North Atlantic hurricanes begin as tropical depressions off the the west coast of Africa. They then gain strength from the warm waters of both the South Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea as they migrate northward. These storms can pack winds from 75 to >200 miles per hour and produce incredible amounts of torrential rain. As many as seven or eight of these storms can hit North America each year, wreaking havoc and destruction in their paths. Their courses are often erratic, making it very difficult to predict the where and when of landfall. Hurricanes , born in Africa, unleash their fury on North America. Do you think that Nature just might be punishing us all for the horrendous acts of slavery and discrimination perpetrated on Africans?

The animation is of Hurricane Floyd as it beat up our east coast from September 14 to September 17, 1999. (The file takes a few minutes to load.) The first African image is of Himba women and children; the second shows a group of Turcan women; the third shows Masai children and the last photo is a group of Masai men.

     

 

 

 
  

                         Revenge?

                        From Africa whose Ebb and Flow,
                        Breed Cyclones high, Depressions low;
                        If warmed by Seas, gain Strength and grow,
                        Till Hurricanes, then Northward go;
                        Just How or When, we never know!

                        America's where Furies roar;
                        Riled, ranting Waves attack our Shore,
                        To threaten Folks, both rich or poor;
                        Winds raging blow, wild Rains, Downpour,
                        Destructive Forces waging War!

                        Homelands from which these Storms are borne,
                        Cry out in Pain, while Mothers mourn;
                        Their Children wrenched; of Bosoms torn,
                        Raw Anger drenched with righteous Scorn;
                        Perhaps a Sign, free Men to warn!
 

 

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© Howard B. Eskin 1997