“Those who are absent are always wrong.”  #Congolese proverb

Wow! The push we need to understand the value in our presence. Your presence is an act of love, support, and empowerment. It is the deliberate intention that creates a euphoric feeling of understanding. That is something that we need even more with all of the things that are going on in the world.

Our presence is needed and it is valuable!

Often times that is how we able to collectively come together as one voice to impact change in the world, in the community, in our family, and even within ourselves. Do not neglect the impact you create when you show up as well as the void that is left when you don’t show up.

~ Altovise

What does this #Congolese proverb mean to you?

(Join the Daily African Proverbs Room on Club by going to the African Father in America Club)

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My name is Simon Javan Okelo. I grew up in the slums of Manyatta in Kisumu, Kenya, serving as the Field Director of Solace International and Co-Director of the Young Generation Centre from 2002-2010 where I directed humanitarian projects in Malawi, Kenya, Ghana, Liberia, and South Sudan. I also worked as a DJ and producer, organizing Unite The People concerts in 2008 in the wake of post-election violence and founding One Vibe Africa.

I came to the US in 2010, and I have since organized events and digital campaigns celebrating the African diaspora locally and globally. For example, since 2014 I have organized Madaraka Festival at The Museum of POP Culture headlined by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Sauti Sol, Blitz The Ambassador, Rocky Dawuni, Meklit Hadero, Nik West, Naomi Wachira, Karun, and other renowned grammy award winning artists.