Ah Went Away

AH WENT AWAY by Patricia Nicole Whiteman

Migration dates back to 2085 to 2075 BC, with Abraham and his family by God’s command in the book of Genesis Chapter 11 verse 13 in the Holy Bible. Since then to now everyday some even risking their lives, thousands of people can be seen milling about at various harbours and airports all over the world, making up time before boarding a ship or flight to go in search of greener pastures. For some it is better education, others becoming more financially buoyant, a better way of life, or just seeking adventure

For some migrants, after achieving all of the above, Glen Campbell's song, “There is no place like home” proves true. Then a longing for the land of their birth starts tugging at there soul. One such person to yield to that tugging is returnee visual artist, photographer, sculptor, Tony McKenna.

When and where were you born and bred? I was born July 20 th 1952, Success Village, Laventille Trinidad. My father, Lesley McKenna, was a police officer who was transferred from Tobago to Trinidad when he met my mom, who was an RN. In 1962 I left Trinidad at the age of ten for Tobago. I spent three years at Lambeau, and two years at Charlottville where Hurricane Flora caught me. What schools did you attend in your early years? Eastern Boys, Laventille Government, Lambeau Primary and Charlottville Primary. Where, when and why did you migrate? My sister and I migrated to USA, Brooklyn, New York in 1967 to be with our mother who was already there since 1960, continuing her work as an RN, I was fifteen years old. How was life there, and what did you do? Life was very interesting because it was the Age of Aquarius and enlightenment. I attended Art school, I also got into sculpting and photography.” Why and when did you get into these arts? It is hard to give an actual date and time because I did not get into art, art was always in me. From the time I could use my hands I started sketching and painting. Have you ever received any Scholarships/

40 Commendations/ Awards in your field?

Oh yes! In June 1970, I came third in an art competition in high school and received the Alexandra School Art League Medal, and because of that a scholarship to Pratt Institute of Art, Brooklyn New York. At my graduation from high school the Honorable Shirley Chisholm, then Congresswoman for New York, delivered the feature address. This of course was very historic because she later went on to be the first black woman to run for the Presidency of the United States of America. What is a typical day of painting like for you? Very relaxing, fulfilling, its gives me a peace of mind. Would it be safe to say you like what you do? Yes of course! When and why did you return home? Ten years ago, I returned because my

dad whom I have not seen for forty years was getting down in age. I wanted to spend time with him, which I manage to do, I had four good years with him before his passing. After his death I decided to stay, because of the serenity and tranquility of the island here in Tobago. I can focus better and get more done than in New York, which is noisy and has plenty of distractions. What have you been doing since your father’s death? Just what God created me to do; ART.

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