ROSEDALE, N.Y., Aug. 4, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- What happens when an African tribe is exposed to new knowledge especially from Western civilization -- will the people learn to adapt to change or will they stubbornly cling to old customs and beliefs? Listen to Voices Of Generations Past: The Belief of the Igbo, an African Tribe as author Emmanuel Nwozuzu presents a fascinating social commentary.
Voices Of Generations Past: The Belief of the Igbo, an African Tribe narrates conflicts between the old and the new belief systems in Odinala, a Nigerian village. The conflicts are brought about by the slave trade, WW I, WW II, the Great Influenza, and the introduction of the Western system of education. Follow the life of Nna Pius and his attempts in teaching young people to depict the cultural changes that took place at that time.
In Odinala, family lasts forever -- even at the end of life of its members, and this belief found its way into their religion practiced at the time. Nna Pius grew up in a traditional way of life, became immersed in it, and when he became exposed to Western civilization, he observed conflicts in his life -- some of which he was not totally aware of and so he relied on his instincts to guide him. In Odinala, traditional practices represent one of the most important influences on the present generation, which reflect the rigid belief of the power and wisdom of their ancestors. However, Nna Pius believes that there are some customs that should be made away with, regardless of what the ancestors said. According to him, relevant customs are those that help people solve their present problems within the context of common good.
Voices Of Generations Past will give readers an intimate glimpse of the lives of the Odinala people -- how their beliefs ruled their life and how change began to permeate their culture. The beginning of modern times, however, did not necessarily mean better times. The author includes his own insights on the plight of the Odinala people as well as suggestions on how they can achieve progress. The proceeds of Voices Of Generations Past will be used to support the Sportif Drinking Water Project in Nigeria.
Voices Of Generations Past will be featured in the New York Library Association Book Exhibit in Niagara Falls, New York, from October 15-16, 2009. For more information, log on to www.Xlibris.com.
About the Author
Emmanuel Ibezimako Nwozuzu was a teacher in New York City Department of Education until he retired in 2005. He taught a wide variety of subjects including Chemistry and Reading and Writing in New York high schools including home instruction schools. He obtained his BS degree in the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Master's and Doctor of Philosophy at the Iowa State University of Science and Technology in Ames, Iowa, United States. Before coming to the United States, he was a member of the famous West African Examination Board Council and later became the Principal of the prestigious Community Secondary School, Dengi, Plateau State, Nigeria. The first science laboratory in the school was named after him in recognition of his contributions to teaching and learning in the school. The author, while teaching in New York schools received the prestigious U.S. Presidential Scholars Program Teacher Recognition Award in 2005. At present, he is a private educational consultant.
Voices Of Generations Past * by Emmanuel Nwozuzu
The Pulse of the Igbo, an African Tribe
Publication Date: July 31, 2009
Trade Paperback; $19.99; 119 pages; 978-1-4415-0630-6
Cloth Hardback; $29.99; 119 pages; 978-1-4415-0631-3
Members of the media who wish to review this book may request a complimentary paperback copy by contacting the publisher at (888) 795-4274 x. 7479. To purchase copies of the book for resale, please fax Xlibris at (610) 915-0294 or call (888) 795-4274 x. 7876.