Each and every individual has a story whose real impact on others is regrettably only told in its true and proper perspective when one exists this world.

Michael Jackson (MJ), the legend, icon and superstar and, indeed, an African heritage point of light passed on last week and his exit exposed the complexity and meaningless of life in so dramatic a manner that one cannot ignore the lessons from the experience.

In life, MJ was truly a genius and a gifted artist. On 29 August 1958, MJ's journey began and the world may not remember his birthday but will forever remember the official departure day, 25 June 2009.

Africa Heritage Society continues to take the initiative in creating a forum upon which African conversations can occur. On the 18 of June 2009, the theme revolved around Perspectives on Global Financial Crisis. Dr. Blessing Mudavanhu was stirring the debate. He briefly unravelled the fateful processes that left Wall Street with fewer answers than questions.

Quite simply and just as a background, in his presentation, what was exposed was how the banks on Wall Street had departed from being institutions dealing with the flow of funds to being institutions that dealt with the flow of risk. But I almost missed the point, and I will miss the point if I make this contribution a thesis on global financial crisis.

The term "Brain Trust" traces its origins to 1899 when it first appeared in the Marion (Ohio) Daily Star as: "Since everything else is tending to trusts, why not a brain trust?" What is a brain trust? Does Africa have one? If so, how does it manifest itself? Does Africa need a brain trust?

A brain is a critical part of the central nervous system that is located within the cranium skull. It functions as the primary receiver, organizer and distributor of information for the body and has two halves called hemispheres. Africa can only be as good and great as its minds allow it. The level of development of any country is linked to the ability of its citizens to convert ideas into practical things that can be used by humanity.

The link between literacy and economic development has long been acknowledged as a causal one. The literacy level in developed countries is generally perceived to be higher than in developing nations like Africa.

The quest for social and economic change in post-colonial Africa is universally embraced. Who should lead the transformation agenda? What should be the role of the state? What should the role of the citizens? These are some of the questions that need to be addressed in the interests of economic, social and political progress.

The majority of African states have republican constitutions with the head of state and government being a President. Under such constitutions, the President is vested with the executive power of the government, the power to "preserve, protect and defend the constitution" and the power to see that the laws are faithfully executed.

Executive Summary - BOAF - 5000 POL

We are celebrating the African Promise and have 5,000 reasons we think we should celebrate. Each reason is in the form of a person who you believe has had a profound impact on African society with no colour discrimination, as seen with President Barak Obama, the American people have shown how the colour of a person skin does not make them any less American as is with an African, if you believe you are an African focused on Africa's progress and feel a part of this land then you're an African.

From social entrepreneurship to sports to arts to academia to general entrepreneurship to medical breakthroughs to technological advancement to scientific discovery to political entrepreneurship, the ‘BOAF-5000 POL Lifetime Achievement Award' recognizes outstanding individuals whose pioneering spirit, fame, power, personality, accomplishments, and demonstrated creativeness and inventiveness throughout their careers has improved African society and inspired others.

The spirit of selflessness that guided the decolonization period is still needed now more than ever. Ultimately we are our own liberators.

We have no choice but to live up to the sacrifices made by the millions whose struggles and courage helped restore the dignity and rights of black people as full human beings in a global family of racial groups.

With a population of 900 million, Africa's majority population is black and yet its history was shaped by a few, both during the colonial and post-colonial eras.
The selfishness of post-colonial Africa's founding fathers was able to change the course of the history of the continent.

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The challenges and opportunities that Africa faces and offers can only be addressed and unlocked if a genuine attempt is made to bridge the knowledge, capital and execution gaps that exist partly because of the colonial legacy and more significantly because of an inherent inability of many Africans to embrace and celebrate the seemingly insignificant progress that has been witnessed in pre and post-colonial Africa.