Kebazi… what is it?

That is a great question. However, before I explain what Kebazi is, let me tell you a little bit about me. I promise it will help make things crystal!

My name is Lambert, and I am an American… oh, and a Cameroonian. I was born in the United States, served my country in the Marine Corps, and my community in our local volunteer Fire Department. I was born to Cameroonian parents, from a long and large line of Bayangi people. My blood, heritage, culture, and upbringing are Cameroonian, and are the very things that made me serve here in my home, the US.

Our family traveled and lived across the US and across Africa. I was fortunate to spend my formative years in the United Kingdom, giving me access to Europe. While in the US Marine Corps, I traveled across Asia, from the Middle East to the islands of the Pacific. During this life, I have learned a little about a lot of people and cultures, trying to see them all with the dignity they deserve.

Even with this rich life that I was blessed with, I do have some regrets. I did not spend enough time in Cameroon to learn any of our languages… even pidgin. I grew up with a few stories about our culture and history from my elders, but I know only a fraction of our history, culture, and traditions. I love most of our foods (those close to me know how I feel about okra soup), and by most I mean the few I grew up with… I keep finding new delicious food and drink every month or so.

What is Kebazi? I know that I am not the only member of the African diaspora who craves to know more about where we come from. I am not the only one who wants to learn about and share African greatness! I guarantee I am not the only one concerned that so much knowledge carried by our elders is permanently lost each day.

Kebazi is an opportunity to celebrate Africa. Whether you are leaving abroad or on the continent, whether you are African by blood, marriage, or choice, Kebazi is a place where you can meet others who share our love for Africa. Come and learn about how Ethiopia held Italy at bay, and sport of Wrestling in Senegal. Come share your safari trip in Kenya, or your vacation pictures of the Togolese beaches. Kebazi is a place where we can come together and celebrate African talent, entrepreneurship, leadership, and so much more. On Kebazi, we built a space where you can share those things that make us love Africa: Our Cultures, Traditions, History, Music, Foods, Stories, Science, Beliefs, and so much more.

Why should I join?

You may be one of those who wants to learn about your heritage. Or you have been fortunate and want to share your stories and experiences. Maybe you have opportunities to share. Or you could be interested in selling goods for an African-focused clientele. Maybe you just want a place to socialize. These are all great reasons to become a part of the Kebazi community.

What makes up Kebazi?

Well, Kebazi begins and ends with community. In support of the community, we have the following tools you can use.

Groups – these are the main thing we provide. A Group can be almost anything, from a tribe to an association to a family, and so much more. You can treat it as your main gathering place where you can share communications, store documents, and conduct organizational activities.
Events – You can post and promote Events for all or focused on specific Groups and communities. You can host and publish FREE events or sell tickets directly on the site.
Market – If you want to buy African products, the Market on Kebazi is where to go. We have vendors who are focused on providing products with that African touch. And if you want to become a vendor, just register. You too can sell your goods knowing that you can directly reach your Africa-focused consumer.
Jobs – Our Job board is only populated by people on Kebazi who are looking for Talent, not imported from other job boards. It means that the posted job is 1) looking for candidates like you and 2) current and fresh. Employers can find Talent as excellent and as diverse as the continent we come from.
Sharing – You can share by adding Stories or you can share articles or posts on Buzzline. Both of these avenues allow you to share what you know with Groups and the Kebazi community

We aim to continue improving, providing more tools that support the community (i.e. podcasting and e-learning).

Why is Kebazi Invitation only?

Great question, particularly since we just talked about Inclusion. Our goal is to create a space where you can share with and learn from people just like you. I believe the best way to achieve this type of environment is to let YOU build it. Think of this as providing a reference for your invitee. When you invite your family, friends, colleagues, partners, acquaintances, and all other types of relationships to Kebazi, you are saying “this is a person that I want in my space… this is a person I recommend.” To me, that makes your Kebazi invitation an extremely powerful way to build and nurture community.

Ethics and Conduct

Kebazi is a platform that aims to always foster a safe space for people to learn, grow, and share. We also want people to be free to discuss topics that may sometimes be controversial or triggering. At Kebazi, we have 3 main rules regarding Ethics and Conduct:

We rely on You to moderate and monitor activities within your Groups on Kebazi. We cannot and do not want to micromanage the communities… we put our trust in you and your sense of right and wrong.
If you think you probably should not say or do something, you are CORRECT… Do not say or do that thing.
Keep Kebazi a safe space. Wrong activities and actions, especially potentially criminal, will be reported to the appropriate agency.

Inclusion

Kebazi is a place to celebrate Africa. We know that many of you want to celebrate with us, and may think you do not have a place here because you are not African. Some of you may be:

Spouses and Partners
Africans separated by generations
People who grew up or lived in Africa
Foodies who have successfully made an African dish
and so many other possibilities

If You Want to celebrate Africa, then you are fully welcome in the Kebazi community.