who felt touched could connect because what I said was not foreign to them. Maybe it was not something that had been articulated around them before. I am glad that I could provide them with memories of African Philanthropy practices, stories, and words to work from. Even people outside Africa approached me to say they were moved by my stories. I hope that beyond being moved, it will inspire them to act. I spoke not to evoke certain emotions but to encourage action. My message is that we can do better by listening more to the stories of African Philanthropy from those who hold our communities together. We can do more to support the women who bear the burden of helping our communities. I recognize that individuals already do a lot to support these communities, and those who give the most are often not the ones who have the most. It is an injustice to let them carry this burden, while others who have more resources, whether it’s money, time, or knowledge, do not utilize. I hope that those who listened, will be inspired by the efforts of our mothers and ordinary people, and strive to match them.
TJ: Coming to the forum, did you have any significant realizations from the sessions you attended?
CT: I had wonderful interactions with people, heard inspiring speeches, and engaged in great conversations. One important takeaway for me, is that our philanthropic institutions can involve young people more. We should pay more attention to children, considering that our continent has a significant youth population. I also learned about Artificial Intelligence (AI), and how scientists are creating things they cannot fully control. As Africans, we need to learn and understand AI, so that we can participate in its governance and ensure it doesn’t harm us.