When Africa Calls Uhuru is a dramatic poem in search of what it means
to be human. Henry Beissel takes the reader to the Rift Valley in Kenya
where it is believed the evolution of Homo sapiens largely took place.
The narrative unfolds in a dialogue between nature, science and history,
three voices that evoke the fauna and flora of Africa and conjure up the
history of its colonization. Ultimately, the poem celebrates today's
liberation of the 'dark' continent, arguing that since all humanity was
born there, all people are brothers and sisters, whatever the colour of
their skin. "Dance, my beloved / Africa," the poet rejoices, "you are
free / to choose freedom now!"