Reasons to love Jamaica
_________ Reflections on my school days
_________ My ethnic identity is Jamaican
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idonia (born Sheldon Lawrence) is a Jamaican dancehall and reggae artist from Kingston Jamaica. He became active in early 2004, and has released albums on the record labels, VP Records and Jag One Productions. Aidonia has also released in the mixtape "Bolt Action", in collaboration with Federation Sound, Equiknoxx Music/Gerusalem Music and Business Class. The mixtape utilizes classic hip-hop instrumentals with Aidonia's lyrical melodies overlaying and features artistes Chino, Lil Joe, and fellow JOP label-mate and Govana.
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The goal is to share positive information. If you are interested in giving out your expertise or knowledge, let us know. Community involvement is the objective.
We will promote your product or special event. By letting us know who or when your special day is, it prevents dual scheduling. The intention is to complement not compete; remember unity is strength. www.JamaicanDiaspora.com
This publication affirms identity and builds community self-esteem. We will not only bring entertainment, but also provide information in areas of health, education, entrepreneur and environment.
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Book Club
Cinema Scene
Musical Notes
Recipe corner 4
• I reject African American Culture and the celebration of African American History • My ethnic identity is Jamaican • Reflections on my school days • The Kingston Art Renaissance • Reasons to love Jamaica
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Editor’s Note FOCUS
As an entrepreneur, we will have to be cook, bottle washer, and waiter in the early stages. However, you must have mini goals for each position, or everything will be pointless. For example, if my goal is to open a culture center for the community, one must be focused. Otherwise, the project cannot be achieved. We have to develop relationships with others. We choose our partnerships carefully to be in harmony. As visionaries we belong to a specific community and our closest fellowships should be on the same accord. Mavericks must never forget our objectives; we are innovators for the futures. What is the definition of focus: Follow *One * Course * Unit * Successfully Janice K. Maxwell editor in chief
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Alphonso McGriff III
Lynda R. Edwards
Judith Falloon-Reid
Karl A. Mitchell
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Sevana
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S
evana is Jamaica’s quintessential triple threat talent, with singer, actress and model credits all to her name. First introduced to international audiences through her work on reggae star Protoje’s 2014 album Ancient Future, she’s since released a self-titled solo EP and played the starring role in the groundbreaking Jamaican web series, Losing Patience. In fact, it’s safe to call her the island’s latest “it girl” as her photogenic, natural look has made her a favorite of photographers and fashion brands far and wide. Born Anna-Sharé Blake in Jamaica’s westernmost parish, Westmoreland, Sevana coined her name after Savannah-La-Mar, the picturesque coastal town where she grew up. Her musical awakening began at eight years old over a hearty Sunday morning breakfast, when she broke out in an impromptu rendition of Celine Dion’s “A New Day” for her family.
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June Plum Drink
INGREDIENTS: 12 June plum (wash and diced) 2oz ginger (washed, peeled and chopped ) 10 cups water 1.5 cups granulated cups sugar Direction Add all ingredients, in a blender. Blend on high speed until smooth. Strain into a mug and sweeten with sugar to taste and put to chill. Enjoy
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“For African people in America, African American Culture cannot truly represent African people.”
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hen I use the word “Culture,” I’m referring to what Black people identify as values and what is important to us. African American Culture is like Circus Bear Culture. They both represent cultures that were forced on them by their captors and as a result, both groups are out of their historical, cultural, natural minds. African American Culture is a struggle culture that represents a lifetime of overcoming, seeking validation from white people, and conflict and confrontation.
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As a result; for Black people in America African American Culture can only be the acceptance of life as an expression and reflection of oppression. We literally think, breath, and live as expressions and reflections of oppression. Expressions and reflections of oppression are not worthy of celebrating or getting comfortable with. Every single person, Male and Female, in African American history and culture, and our actions, no matter how popular we are, how many books we have written or read, how many awards we have received, movies have been made about us, how many of us have holidays, how many followers we have, how much we are loved and respected, are representing a consciousness created for us by white people the European people.
For us to accept
during the 400+ years of enslavement of African
African American
Yes, our thoughts, speeches, and actions Culture as are all expressions and reflections of representing our name oppression. African American Culture is and history is no nothing more than a mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional representation of different than Kunta various expressions and reflections of oppression Kinte from the movie including art, all music genres, speeches, “ROOTS” accepting the poetry, plays, movies, and most every other form of entertainment. It’s called “Colonial name Toby. Contamination of the Consciousness.” I have absolutely zero interest in African American Culture other than to shed myself of it. For African people in America, African American Culture cannot truly represent African people. The most it can be is a temporary culture that we pass through until we recover our consciousness; otherwise we are conceding that we have accepted the contaminated consciousness and all of the mental instability that comes with it. A Consciousness rooted in African American Culture will never be right for us. I will never celebrate African American culture.
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For us to accept African American Culture as representing our name and history is no different than Kunta Kinte from the movie “ROOTS� accepting the name Toby. I Love our people. I will continue to be patient with our people. I will never give up on our people. I will continue to share information that I think can assist with the recovery of our African consciousness so that we can once again Live Free as Divine Universal Humans Becoming . . . Please feel free to enlighten me, educate me, share with me, and challenge my thoughts with love if you feel differently, or some kind of way about what I have written. This was not written in anger. This was written with the desire to understand how to best deal with the reality of being Black in America. Accepting African American Culture would require us to completely relinquish any connection we have to our own African History and Culture. For the sake of our own future, our children's future, and the future of our families, I implore us to continue rejecting African American Culture. Peace.
By Alphonso McGriff III, who is an ADOS/FBA. AlphonsoSpeaks@aol.com
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“I soak up the reggae rhythms around me.�
I
was born in Mandeville, Jamaica in 1967, the beginning of a turbulent time in Jamaica’s history. The island had just gained independence from Britain with the colonial class and color divisions still firmly in place. The economy was in free fall as communism and capitalism battled for supremacy, by destabilizing the government, encouraging violence, and exerting tactical financial control.
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I came of age during these times. My playground extended from Mandeville to the beaches and small villages of the South Coast, and the island’s capital, Kingston. As with all childhood playgrounds some lessons were hard earned, at the hands of bullies or those who tried to make me feel like a stranger in my own home. As a Jamaican, I have experienced denial of my heritage by those who felt I was not entitled to it. As a Jamaican, I have been told not to bother applying for an apartment in a Chicago suburb by the owner. I was shocked when he hung up the phone on me. Eight generations of my family are buried on the island.
Every aspect of being Jamaican colors my life abroad. When my nephew was worried about getting into the University of his choice, I soothed his fears with, “what is fe yu, is fe yu.” When I feel overwhelmed with a task, I remember, “ebry mikkle mek a mukkle,” forcing myself to break it down into smaller, more manageable pieces. Even cooking a meal is influenced by the spices and tastes of Jamaica. “If you ca’an taste de peppa, it ca’an eat,” has been my lifelong motto. Every American friend I have introduced tea with condense milk to has remarked that they don’t know how they ever lived without it. My ‘soon come’ attitude drives my American husband crazy, but my temper, as hot as the Jamaican sun, he tends to avoid. He has learned that when I say, “a gwen lik shot inna yu backside,” he needs to duck and cover. He understands enough patois to frighten the seasonal workers he meets during his day job. When he hears loud shouts of ‘bumbo’ this or that, he shouts back, “no cussing on the job,” which results in fearful looks around the room, but when their eyes land on his playful face, and he explains he is married to a Jamaican, understanding smiles and nods answer his call, backs are clapped and he is welcomed into the fold with offers of food and rum. I must admit my mother and I have had some fun with this as well. Let’s face it, you can always spot the Jamaican in the room and while my skin color may 21
be a barrier to instant recognition, the welcoming smiles to my distinct accent and turn of phrase always make me feel like the sun is shining on my face. Even though I have lived in the United States for twenty-four years, Jamaica still holds my naval string, a pull deep in my soul that begins as a low drum beat growing stronger and louder until I go back to her shores. Then the drums silence, the wind whistles welcome home, the sun warms my bones and the sand absorbs my homecoming tears, taking the ache of loss with it. I soak up the reggae rhythms around me. I remember my father teaching me to dance by saying, “move to the beat of the bass and drums.” I sway to and fro, like a breeze through palm trees. Eight generations of my family are buried on the island. Roots so deep in the Jamaican soil that they will bind my heart and soul forever to my island in the sun, no matter how far afield I may go. I have had a storied life growing up in Jamaica, rich in experiences. As a diaspora, I am sure we have all heard those drums beating deep within our soul, that is what draws us together, seeking each other out in cities, towns and countries far from our shores. We come together, in the shared privilege of being born a Jamaican with a unique culture and history. We come together to shout, I AM A JAMAICAN BY BIRTH, BUT I AM A PROUD JAMAICAN BY CHOICE.
By Lynda R. Edwards – www.LyndaEdwards.com
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“I had the opportunity to compete in one of the most showcased athletic events at the school.”
I
was in the fifth grade at Ewarton Primary School. I was a fifth
grader who was very accomplished as well as competitive. Throughout my previous years at the school, I have won a nationwide art contest; skipped a grade and maintained an ‘A’ average. In the fifth grade, I ranked first in my class. Naturally, during the preparation for the annual ‘Class Challenge Quiz’ I was approached by my teacher, Mr. Clark (now a National Commerce Bank senior executive and a major sponsor of Jamaica’s National Volleyball Team), who implored me to diligently consider about representing my class. Mr. Clark was one of the brilliant teachers I have known throughout my school career. He’s the type of individual which you aim to please in complete acquiescence. In terms of 24
Norse mythology, he portrayed the Odin personality. I have never entered this contest in the past. The Class Challenge Quiz was usually reserved for the fifth and sixth graders of whom the brightest were selected by a series of recommendations; academic excellence, and successfully passing a prerequisite test.
I accepted Mr. Clark’s request. He referred my name to the committee that governed the Class Challenge Quiz. In turn, the committee checked my academic standing to ensure my eligibility and gave me the required testing. Of course, I passed both with flying colors. Few days later, my best friend, Troy, approached me about the annual cross-country race. Troy was a colorful character who was metaphorically capable of persuading a bird out of a tree or plucking a feather off a bird without getting it ruffled. In terms of Norse mythology, he portrayed the Loki personality.
If Eve was seduced by a glibly snake who persuaded her to eat the forbidden fruit, then I would be susceptible to a friend’s articulate influence
I have never competed in the cross-country race, in the past. The reason for my lack of an established athletic record wasn’t because of my lack of interest in that field. To the contrary, I was very obsessed in conquering both academic and athletic arenas. However, I became overly absorbed in my academic endeavors which overshadowed my athletic drives. 25
Now, I have the opportunity to compete in one of the most showcased athletic event at the school. Howbeit, there was a small problem. Both the Class Challenge Quiz and the cross-country race were supposed to occur at the same time. I informed Troy of my decision to participate in the Class Challenge Quiz. Especially, since I have given my word to Mr. Clark of my commitment to the Quiz. Therefore, I was unable to give a strong consideration about registering for the cross-country race, despite my burning desire to compete with him.
In true Troyesque form, he responded: “Karl, you have received many accolades in academia. On the
other hand, you’re
practically a Mr. Nobody
‘The race is not for the
in athletics. As for Mr.
Clark, he’s both our
swift or the battle for
English and Physical
Education teacher. He drive to improve
the strong but for
would comprehend your
those who endured to
yourself both mentally
the end.’
might not give you his
and physically. Well, he fatherly blessing to
choose the cross-
country race over the Class Challenge Quiz. Howbeit, winning is everything. Victory covers all flaws and faults. When we win, Mr. Clark will be the first to hand us the prize with a smile.”
If Eve was seduced by a glibly snake who persuaded her to eat the forbidden fruit, then I would be susceptible to a friend’s articulate influence (beyond his years) to choose my newfound passion – running in the cross-country race with the intention of winning.
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On the day of the race, I avoided Mr. Clark. I registered for the cross-country event several days prior to race day. During the warm-ups, Troy approached me with a game plan that would secure the trophy within our grasp. “Karl,” he said, “The plan is for us to take a shortcut through the forest where we’ll relax for a time to await the appropriate moment for which to make our grand entrance at the finish line.” “Troy,” I incredulously responded, “Don’t your idea defeats the purpose of the competition…not to mention the true spirit thereof.” “Karl!” he argued, “First of all, our primary competitors are faster and stronger than us. We do not have any hope of competing with them, directly.
Karma seemed to have been laughing at us because we lost our way in the forest.
However, the competition will be between our brains versus their brawns. Moreover, I quote the Bible which states, ‘The race is not for the swift or the battle for the strong but for those who endured to the end.’ Thus, our goal is to endure to the end of the race with the trophy pressed against our faces.” Eloquence was Troy’s middle name. We executed our plan according to Troy’s scheme. We wandered around the forest poking fun at those poor souls (competitors) grinding it out on the side streets toward the finish line. Ironically, Karma seemed to have been laughing at us because we lost our way in the forest.
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Eventually, we made it to the finish line. We came in last. On the horizon, I saw Mr. Clark coming toward us. Troy, instinctively, stated he had to go to the men’s room. Alone, I faced Mr. Clark. He mildly reprimanded, “I’m disappointed you chose to dishonor our agreement pertaining to the Class Challenge Quiz. Least of all, you could have mentioned to me your decision to withdraw from the Quiz. Thereby, you would have afforded me the opportunity to have appointed someone else in your stead. Karl…your action was very irresponsible. I recommend that you expeditiously and gingerly go to the committee with an apology. “Certainly!” I replied. Furthermore, I explained to Mr. Clark about Troy’s involvement. He disregarded my accusations and placed the blame on me. The above experience is one of the cherished highlights of my elementary school days. It taught me how to make wise decisions and honestly fulfilling their goals whose consequence I’ll solely experience whether for good or ill.
By Karl A. Mitchell www.Karl-Mitchell.com
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“There is a monthly Art Walk that features pop-up art displays, an artisan marketplace, walking tour of historic buildings and entertainment.�
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hether beautiful murals painted by recognized artists or graffiti masterpieces, there has always been street art. It can lift spirits, declare turf wars, effect social change, pay homage to the greats or simply beautify a space. All these reasons and more were a part of the vision Jamaican Entrepreneur and 2019 RJRG leaner Honor Awards Recipient Andrea Dempster-Chung had in mind when she conceptualized Kingston Creative. To independent authors, she has always been the affable, supportive owner of Bookophillia Bookstore, the only book shop in Jamaica that never carries schoolbooks. For these authors, such as myself, it means a space where our local books have prominence; sit on shelves beside international bestsellers and gain an audience. A space where readers flock to buy books they want to read.
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To the Jamaican creative world, she is known as the lady whose passion is driving the movement to make, in her own words, “Kingston the creative capital of the Caribbean.� Her journey began twenty years ago when she and a group of friends drafted a proposal to rehabilitate the old J. Wray and Nephew Building in downtown Kingston to be used as an arts portal. A creative space where artists could work and exhibit. She found no luck in selling the idea to the team that was already discussing the rehabilitation of Kingston.
Fast forward to 2017. working in the UK and experience in working the arts, she and two volunteers, Jennifer decided to dust off the headlong, cashless, into world now called
Her journey began twenty years ago when she and a group of friends drafted a proposal to rehabilitate the old J.
After returning from having gained valuable with government and other intrepid Bailey and Allan Daisley, vision. They plunged the new and exciting Kingston Creative.
Wray and Nephew Building in downtown Through sheer determination, valuable Kingston to be used as partnerships and volunteers that now number over 70 people, they have ushered in a an arts portal. renaissance period of sorts. Kingston Creative is run by creatives. Everyone who is a part of the organization has creative talent. Whether a photographer, fine artist, dancer, writer, it’s a group that is in tune with the power of the creative industry. They are breathing life into old abandoned buildings, painting murals, hosting events and slowing transforming the space into an arts district for people from all walks of life and economic backgrounds.
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view of themselves and their worth to the wider society. There is a monthly Art Walk that features pop-up art displays, an artisan marketplace, walking tour of historic buildings and entertainment. There are hollowed out buildings lit up for movies, poetry and other art forms, that remind me if only in a small part, of the ruins of Ephesus in Turkey lit up for a performance. Young and old, ‘uptowners’, downtowners and those in between meet in these space for refreshing cultural and artistic expressions.
Yet, it’s more than just about the actual work and beautifying a space. There is serious economic power in the creative industry which generates 2.53 trillion dollars in revenue and 30 million jobs Worldwide annually. “Jamaica has such a powerful culture,” Andrea says. “Jamaica is a mover and shaker in World; we should have a piece of that pie.”
Water Lane is a particular focal point in the development of the Arts District. In the same way that the Wynwood Arts district in Miami attracts thousands of visitors to its Wynwood Walls, Water Lane is being developed as Water Lane Art Walls.
Combining creativity, technology and economics, Kingston Creative is at the forefront of turning the tide for many artisans whose passion for their creative expressions do not translate into economic empowerment. Generating earnings that they can do more than scrape through life on but rather earnings they can thrive on. They are adding value to the artists’ work by adding value to their own
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Already murals have begun to line the lane and the use of augmented reality within the art means visitors can simply scan a code with their cell phones and the use of an App, to learn more about the artist and the work. Andrea is all smiles when she speaks of how proud they all are that “little, little Kingston is a member of the Global Cultural Districts Network (GCDN)”, and that they were invited to Singapore to talk about the activities and impact of Kingston Creative. The GCDN boasts some of the world’s most artistic cities as members including Dubai, London, Sydney, Beijing and the Gold Coast. For as Andrea puts it “likkle likkle Jamaica to be invited and featured is a huge deal. Jamaica is the first Caribbean nation to be accepted into this elite organization.”
they have come in so short a time, Kingston Creative believes they have just scratched the surface of possibilities. They have brought the vision to life. They have gained Global recognition and the powers that be are finally taking notice. They have ignited a flame. But it takes lots of fuel to turn the flame into a raging inferno, and raging inferno is where they want to be. In time, visitors will be flocking Kingston, not just for the
exciting party scene or the amazing food choices or for meetings but to revel in the excitement that is the Kingston Art Renaissance.
The growth has been phenomenal. At least that’s the outsiders view. Though very pleased with how far
by Judith Falloon-Reid 35
A beautiful symbol of our country that’s quickly recognized worldwide. One of very few flags of the entire world that don’t include red, white, nor blue.
Whether it be our icons or our culture, Jamaica is undeniably one of the most influential countries around the world.
The fact that you can virtually step outside and get something to eat is awesome.
Island spices and flavor can instantly upgrade just about any meal.
Nothing nice like a “boat”, when a load of food is cooked for an event or outing. 36
A UNESCO World Heritage site and home of world-famous coffee, many indigenous plants and animals, and foods you won’t find anywhere else on the island.
Blue Mountain coffee, some of the most expensive in the world.
White or black sand, palm trees, blue waters, and sunshine.
Orange and pink hues of a daily tropical sunset meeting the horizon.
Almost every day is a great day to go outside and enjoy in the warmth of the sun.
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