The Late Honourable Amina Chifupa (above), was the youngest member of the Tanzanian Parliament ever. She passed away last week at the age of 26, leaving Tanzanians in shock and feeling a sense of loss because she proved she had so much potential as a leader in such a short time.

Amina Chifupa – A Dream Deferred

Hers was a mission – a revolutionary mission
Hers was a dream – a liberating dream

Each generation, said Fanon, must discover its mission
Then, it must fulfill it
Or, else, betrays it

Amina had discovered a mission
With the passion of youth, she aimed to fulfill it
But, alas, now it remains a mission postponed!

How long shall we deter the zeal of youth?
How long shall the wisdom of age let things just go?
How long oh daughters and sons of the soil?

Like Brother King, Sister Amina had a dream
Her dream is not dead
It only remains a dream deferred

But, as Hughes asks, “what happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore-- And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over-- like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags like a heavy load.

Or does it explode?”

Chambi Chachage
Base for African Studies Enhancement (BASE)

c/o P. O. Box 4460

Dar-es-Salaam Tanzania