In just a few weeks, we are over 184,000 people taking a stand for the cultural rights of the Swahili-speaking people.

This petition is not only about the legal aspects of Walt Disney Pictures trademarking the famous phrase ‘Hakuna Matata’ and cultural appropriation: it’s about a corporation monetizing on culture.

Everytime Disney sells a tee-shirt with ‘Hakuna Matata’ printed on it  — a phrase they did not invent — they are profiting from a culture that as already suffered from colonial rule. The trademarking of ‘Hakuna Matata’ sets precedence for other foreign corporations, businesses and individuals to use culture for profits.

If you, like me, believe Walt Disney Picture can and should be a leader, you can email them this message at the following address TWDC.Corp.Communications@Disney.com:  

I believe Walt Disney Pictures can be a leader and set important precedents by recognizing that culture is more important than profits. I ask you, along with over 184,000 people, to please remove the trademark on the phrase ‘Hakuna Matata’. I look forward to hearing your response.

You can also leave your comments for Walt Disney Pictures in the comment section below as well and I’ll make sure they get to leadership.

Walt Disney Pictures: we all look forward to hearing from you.

Please keep on sharing this petition!

With solidarity,

Shelton