| The Fundamental Rights of the African People |
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These constitutional principles and practices were held on to and carried by the migrating Blacks to every part of the African continent. This fact is one of the most remarkable parts of the black man's story - most remarkable because even those societies that sank to barbarism held on to the fundamentals age after age as though they were clutching the last threads of life itself. Even in Egypt, where the Asian and European impact was greatest, African constitutionalism could not be completely blotted out.
The following is a representative number of human rights, also drawn from customary laws or tradition constitutions: 1) The right to equal protemigratingction of the law. 2) The right to a home. 3) The right to land sufficient for earning livelihood for oneself and family. 4) The right to aid in times of trouble. 5) The right to petition for redress of grievances. 6) The right to criticize and comdemn any acts by the authorizes or proposed new laws. (Opposition groups, in some areas called "The Youngmen," were recognized by law.) 7) The right to reject the community's final decision on any matter and to withdraw from the community unmolested - the right of rebellion and withdrawal. 8) The right to a fair trial. There must be no punishment greater than the offense, or fines beyond ability to pay. the latter is determined by income and status of the individual and his family. 9) The right to indemnity for injuries or loss caused by others education covering morals and good mann 10) The right to family or community care in cases of sickness or accidents. 11) The right to special aid from the Chief in circumstance beyond a family's ability. 12) The right to a general education covering morals and good manners, family rights and responsibilities, kinship groups and social organizations, neighborhoods and boundaries, farming and marketing, rapid mental calculation, and family, clan, tribal and state histories. 13) The right to apprentice training for a useful vocation. 14) The right to an inheritance as defined by custom. 15) The right to develop one's ability and exercise any developed skills. 16) The right to protect one's family and kinsmen, even by violent means if such becomes necessary and can justified. 17) The right to the protection of moral law in respect to wife and children - a right which not even the king can violate. 18) The right of a man, even a slave, to rise to occupy the highest positions in the state if he has the requisite ability and character. 19) The right to protection and treatment as a guest in enemy territory once one is within the gates of the enemy's village, town or city. 20) And the right to an equal share in all benefits from common community undertakings if one has contributed to the fullest extent of his ability, no matter who or how many were able to contribute more.
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