Chris Abani: On humanity

The video explores the power of storytelling, emphasizing human transformation and compassion. It delves into the Ubuntu philosophy, highlighting the importance of human connection. The speaker shares personal stories, including his mother's resilience during the Biafran War and cultural rituals in Nigeria and Rwanda. Experiences from prison are recounted, illustrating lessons of humanity and resilience. The metaphor of building and destroying gods is used to discuss reclaiming humanity. The video concludes with a reflective poem by Lucille Clifton.

What philosophy from South Africa emphasizes the interconnectedness of humanity?

• Ubuntu

• Apartheid

• Mandela Effect

• Zionism

What method did the speaker's mother teach in rural Nigeria?

• Rhythm Method

• Contraceptive Injection

• Natural Family Planning

• Billings Ovulation Method

During the Biafran War, what did the speaker's mother do to protect her children?

• Sought help from the military

• Faced off soldiers to protect her son

• Hid in a refugee camp

• Moved to a different country

What was the rite of passage the speaker had to perform at age 13?

• Planting rice

• Hunting a deer

• Building a shrine

• Killing a goat

Who helped the speaker during his rite of passage?

• His uncle

• His father

• John James

• Emmanuel

What did the young cellmate in prison use to teach others to read?

• Comic books

• Textbooks

• Magazines

• Newspapers

What tragic event happened to the speaker's young cellmate?

• He became a prison guard

• He was released early

• He escaped from prison

• He was killed in a brutal manner

What did the Ibo people do if a god became unruly?

• Built a bigger shrine

• Offered more sacrifices

• Worshipped it more

• Destroyed the god

What is the main theme of Lucille Clifton's poem 'Libation'?

• Resilience and remembrance

• Love and loss

• Joy and celebration

• Fear and courage

What does the speaker suggest we do with gods that have gone rampant?

• Knock them down and forget their names

• Worship them more

• Offer sacrifices

• Build larger shrines