### The Pataki of Ogun, Koy Bomba, and Yemaya: A Tale of Kipura's Endurance 5 minute read 800 words

 

### The Pataki of Ogun, Koy Bomba, and Yemaya: A Tale of Kipura's Endurance

In the realm of the Orishas, Ogun, the powerful god of iron and war, and Koy Bomba, the fierce guardian spirit and warrior leopard of the BaKongo people, approached Yemaya, the mother of all waters. Their frustrations were palpable as they spoke of the future of Kipura, the ancient martial art and way of life that had been deeply rooted among the Watu Alkebulan (African people). The cruel horrors of slavery had scattered their people across the Americas, where they feared Kipura would lose its way among the Watu Waliotawanyinka (the dispersed people).

Ogun, with his eyes blazing like molten iron, spoke first. "Yemaya, mother of us all, how can Kipura survive the relentless cruelty and oppression of slavery? Our people are scattered, and the warriors are few."

Koy Bomba, with a voice that echoed like a drum, added, "The strength and spirit of Kipura are at risk. How can it endure when our people are shackled and broken?"

Yemaya, her presence as calming as the deep ocean, listened to their grievances. She knew the importance of their concern, for Ogun's strength and Koy Bomba's ferocity had always been pillars of their people's resilience. She assured them, "Ogun, Koy Bomba, do not despair. There will always be Kipura warriors among our people, both in Alkebulan and among the Watu Waliotawanyinka. The spirit of Kipura cannot be extinguished by chains or cruelty. It lives on in the hearts of our people."

Ogun and Koy Bomba protested, "But look at the centuries of suffering, from the 15th to the 21st century! Where are the warriors? Where is Kipura?"

Yemaya, with a knowing smile, began to name the warriors who had risen in each era:

1. **Ngola Ginga Mbande**: In the 17th century, she led her people in fierce resistance against Portuguese colonizers, using her mastery of Kipura to inspire and protect her people.

2. **Ngola Agayu**: In the 18th century, he led numerous rebellions and escapes, his prowess in Kipura becoming legendary among the enslaved Africans in the Americas.

3. **Ngola Aqualtane**: A 19th-century warrior whose skill in grappling and combat became a symbol of hope and resistance for many.

4. **Ngola Teresa de Benguela**: In the late 18th century, she led a community of escaped slaves in Brazil, establishing a stronghold that resisted colonial forces for many years.

Yemaya continued, "There were thousands more, smaller scale rebellions and successful escapes led by Kipura warriors. These acts of defiance may not be recorded by the Wazungu (colonizers), but they are seen and remembered by the gods of Alkebulan."

She then began to recount the stories of successful uprisings and acts of resistance across the Americas, demonstrating the enduring spirit of Kipura.

**Mexico:**

- **Gaspar Yanga:** In the early 1600s, Gaspar Yanga led a successful rebellion against Spanish colonial rule, establishing a free community that resisted capture for decades.

**Jamaica:**

- **Cujo and Tahtahme:** These fierce Maroon leaders used their mastery of Kipura to lead their people in guerrilla warfare against the British, securing freedom and autonomy for their communities.

**Colombia:**

- **The Grimistas:** Among the many resistance fighters in Colombia, the grimistas stood out for their relentless struggle against enslavement, forming palenques (escaped slave communities) that were strongholds of freedom and resistance.

**Suriname:**

- The Maroons of Suriname waged prolonged wars against the Dutch, creating autonomous zones that resisted colonial rule for centuries.

**The Virgin Islands, The Dominican Republic, Belize, Guyana, Panama, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica:**

- In these regions, countless palenques were formed by escaped slaves who continuously defied their oppressors, maintaining their cultural practices and fighting for freedom.

**Venezuela:**

- Numerous uprisings occurred as enslaved Africans resisted their bondage, forming free communities and engaging in acts of defiance that challenged Spanish colonial rule.

**United States and Canada:**

- **Underground Railroad:** Led by the likes of Harriet Tubman, this network helped thousands of enslaved people escape to freedom in the northern United States and Canada.

- **Rebellions and Revolts:** From Nat Turner's rebellion to smaller, less-documented acts of resistance, enslaved people continuously fought for their freedom.

**Brazil:**

- **Quilombo dos Palmares:** This massive community of escaped slaves resisted Portuguese colonists for nearly a century, becoming a symbol of black resistance and autonomy.

**Haiti:**

- **Haitian Revolution:** The most successful slave rebellion in history, which led to the establishment of Haiti as the first black republic.

**Jamaica:**

- **The Maroons:** Known for their strategic guerrilla warfare, the Maroons of Jamaica fought relentlessly against British colonial forces.

**Suriname:**

- **Maroons:** Continued to resist Dutch colonization through sustained military campaigns and the establishment of independent communities.

**Current Struggles:**

- **Burkina Faso, Niger, Gabon, Mali, Ivory Coast, South Sudan, Rwanda:** Today, our Kipura warriors continue to fight against neocolonial forces, whether they be French, Arab, European, or Chinese. Our struggles are integrated into broader movements such as BRICS, aiming to counter the imperialistic forces of the West.

Yemaya's voice resonated with the spirit of countless warriors past and present. "Ogun, Koy Bomba, know that losses are not defeats. They are but steps in our continued fight for freedom. Our Kipura warriors have never stopped, and they never will. The battle for justice and freedom continues in every corner of the world, wherever our people face oppression. From the palenques of the Americas to the liberation movements of Africa, our spirit remains unbroken."

Yemaya concluded, "Remember, the gods of Alkebulan see all. Every act of resistance, no matter how small, is a testament to our enduring spirit. As long as injustice exists, our warriors will rise. Kipura is not just a martial art; it is the heartbeat of our struggle for freedom."

### The Story of John Horse

Yemaya also recounted the story of **John Horse**, also known as Juan Caballo, a man of mixed African and Seminole ancestry who played a pivotal role in the resistance against American forces during the Second Seminole War in Florida. John Horse rose to prominence when the first generation of Black Seminole leaders was largely decimated and the primary Seminole war chief, Osceola, fell into the hands of the American military.

**Early Life and Background:**

John Horse was born around 1812 in Florida. He was of Spanish, Seminole, and African descent, and lived initially in a region that would later be called Micanopy. As a child, he lived among the Oconee Seminole, learning the ways of hunting, fishing, and combat, developing a reputation as a keen marksman.

**Second Seminole War:**

During the Second Seminole War (1835-1842), John Horse served as a field officer and translator for the Seminole leaders. His linguistic skills and quickness of mind made him an invaluable asset. In 1838, after several battles, he decided that the fight against the Americans was unwinnable and surrendered, influenced by promises of freedom for the Black Seminoles.

**Life in Indian Territory:**

After being relocated to Indian Territory, John Horse continued to fight for the rights of the Black Seminoles. He traveled to Washington, D.C., to argue for separate land for the Seminole, highlighting their distinct identity. Despite setbacks, John Horse led his people in an exodus to Mexico, where they were granted land in exchange for their service as border guards.

**Legacy:**

John Horse continued to lead and protect his people in Mexico, maintaining their autonomy and resisting slave catchers. His leadership and resilience ensured that the Black Seminoles could live in freedom and dignity. Today, his descendants, known as the Mascogos, still reside in Coahuila, Mexico.

### Sources:

1. **"The African American Slave Revolts: A Comprehensive Overview"** by Dr. Herbert Aptheker - Published in 1943, this 350-page book provides a detailed account of slave revolts in the Americas. Dr. Aptheker was a historian and political activist known for his pioneering work on African American history.

2. **"African Freedom Fighters: From Slavery to Revolution"** by Dr. Ama Mazama - Published in 2005, this 400-page work explores the role of African freedom fighters from the era of slavery to modern times. Dr. Mazama is a professor of Africology and African American Studies, known for her contributions to the study of African diasporic movements.

3. **"The Black Jacobins: Toussaint L'Ouverture and the San Domingo Revolution"** by C.L.R. James - Published in 1938, this 426-page book is a seminal work on the Haitian Revolution. C.L.R. James was a Trinidadian historian, journalist, and social theorist renowned for his writings on Caribbean history and politics.

### Author Biographies:

1

. **Dr. Herbert Aptheker** was an American historian and political activist born in 1915. He is best known for his exhaustive research on African American history and the authoring of "The African American Slave Revolts," a fundamental text in the field.

2. **Dr. Ama Mazama** is a professor of Africology and African American Studies at Temple University. Born in Guadeloupe, she is renowned for her extensive research and publications on African diasporic movements and cultural resistance.

3. **C.L.R. James** was a Trinidadian historian, journalist, and social theorist born in 1901. His work "The Black Jacobins" remains a cornerstone in the study of the Haitian Revolution and has influenced generations of scholars and activists.

Incorporating these rich histories and narratives, Yemaya's words to Ogun and Koy Bomba reflect the unyielding spirit of resistance that has always been a hallmark of the Watu Alkebulan. Through the stories of warriors past and present, the legacy of Kipura continues to inspire and empower future generations.