Birth name Mark Ranger, born in the UK to Windrush Jamaican parents. My life has been a testament to the struggles and triumphs of a black man in a society rife with racial challenges.
My earliest confrontation with racism was a distressing episode involving my mother and a white woman, the turning point that shaped my understanding of the deep-seated racial issues in the UK. This event propelled me into a life of activism, marked by imprisonment for my involvement in the Broadwater Farm riot in 1985 – a pivotal moment often misinterpreted by those outside Tottenham. This riot was a community's stand against racial injustice epitomised by the tragic death of Cynthia Jarrett at the hands of the police.
Broadwater Farm, where I resided, transformed into a no-go area for the police due to persistent harassment and police brutality. Unlike our predecessors, the new generation of Black youth refused to tolerate mistreatment and bravely stood their ground, preventing police patrols on the estate. This shift marked my initial encounter with a self-governed community. Experiencing this newfound authority instilled a sense of safety and peace, fostering a happier environment on the estate before the eruption of the Broadwater Farm riot.
Imprisonment was a turning point for me, offering a time for introspection and education. I immersed myself in the works of a Jamaican-American author and journalist, Joel Augustus Rogers, and later, the factual stance and guiding principles of the Nation of Islam under the guidance of Minister Louis Farrakhan. They profoundly shaped my worldview, highlighting the importance of sovereignty, self-reliance, and a separate identity for the descendants of the transatlantic slave trade.
I had gained a greater understanding of how we came to be in the condition we find ourselves in as descendants of the enslaved. I knew for us to have heaven on earth while we live, separation from those who mean us no good would be the only way. ANOPWAN has become the solution to our rise back to greatness, once enjoyed by our forefathers and foremothers before they became enslaved.
In my early days with the Nation of Islam, I journeyed to Ghana. My initial focus was on acquiring diamonds, but this evolved into a heartfelt exploration of my ancestral roots in this vibrant land. The discovery of Ghana's golden wealth shifted my focus, leading me to establish a mining company called Black Pearl in Sierra Leone. My commitment to positively impacting Africa deepened amid the challenges of war between the Sierra Leone armed forces and the R.U.F fighters.
Through extensive travels in Gambia, Egypt, Guinea-Bissau, and Tanzania, I immersed myself in diverse cultures, gaining invaluable insights into black people's unique needs and aspirations. These journeys fostered a profound appreciation for the richness of our shared heritage. Living among the welcoming people of Africa brought a powerful realisation: true empowerment for the descendants of the transatlantic slave trade lies in embracing sovereignty.
This understanding, forged through personal connections and shared experiences, forms the bedrock of my commitment to leading ANOPWAN—a community rooted in the principles of self-determination and unity among our people.
Now residing in Ghana, I am actively translating the dreams of my ancestors into reality through hands-on involvement in gold mining, land acquisition, and property development.
These multifaceted experiences and insights serve as my foundation for leadership in ANOPWAN—a community dedicated to self-determination and prosperity. As the author of "A Hereafter-The World Without Money," available on Amazon, I share a perspective that addresses societal issues and fosters unity within the ANOPWAN community.
I acknowledge the perspectives within our family that advocate for the unity of the African continent, urging descendants of the transatlantic slave trade to reintegrate. However, the complex reality facing the continent, marked with indebtedness to powerful entities and challenges in providing for its citizens, poses significant hurdles.
While unity is compelling, the absence of enabling policies and pressing economic and social issues in Africa necessitates a careful and strategic approach. Africa and its abundant talent do not need external support to thrive.
ANOPWAN stands as a guiding light of hope and unity, presenting a unique opportunity for descendants of the transatlantic slave trade to reclaim their rightful place and contribute meaningfully to the progress of the African continent, the Caribbean and the globe. The journey toward a united and sovereign ANOPWAN is aspirational and a pragmatic step towards a brighter future for all involved.
ANOPWAN is a call to action. It stands for unity, self-sufficiency, and restoration of dignity to our people.
Our mission is comprehensive: to establish educational systems rooted in our rich history, healthcare tailored to our community's needs, and economic frameworks that ensure self-sustainability and growth.
We aim to create a society where the descendants of the transatlantic slave trade are not just surviving but thriving, where our cultural heritage is recognised, and our rights and freedoms are non-negotiable.
We invite you to be part of this transformative journey. Your engagement in ANOPWAN is pivotal in creating a future where our history is not a footnote but a driving force for our progress. We seek your ideas, energy, and commitment to establish a legacy honouring our ancestors and paving the way for future generations.
ANOPWAN is more than a movement; it's a promise to our forefathers and foremothers, a commitment to fulfilling dreams denied to them. It is an opportunity to forge a path of dignity, autonomy, and prosperity. It is our time to rise, unite, and claim our rightful place on earth. Together, we can build a future our ancestors would be proud of.
ANOPWAN.