WhereItzAt Magazine June 2014

Free June 2014

The B.I.G Awards

Where small business is a “BIG DEAL�

Outstanding

Nelson Mandela Legacy

Caribbean Americans Celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month

Offers Expire May, 31st 2014

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JUne Articles

Vol #12 6th edition

8 The Invitation

Contents

Feature Articles

B.I.G Awards Honorees

10 Voices of The Dawn

pg 20

12 Charmed School 14 Home Ownership Fades as American Dream 16 A Juicy Way To Enjoy A Healthier Lifestyle 18 Nelson Mandela Legacy - South Africa

pg 26-27

28 The History of Dancehall

Outstanding Caribbeans Americans

32 A Life Beyond ‘Do What You Love’ 34 Take your cell phone out your bra ladies

CHAIRMAN & PUBLISHER

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

PHOTO JOURNALIST

LEGAL COUNSELOR

PHOTOGRAPHERS

CLIVE WILLIAMS

ADIKA BUTLER

MARJORIE FLASH

GARNETT H. SULLIVAN, ESQ

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PRESIDENT & ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

ONLINE PUBLISHING

NEW MEDIA INITIATIVES

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

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ADIKA BUTLER - DR. CLIVE WILLIAMS MARJORIE

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ANNETTE GORDO

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MICHELLE WILLIAMS

JAMES - DR. GORDON MARINO

B.I.G AWARDS GALA HONOREES

(917) 749-7613 clive@whereitzatlive.com editors@whereitzatmag.com

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WhereItzAt Magazine is published monthly by WhereItzAt Media Group Inc. All Rights Reserved. WhereItzAt Magazine is a registered trademark of WhereItzAt Media Group Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part without written consent is prohibited. Views of editorial content do not necessarily reflect the views of WhereItzAt Magazine, WhereItzAt Media Group Inc. or its advertisers. For questoins, comments and concerns address your letters to: WhereItzAt Magazine • 219-10 S. Conduit Avenue • Springfield Gardens, NY 11413 or email:editors@whereitzatmag.com WhereItzAt Media Group Inc. 219-10 S. Conduit Avenue,Springfield Gardens, NY 11413 461 Elmont Rd. Elmont,NY 11003 Phone: (917) 749-7613 4 | www.gowhereitzat.com

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PUBLISHER’S VIBE

The B.I.G Awards; Where small business is a “BIG DEAL” Clive Williams, CEO/ Publisher _________________________ On Saturday, the 21stBusiness owners, entrepreneurs and service professionals will attend the Adria Hotel in Bayside, Queens to participate in one of the most talked about events of the year, “THE BUSINESS INNOVATORS & GAME CHANGERS AWARDS GALA, more widely known by its acronym, THE (B. I. G) AWARDS GALA. For those honorees receiving their awards, the evening signifies public recognition and reward for the enormous risks they take, benefits and vacations sacrificed, sleepless nights, self- deprivation and hard work.

This is not one of those mutual - admiration, selfflagellating, everybody deserves a trophy event.

This is a well designed exercise in identifying, recognizing and honoring people who work so long and hard that they become oblivious to narcissism, being focused on more on meeting payroll, going back to market, getting new customers/clients and serving their communities and ultimately building their businesses.

That is a brief profile of the business owner/ entrepreneur who dares to compete in the most competitive, complex and demanding marketplace on the planet, New York. This month of June is now being celebrated as, Caribbean – American Heritage Month, a reminder of the significant role people of Caribbean origins have played in every aspect of American life and enterprise. What is truly phenomenal is that these New Americans have very rapidly shared their culture through music, food, education and business enterprise, ensuring their slice of the American pie.

Just how significant are these people who have borrowed against their homes, interrupted their 401ks, cashed in their insurance policies, borrowed from friends and family to start and run a business; the single most uncertain and 6 | www.gowhereitzat.com

risky endeavor anyone could embark on. Take note of this, they are so significant, so important, so consequential that this is what government research data says about them : over 60% of non – farm jobs are created by small businesses; that means that more than half of our country’s workforce would be unemployed if not for small businesses. Small business owners own 10 times more patents than the big industrial giants.

So small businesses create more jobs; spark innovation and provide way more opportunities to achieve the American dream, especially for New Americans/ minorities, including women to grasp financial independence.

It is with this knowledge and understanding of the facts that the B. I G AWARDS GALA was created, to place the emphasis and importance on creating an explosion of small business awareness and its role in the empowerment of Caribbean – Americans and ultimately their New American children. The BUSINESS INNOVATORS & GAME CHANGERS AWARDS GALA serves to magnify the critical role small business owner’s play in our communities – their tax dollars keep our schools, roads and general infrastructure going. They contribute to your Church programs, youth programs, sports, you name it, small businesses often pick up the tab.

Small business is a B. I. G DEAL! What’s even more profound is the fact that minority business owners which includes women, have been hit hardest by this past recession and are still feeling the aftershocks, yet many have found a way to survive, “without the banks.” It is to these people we give recognition and reward for their tenacity and determination to survive and thrive in the financial and business capital of the world. That’s how huge their achievement are and if they never gave it any thought before, (simply because they’re too busy) they will now; because on Saturday, June at the Adria Hotel, we will, through the technological magic of live – streaming, be making their 21st of June, 2014, some of the most respected, successful and

dedicated Small achievements known to a whole new universe.

It is time that we create our own institutions in order to celebrate and acclaim our own deeds, let us award and reward those among us who often risk it all, those who labor patiently and intensely, while still making themselves accessible to those they serve.

To Dr. Una S.T. Clarke, Dr. Roy A. Hastick and Mr. Phillip Feurtado, who have been tireless advocates for small business development and support, Whereitzat Magazine offers our most enthusiastic congratulations for being inducted in the B.I.G AWARDS GALA “HALL OF FAME.” To the Trailblazers in Small Business Leadership: Mr. Byron LaBeach, Mr. Hector Ricketts and Mr. Neville Flowers, we salute your vision and your courage to explore uncharted territory.

In the Small Business/ Entrepreneurship category we offer our kudos to Noel &Annette Runcie, Amar & Fanny Singh and Marcia Parks. The Educator and entrepreneur among our honorees Ms. Pat Wilson deserve our admiration and respect for her advocacy on behalf of our children, and we esteem those who inform and entertain us; Ms. Alma Campbell, Mr. Conroy Allison and Mr. Shaun Walsh have made their mark in our community through Radio, Television and Live Events.

These individuals have made our lives more fulfilled and meaningful through their tenacity, hard work and business sense, so we honor them and invite you to do so as well on Saturday, June 21stthe at 8pm at Adria Hotel in Bayside, Queens. We help to make sure that Small Business is, “A BIG DEAL.”

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EDITOR’S DESK

The Invitation After 11 years of publication, WhereItzAt has managed to build a legacy of community service.

Unlike the majority of free entertainment papers that target New York’s Caribbean community, WhereItzAt has presented exclusive in-depth interviews, and feature stories featuring Buju Banton, Stephen Marley, Beres Hammond, Gyptian, Sean Paul, Marcia Griffiths, Wyclef Jean, Sizzla, Shaggy, Mavado, Busy Signal, Elephant Man, Wayne Wonder, Richie Spice, Konshens, Tyson Beckford, Luciano, Bunji Garlin, Morgan Heritage, Taurus Riley, Alison Hinds, Capleton, Dead Prez, Yellowman, Immortal Technique, Lady Saw, Burning Spear, and the Father of Hip Hop, DJ Kool Herc.

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With its finger ever on the pulse of the Caribbean people, it has also given up-andcomers in the worlds of music, television, movies, politics, business, and literature an opportunity to share their thoughts, struggles and triumphs with the public before the editors of several mainstream publications even knew who they were. In addition to all of this, WhereItzAt has played an integral role in helping Black entrepreneurs in the Caribbean community understand the importance of doing business in the 21st century by stressing the proven benefits of advertising.

a valiant triumph over mental death. However, today marks a new epoch, a beautiful turning point in what will one day be the celebrated story of WhereItzAt.

To all college students with a passion for Caribbean and/or African American culture, we would like for you to know that WhereItzAt Magazine is looking for young scribes who are searching for a viable outlet to showcase their talents and get their names out to a large, and still growing, audience. To those talented, yet inexperienced specialists among you, the professional world is like a secret society and As a founding member, and Editor-In-Chief the only way to gain entry is by building a of WhereItzAt for the last 11 years, I’m strong body of work. delighted to see that the publication still has social relevance in my community. For me, So take some initiative and let WhereItzAt writing isn’t just the best way to talk without initiate you into the art of entertainment being interrupted. It’s my passion. Through journalism today. If you consider yourself our thoughts, we writers transcend our earthly a candidate, please feel free to contact us at limitations and inspire others to do the same editors@whereitzatmag.com. Peace! once those thoughts are put to print. Every Adika Butler word that we write is a stimulant of hope and Editor-In-Chief

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INFO/NEWS

Voices Of The Dawn My free e-book Voices of the Dawn is now available for download. It is a revised literary extract from The Voice of the Dawn, which is not available to the public.

To my current knowledge, most mythologies are culturally relative. Although many of them contain universal themes and story elements that seem to overlap with one another, they elucidate the rich cosmologies and metahistories of specific ethnic groups. This story— which you are about to read—is arguably the very first global mythology of the 21st Century.

Mythology is essentially the soul’s interpretation of its experience as a human being. I personally believe that the world needs a mythology that speaks to the global commonalities of the current human experience. Voices of the Dawn is my personal contribution to that cause.

and disciplined enough to bring it to you to the best of my ability. Voices of the Dawn T-Shirts are also available in a variety of colors and sizes.

If you are interested in purchasing some, you can email me at: adikabutler@yahoo.com.

You can donate $1, $10, $100, or more in support of the project. Just log on to www.

ThirdEyeMax.com and click the orange “Donate” button on the right side of that page.

The choice to donate is ultimately yours to make. Love makes no burdensome demands.

It only offers suggestions. Your valiant contribution lets me know whether or not you would like to see more books of hope, passion, humor, and redemption filtered through my mind.

This book was conceptualized, written, designed, and edited by me with assistance from my ancestors. I personally believe that I have much more exciting and edifying content to offer you. More importantly, I am dedicated

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LIFESTYLE

School A deep and abiding appreciation for beauty is a true testament to one’s sense of taste.

However, one’s commitment to accentuating that quality within others makes them a visionary with a flair for the artistic. Tiffany ‘Taj’ Caesar, 31, is one such woman, but she is also much more.

Entrepreneur Tiffany Caesar learning life’s lesson one day at a time

a person whom she thought was the man of her dreams, yet turned out to be the male of her nightmare.

“I relived what my mom went through with my father,” she reveals in her website bio.

With brighter days now ahead of her, Caesar has her sights set on building her cosmetic The proud single mother of three children empire. The maven of makeup recently took from Brooklyn, New York launched Charmed some time out of her day to talk to WhereItzAt Cosmetics in 2011. While Caesar started about her business, her motivations, and how her own business with the intention of Charmed Cosmetics was birthed. raising the profile and confidence of women through cosmetics, there was no amount Your choice of business would suggest to of blush or eye-shadow that could decorate most people that you value cosmetics, and beautify the gaping wounds on her but what made you decide to get into the heart as she was getting her business started. industry for yourself?

Caesar is a survivor—not a victim—of My friends would point me in the right domestic violence. direction. I’d be doing something as a hobby,

How would you describe a frequent patron of Charmed Cosmetics? What does she wish to project to the world? How does she see herself?

A frequent patron of mine is a woman that’s transforming into the woman she wants to become. She projects confidence and because of her life experiences, she’s well aware that her independence is a formula for success.

How supportive have friends and family been in your business endeavor?

My friends and family are extremely supportive with my business. I appreciate the fact that I have a strong support system, especially with me being a single mom of three children.

As chief executive, what is the single most difficult task you’ve completed and what “I’m just getting my feet wet with my company then they’d make me aware that I was good at did you learn from the experience? and feel fortunate to have experienced all of it and suggest I take it seriously. The more I the ugliness while I was a freelance makeup explored the field—starting off modeling, to As chief executive the most difficult task is artist,” says Caesar, who was living in a making hair pieces, then doing makeup—it re-training myself to separate my emotions shelter with her son and two daughters less just lead me to my true love, which is creating. when it comes to business. As a woman, than a year ago. “I experienced the typical Do you have any business partners? If so, I’m naturally emotional, so in the process of that it helps me to focus on solutions and backstabbing, having to bang down a few how do they assist you? completing the task at hand. It balances me. doors to get a check. People who try to undervalue me only help me to discriminate I’m not partnered with anyone as yet, but it’s What skills or talents do you have that between certain inviting situations today. definitely the direction I’m taking. would surprise people who may even know One of the reasons I started my company was What distinguishes the Charmed brand you pretty well? because the approach and respect is different from those of other cosmetic manufacturers? from a business standpoint.”

I’m a really good cook, especially with Italian My products are all handmade with natural dishes, I surprise myself sometimes still.

Caesar and her children lived in two other oils. I use coconut oil, macadamia oil, aloe shelters in the last four years. The tenacious vera, vitamin E oil and honey. It goes on like To offer Tiffany your much-needed support, entrepreneur of Haitian and Guyanese a lip gloss but lasts as long as a lipstick. I can simply log on to her website at: www. descent had a successful year as a freelance create customized colors and textures with charmed-cosmetics.net makeup artist in 2009 working with Erykah the base still containing natural-oils, making Badu, and doing shoots with Kanye West, 50 the consumer the designer.

Cent, and Vivica A. Fox. A year later she met

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LIFESTYLE

Home Ownership Fades as American Dream Half of Americans cannot afford their houses, according to data cited by MarketWatch. A new survey carried out by Hart Research Associates found 52 percent of Americans have had to make at least one major sacrifice in the past three years in order to maintain their mortgage or rent payment. Those sacrifices included getting a second job, not saving for retirement, cutting back on healthcare, incurring credit card debt or moving to a worse neighborhood, MarketWatch said.

About 43 percent participating in the survey said owning a home is no longer “an excellent long-term investment and one of the best ways for people to build wealth and assets,” and more than 50 percent said buying a home has become less appealing.

In the wake of the 2008 housing crash, more

than 7.5 million homeowners lost their home to foreclosure or short sale and about 9 million homeowners are still underwater and owe more than their property is worth, according to Daren Blomquist, vice president at real estate data firm RealtyTrac.

“If one looks at the last seven years as a predictor of housing market behavior in the future, it certainly should give one pause about whether buying a home is a good investment or not,” Blomquist said.

The financial blog Peak Prosperity said data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows the median price of a single-family home has now recovered to a level just above pre-2008 crash levels. However, that median incorporates some heated housing markets such as San Francisco and New York that could help skew

By: John Morgan

the numbers.

In fact, actual new home sales and housing starts are currently near half-century lows, Peak Prosperity reported, while the numbers of new mortgage applications are near their 2009 bottom.

“How can this be? What we see at present with new home sales and construction starts is what we saw at the depths of every U.S. recession of the last 50 years. These data points suggest that the current is anything but a normal housing recovery,” the blog said.

Peak Prosperity concluded U.S. housing prices have resumed their pre-crash median levels because of massive stimulus from the Federal Reserve, global flows of capital (i.e., foreign money buying American residential Continues on page 25

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HEALTHY LIVING

A Juicy Way To Enjoy A Healthier Lifestyle There’s good news for those who have embraced drinking fresh fruit and vegetable juices as a way to pursue a more healthful diet: Enjoying such juices just got easier.

That’s because a leading juice retailer that is also recognized as a healthy lifestyle brand has revealed that it’s expanding its squeezedto-order, fresh juice offerings nationally.

The fresh, made-to-order juices, available at Jamba Juice, incorporate high-nutrient and on-trend whole foods including kale, beets, cucumbers, apples, oranges and chia seeds. They’re available in a variety of flavors, including: • Tropical Greens—a combination of super greens, apple, pineapple and chia • Veggie Harvest—a mixture of beet and carrot juices with super greens, apple and ginger • Carrot Cayenne—a blend of carrot and apple juices with the added kick of ginger and cayenne.

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TRAVEL & LEISURE

Nelson Mandela Legacy - SOUTH AFRICA When Africa is normally portrayed by the media we see jungle, roaming wild animals, traditional dress and warfare, everything is mysterious and it is called the “dark” Continent, only dark because it remains unexplored by man. So let’s explore a small part of Africa - South Africa and see what they have to offer.

Here are two of the many places to visit: Cape Town: Table Mountain in Cape Town is believed to be the oldest mountain in the world. It is a flat topped mountain that looks like a top of a table. For a spectacular view of Cape Town, approximately 5 minutes in a cable will take you to the top of the mountain, (weather permitting.)Robben Island, now A UNESCO world heritage site and a museum, is where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for many years. You can visit the actual prison cell where he was imprisoned and be transported in time as former inmates lead the tours and tell their stories.

South Africa, located on southernmost tip of Africa, combines the latest technology with the culture of its many people. It is multiracial, relaxed, very trendy, interesting and an exciting place to visit. Nelson Mandela (one of the pioneers for the end of apartheid in his country,) after his release from prison became the first black president of South Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is a harbor Africa and helped put South Africa on the which houses hotels, shops, restaurants, bars, a fabulous view of the water and Table map of our minds.

Mountain. It is where you leave from to go to For first-timers to Africa, South Africa has visit Robben Island and a great place to hang the expected and the unexpected, a European out in the evening for a drink with friends. flair, with world re-known wines, the longest wine route in the world and is the wine served District Six (another place of interest) as in Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida. it is known locally was flattened by the South Africa is also rated 3rd in the world in Apartheid government in the 1960’s forcing the inhabitants (66,000) to relocate to an supplying safe drinkable tap water? outlying township, one like SOWETO.

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Johannesburg: Built on gold is actually bigger than NYC or London, it is very lively with great entertainment, good food, and good nightlife.Johannesburg may be considered the center of apartheid. Its most famous township is SOWETO (South Western Township) which today is an attraction that is well worth the visit. It is a huge city within a city with a population of approximately 4 million people and surprises visitors with what it has to offer.

Do not miss the Apartheid Museum it is a mesmerizing story of the movement. This is just a taste of a few things that can be enjoyed in South Africa. Go Discover South Africa you will return changed!

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HONOREES

CONGRATULATIONS! Alma Campbell

Alma Campbell, queen of party promotions and recipient of numerous awards migrated from Jamaica in 1980. As a mature student at BMCC, she became heavily immersed in the Caribbean Club, and the work entailed in providing student-centered entertainment within this organization formed the basis for her life-long affair with party promotions.

Alma quickly found her niche assisting her sister-in-law Noreen Hurd with hosting parties at the Primrose Cricket Club. In collaboration with brother “Mikey Reds”, M.A.N. Promotions became the first proponents of parties in the Bronx. Popular DJ - Disco Surgeon, introduced Alma to Conroy Allison and Road International. The latter group later played a central role in Alma’s promotions.

Mentored by Hal “Stewie” Stewart, Alma’s promotions included bus and boat rides. As a solo promoter, she is credited with being the first to introduce midnight cruises; she commandeered the Staten Island Ferry and introduced discerning patrons to the first yacht parties.

Alma’s success lies is her ability to connect with people. Her contribution to the development and preservation of Caribbean popular culture didn’t stop with the promotion of parties, as she has continued to mentor; some of her success stories include Jabba, and radio personality DJ Roy. In 2012, Alma hosted the All White Mansion charity event, to honor her 11 year old cousin, Shannon Tavares, Broadway’s Lion King star who had succumbed to leukemia the previous year. In 2013 The Vincent Hosang Family Foundation (VHFF) received a hefty donation from the Mansion party. The Dr. Roy Streete headed OID will receive a donation from the proceeds of the event in 2014. This canny businesswoman is also a founding member with her brothers of an elevator repair and maintenance company. After such an ‘eventful’ career of party promotion, Alma now concentrates on just two of her signature events- her birthday party held in February and the Mansion Party which she uses to fund her philanthropic efforts.

Pat Wilson

Pat Wilson was born in Kingston Jamaica. While there she attended St. Elizabeth Catholic School from which she got a scholarship to attend Queens High School, however in 1966 Pat and her family migrated to the United States where she finished her high school education at Wingate High school. Upon graduating with honors Pat, who had always had a passion for teaching, accepted a full scholarship to attend Brooklyn College where she pursued a degree in education, but during her internship Pat switched courses graduating with a degree in Sociology and went on to work at Kings County Hospital as a Social Worker/Investigator for 6 years.

In 1982 Pat followed heart and opened Little Flower Daycare center. This was only the first step in fulfilling her dreams of having her own school. Finally in 1990 she incorporated the Elementary School for grades 1-8. Always striving for more Pat returned to school at St. John’s University graduating in 2008 with a Masters in Administrative Leadership. Pat is currently completing her Doctoral studies in Education at the Walden School.

Una S.T. Clarke

The Hon. Una S.T. Clarke, the first Caribbean-born woman elected to the New York City’s legislature, is a proven and dedicated leader whose hard work and tireless advocacy have brought remarkable changes to her community. Born in the parish of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, West Indies, Dr. Clarke migrated to the United States as a foreign student in 1958.

She was elected in 1991 and during her 10 years tenure she sponsored more than 300 pieces of legislation on a wide range of issues including child welfare, education, health and mental health issues, economic development, public safety and transportation. Sensitive to the needs of immigrants, Dr. Clarke has led campaigns for citizenship and voter registration to enable her constituents to receive greater rights and benefits. In response to flaws in the immigration law, Dr. Clarke led delegations to Washington, D.C., to educate Congress for changes that would make the law more just for all immigrants.

Dr. Clarke holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Long Island University and a Masters of Education degree from New York University, with additional postgraduate studies at Teachers College and the School of Business at Columbia University. In 1984, she was the first foreign-born recipient of Columbia’s prestigious Charles H. Revson Fellowship. She has been honored with numerous awards from both community and professional organizations. In 1999 she received the second highest honor that a civilian can receive from the Government of Jamaica. She was awarded the Commander of the Order of Distinction (C.D.), for distinguished service for Jamaicans and Caribbean nationals in North America. Dr. Clarke is married to Leslie Clarke Sr. They are parents of New York Rep. Yvette D. Clarke and television producer Leslie Clarke Jr. 20 | www.gowhereitzat.com

HONOREES

Annette Hurd-Runcie

At age 11, Annette Hurd-Runcie one of seven children and her family, migrated to New York where she attended middle and high schools, advancing on to City College of New York gaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. Recruited by Procter & Gamble, Annette worked as a System Analyst in Fort Washington, PA. She was later re-assigned to New York as the Plant IT Manager for a local P&G manufacturing plant, at the same time furthering her education obtaining her MBA at Pace University in New York City.

Annette met and married her husband Noel in 1995 and the union produced two boys, Keanu, now 18 and Kymani, 15. Despite all her successes, Annette needed to fulfill her life-long dream of becoming an entrepreneur. After doing her research, she became part of the Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery and Grill franchise in 2005. With her skills and drive, Annette not only managed to make her business a success, but has become an inspirational figure within the community in which her franchise is located.

As part of her community service, Annette each year organizes a free health fair for the Queens Village community and was actively involved in the 2008 presidential campaign. She is a part of an effort to feed the homeless during the holiday season and donates food every day to the City Harvest program. In addition, she sponsors two children who attends the same school she did while living in Jamaica. Annette is also on the board of Future Grads Inc., a community organization which provides resources and support for children in the community whose parents have been incarcerated or deported.

She has recently opened a new business, Pa-Nash Restaurant & Lounge located in Rosedale, Queens. With all these accomplishments Annette’s desire is to obtain a Ph.D. in business and become a professor so she can use her knowledge and experience for the betterment of her community.

Ammar & Fanny Singh

Ammar and Fanny Singh, the owners of Long Island Cutlery, were both born in the same village inGuyana, South America. While their courtship began in Guyana, Fanny and Amar migrated separately to the United States around 1991. In a new country, in need of work, Amar wandered Jamaica Avenue looking for an opportunity to make a living.

Fortunately, that opportunity began when Carl Fleckhammer, the previous owner of Long Island Cutlery, gave Amar a job. Fast forward a year- Amar and Fanny reunited in America and were married in 1992. Their family blossomed with their first son Brandon in 1993, second son Brian in 1996, and daughter Brianna in 1998.

As their family grew throughout the years, so did Amar and Carl’s relationship. Carl took Amar under his wing and mentored him in the cutlery business. In 2003, Carl approached his retirement and decided to sell his business. Having been a part of the Long Island Cutlery family for twelve years, Amar and Fanny decided to make it their home permanently and purchased the business.

Under their leadership for the past eleven years, and with the help of Amar’s father and their two sons, Long Island Cutlery has continued to flourish while maintaining its roots as a small family owned and operated business doing its best to serve their customers and community.

Shaun Walsh

Shaun Walsh was born in England and spent a short time living in St. Mary, Jamaica before migrating to the USA at age 8. He attended P.S 219 and Lafayette HS in Brooklyn. Walsh then attended Stony Brook University in 1988, where he became involved in many student protests, a passion that never wavered even after finishing college. In 2001 Shaun Walsh, Ian Saunders and Richard Walton created one of the most memorable Caribbean TV program in New York’s history.

During that time, Caribbean TV programs on Public access had only two format, politics or entertainment. Walsh cleverly incorporated both into a weekly news magazine that covered local news stories, highlighted local businesses, local political campaigns and interviews with some of the most talented artist in the Caribbean and New York.

In fact, he is credited for having the first interview with Rep. Yvette Clarke, during her run for NYC council in 2001.

Four years ago Walsh, who strongly believes in community and co-sponsor Patrick Fuller hosted a political debate called, “Rumble in Da Hood” at The Inkwell Comedy Cafe. The Rumble which attracted approximately 100 people on a Saturday afternoon was won by Juaame Williams who defeated the incumbent Dr. Kendal Stewart.

Recently Shaun and the team joined with community activist Menes De Griot and created “Flatbush AIDS Day” at which they delivered literature and tested over 70 people for HIV infection. All this was done with out sponsorship.

Whatz up can be seen weekly on BCAT, Ch. 67 at 6:30 pm and also on Verizon Ch. 42.

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HONOREES

Hector B. Ricketts

Hector Benjamin Ricketts serves as President/CEO and owner of Community Transportation Systems, Inc. a New York State and New York City authorizedPassenger Transportation Company. Currently, he manages a fleet of forty (40) licensed/insured commuter vans, employing forty eight (48) operators and as the Founder and President of the Interborough Alliance for Community Transportation he advocates daily on behalf of over 300 licensed vans and 500 drivers citywide. As a former Hospital Administrator, Mr. Ricketts has coupled his expertise in Healthcare and Transportation to implement a unique transportation service for nurses from Brooklyn and Queens to and from work in Staten Island which has been in effect for the past eight (8) years.

He serves as Board Member of Sweet P. Home Care, a Licensed Health Care Company that puts to work daily over 300 nurses throughout the five boroughs of New York City and Nassau County. Mr. Ricketts is also a New York State Department of Motor Vehicles 19-A Certified Examiner and a Notary Public and leads Ricketts consulting group. Among his additional accomplishments is his legal challenge in Ricketts etal Versus New York City and New York State in which he advanced the rights of van operators to earn an honest living. He remains active speaking to audiences across the country and participates in political activities.

Born in Jamaica West Indies, Mr. Ricketts migrated to the United States in August of 1978 with his wife Opal J. Barnes Ricketts after a brief carrier with the Manchester Health Department. Mr. Ricketts currently resides in Rosedale Queens with his wife, his daughter, two sons and three grandsons.

Neville Flowers

Neville A. Flowers an established Physiotherapist for the past 45 years has dedicated his life to improving the lives of his fellow human beings. His practice is located on the South Conduit in Queens. Neville was born, raised and educated in Jamaica attending Knibb Preparatory school and Calabar High school.

In the early sixties he migrated to the United Stated where he went to Queens College. Always an avid sportsman Neville became a member of the all Metropolitan Soccer team, but that didn’t dampen his passion for learning. While playing soccer he continued his educational endeavors and attended Physiotherapy school at Downstate in Brooklyn went on to Long Island University where he received a graduate degree in exercise Physiology.

Neville A. Flowers, Pt., a pioneer in his profession, is a true trailblazer and an inspirational role model within the Jamaican American community. He is also an active member of the Queens Clinical society that exposes high school students to different fields in healthcare, through a monitored mentorship program and hands on experience. He also provides clinical internship to Physical Therapy professional students.

Married to Joan E. Flowers Esq. they are proud parents of three highly successful sons, Michael a Physiotherapist, Brian an Orthopedic Doctor and Larry an Attorney.

Phillip Feurtado

A Jamaican native, Phillip Feurtado took over the helm of Feurtado Shipping in 1994. Traditionally a family business with New York and Jamaican offices, the company specializes in packing and shipping a broad category of personal belongings primarily to Jamaica and some other Caribbean territories. Phillip grew up in the family business, starting part time in the Jamaican operation then transitioned into the US based company when the elder Feurtado (Joslyn) gave him more administrative responsibilities. Since 1994, Phillip has established Feurtado Shipping as the “most reliable and respected shippers to Jamaica.”

Under his watch Feurtado Shipping has expanded its operations – increasing its shipping volume, while making sure it maintains a high quality of service and strives to improve the process of shipping for the customer.

Phillip Feurtado takes pride in the fact that he can personally and through the business improve community life by contributing to meaningful programs but prefers to be out of the limelight. His business model has survived the harshest economic times experienced in our lifetime because of a strong business sense, a sharp vision and great strategic relationships.

With over 20 years experience as CEO of Feurtado Shipping, Phillip has amassed a great deal of knowledge and expertise in his industry which qualifies him as a leader and authority in all things shipping.

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HONOREES

Byron LaBeach

Byron LaBeach was born in Kingston, Jamaica to Samuel A. LaBeach, Sr., and Julia Louise Johnston, from St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. He is the last of seven sons and the only one born in Jamaica as the other six were born in Panama; his parents had migrated early in the 20th century to Panama to seek their fortune- helping to build the Panama Canal.

Byron graduated from St. George’s College High School in 1949 and migrated to the United States in 1950 on a Track scholarship to attend Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. He offered his service to the US Military in the Korean War for 2 years: 1955-1957. Upon his return to the US, he attended Cal State College, Los Angeles (1958-60).

During his early years of employment, Byron worked with the A.E. Chew Company, Food Brokers and Manufacturers.

He also worked with Quaker Oats Co. (USA) and Nestle Company in the Chocolate and Coffee Division (USA).

In his later years, Byron would become the pioneer in the importation and distribution of Caribbean food products. His hard work spanned decades - from 1975 to 1994. As President/C.E.O of Agro Foods, he opened up and witnessed the marketing of West Indian products in major supermarkets throughout the Tri-State area.

Byron was not only an avid businessman but a stellar athlete who represented his country in competitive sports. He is a member of the ‘1952’ Jamaica Olympic gold medal 4x400 relay team (Helsinki, Finland) and a member of the ‘1954’ gold medal Jamaica C.A.C.C. 4x400m and 4x400m relay team (Mexico City, Mexico). He was the Chairman of the Jamaica Overseas Olympic Association (USA) from 1980-94.

In 1988 Byron was inducted in the Morgan State U “Hall of Fame” and the Victoria Mutual and Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association in 2003. He was awarded the Prime Minister’s Medal of Appreciation in Jamaica in 2004, in recognition of his efforts and achievements.

Byron LaBeach is married to Violet Meghoo. They have 3 children, Monique, Julie and Byron (Andrew) and four grandchildren.

Dr. Roy A. Hastick Sr.

Born in Grenada, WI, Dr. Roy A. Hastick, Sr. migrated to the United States in 1972 and worked for several years as an administrator, community advocate, an entrepreneur and newspaper publisher. In 1985 he founded the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (CACCI) with 10 members.

Under his leadership, CACCI has become a well recognized and well respected organization with over 1,700 members in the tri-state area and in the Caribbean.

For the past 28 ears, CACCI has sustained and developed its mission -- to promote economic development small business services on behalf of Caribbean American, African American, and other small businesses.

As President and CEO of CACCI, Hastick has been credited for his tireless efforts to put in place a structure that serves the small business community, promotes economic development and continues to foster a climate of unity and harmony among diverse cultures. In collaboration with the CACCI membership and the wider community, CACCI continues to provide rapid emergency responses to hurricanes, flooding and other natural disasters in the Caribbean region including St. Kitts-Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, Puerto Rico and Haiti. CACCI has hosted numerous Caribbean Heads of State on their visits to New York. Hastick participated in the planning of the 2nd Annual National Caribbean Heritage Month Conference which led to a strong presence of a CACCI membership delegation to the United States CARICOM Conference on the Caribbean, held in Washington, DC. An ardent advocate of Two-Way trade between the United States and the Caribbean region, Hastick served as an elected delegate to the 1995 White House Conference on Small Business, and successfully campaigned to get twoway trade with the Caribbean region into the final recommendations that were submitted to the US Congress. In 1986, Hastick was selected to receive the National Small Business Advocate of the Year Award by the US Department of Commerce.

Through Hastick’s collaborative efforts, patience and persistence, CACCI has been designated the developer for the Caribbean American Trade and Culture Center to be located in Central Brooklyn, which will serve as CACCI’s headquarters, provide domestic and international business services and create jobs. CACCI manages the NYC-owned Brooklyn-based micro enterprise incubator, a 9,000 sq. ft. Flatbush Caton Vendors Market, which houses over 40 vendors who sell a variety of African and Caribbean artifacts and a small business service center, which provides business counseling services. Under his leadership, CACCI has launched numerous small business projects and programs including the NYS/ CACCI Census 2010 Outreach and Mobilization initiative and NYC DSBS Business Services Programs.

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HONOREES

Conroy Allison

Ever since he was a child, music was constantly being played in Conroy’s home.Because of this early exposure, he developed a life-long love of music which led to a thirty-five year radio career.

Conroy Allison was born in Kingston Jamaica, attending Blake’s Prep., Mico Practicing School, and Jamaica College.

After graduating in 1966 he went on to work at the ministry of housing, before migrating to New York in 1969 and started working with Haskins and Sells, an accounting firm.

His life changed however, when his cousin Dennis Warren, encouraged him to try hosting a radio show (“The Caribbean Exposition”) on Fordham University’s WFUV, 90.7 FM. Although very nervous he quickly settled in and for four years that the show was a big hit in our community.

Intent on making media his career, Conroy took communication courses at New York University, researched everything he could about the business and listened to the best and brightest on radio and television. In 1979 Conroy was hired as a marketing specialist at WLIB radio, (that opened the door for him being on the air,) and became the top billing specialist for twenty-three consecutive years.

Conroy now has his own radio show on 93.5 FM,WVIP FM and WVIP.com where he can be heard doing “The Winners Circle,” Tuesday – Friday 11am – noon.

Conroy is the organizer and promoter of the Merritone Family Fun Day, an annual outdoor extravaganza that attracts thousands and is now in its seventeenth year.

A passionate sports fan, he favors cricket , soccer, baseball, basketball and track and field. He enjoys reading and collecting really good music.

Marcia Parkes

Marcia Parkes was born in Kingston Jamaica, WI. As a child she attended Greenwich Primary School and then Excelsior High School, at the same time learning the skill of dressmaking from her mother as well as developing a passion for food preparation from her grandfather. Upon completing Excelsior, Marcia went on to Durham Commercial School graduating with a certification in Accounting. From there she went on to work as a Bookkeeper at Hannason’s credit Union and later at The Jamaica Telephone Company Credit union.

In 1977 Marcia migrated to the United States and went to work as an accountant for four years before landing a job in the in the fashion industry. While working as a sample maker she attended the Fashion Institute of Technology graduating with an Associate Degree in Pattern Making. After graduation, Marcia went on to work in fashion houses such as, Jones of New York and Maggie London Intl.

Still working in the fashion Industry but with the goal of a catering business in mind, Marcia attended the New School in New York City evenings and on weekends and achieved certification in Event Planning and Catering. Not satisfied, she went on to attend the Culinary School of Long Island completing a one year certification course In commercial cooking, and there after an internship at the Westbury Manor Catering Hall, in Long Island NY. While offering her services from time to time, and seeing the love, dedication and commitment she had for the business Dr. Millicent Comrie encouraged her to start a Catering Business and in 2003 TJS Event Planners and Caterers (formerly M &M Caterers)was started only part. Now with the support of family and friends, TJS Event Planning and Catering has become her full time business. At her side are daughters Lekesha and Athenia who have worked alongside her for the past 12 years to make TJS Event Planners and Caterers what it is today. Marcia’s credo is “hard work coupled with perseverance and determination will make all our dreams possible and that if we can conceive and believe it WE CAN ACHIEVE IT”.

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Home Ownership Fades as American Dream

...Continued from page 14

real estate) and bids from institutional investors who have entered the residential market.

CNBC reported U.S. mortgage rates fell last week, but so did applications for refinances and home purchase loans.

“It begs the question, why are more Americans not taking advantage of lower rates to buy homes? The answer may be that many people are struggling with their personal finances,” CNBC said.

CNBC concluded that the Hart Research survey “found that while the public may believe the housing crisis is improving, many respondents do not feel personal relief with their monthly housing costs: Seven in 10 believe the U.S. housing market is still in the middle of the crisis or that the worst is yet to come.”

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CULTURE

ingOutstanding Caribbean Americans Caribbean

Americans

Past & present Past & present Malcolm x

Reginald Fils-Aimé

“Individuals and families from Caribbean countries have journeyed to America’s shores for centuries. Some were brought here against their will in the bonds of slavery. Some immigrated to America as children, clutching a parent’s hand. Others came as adults, leaving behind everything they knew in pursuit of a better life in a new world. Generations of Caribbean Americans have sought to ensure their children and grandchildren would have the freedom to make of their lives what they will, and during National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we celebrate their rich narratives and recognize their immeasurable contributions to our country.”

-President Barack Obama

Caribbean Americans have never excluded themselves from reminding us of this truism on a daily basis. Although it is intellectually understood, but practically forgotten by many of us, the United States of America is in fact a mixing bowl of diverse nationalities bound together to achieve the universal aspirations of humankind.

The men and women who comprise this list of outstanding Caribbean Americans past and present exemplify the inherent value in pursuing noble endeavors. The Oxford English dictionary, the most accurate and complete of the English dictionaries, defines power as “the It takes remarkable people to make capacity to influence the behavior of others, remarkable things happen. Whether they their emotions, or the future course of events.” are born and bred in the U.S., or have These leaders in science, technology, literature achieved citizenship through naturalization, and national advocacy are a few of the 26 | www.gowhereitzat.com

Beverly Taylor primary examples of what true power entails.

Reginald Fils-Aimé (Haiti) President COO of Nintendo America Mr. Fils-Aimé may be the President and Chief Operating Officer of Nintendo America, but like Serani’s smash-hit single, the man plays “No Games” (unless it’s wii Sports Tennis of course). Born to Haitian parents who moved to New York City five decades ago, Fils-Aimé started at Nintendo in 2003 as the Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the United States, Canada and Latin America.

However, he assumed his current role as COO in 2006. Fils-Aimé is widely considered to be the man responsible for vivifying Nintendo’s public relations efforts in North America.

CULTURE Beverly Taylor (The Bahamas) Science Educator When you teach a man, you teach an individual. When you teach a woman, you teach a nation. There isn’t a better living example of this statement than Beverly Taylor. Taylor is a prominent figure in the field of science education, which she played a major role in promoting and strengthening in The Bahamas and the greater Caribbean for

Joel augustus rogers over 38 years. Under her leadership, science education in the Bahamian public school system improved dramatically, with the upgrading of the national science curriculum, enhancement of science facilities and teaching resources, and the popularization of science and technology.

Taylor also initiated the development of the country’s strategic plan for science and technology titled “Roadmap for the Advancement of Science and Technology for The Bahamas.” Over the course of her career, Taylor has served as a science teacher, science department head and a primary science lecturer at The Bahamas Teachers’ College and the Bahamas campus of St John’s/ St Benedict’s College. She was the first Education Officer for Primary Science Education appointed in the Ministry of Education and ultimately

became its first Science and Technology Assistant Director of Education.

Joel Augustus Rogers (Jamaica) Author and Historian J.A. Rogers (September 6 1883 – March 26, 1966) was an exceptional journalist, historian and author who painstakingly chronicled the history and documented the cultures of Black

and engineering, women are a minority.

However Alleyne never allowed it to deter her from higher achievement. She is one of the few women of color, and the only one of Caribbean descent, who has attained a senior management position at the National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA).

A recipient of several coveted awards, Alleyne has played an integral role in the design and development of NASA space vehicles.

Born in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad in 1966, Alleyne grew up with an innate curiosity about the wonders of space and the internal mechanics of airplanes. Her parents nurtured these interests by encouraging her to take things apart and put them back together. As a child, Alleyne would sit on the trunk of her dad’s car, gazing into the night sky and thinking about outer space and how she could travel there. A few decades later, and after a lot of hard work, she now stands unrivaled as a stellar example of Caribbean excellence.

Malcolm X (Greneda)

camille wardrop people from across the globe. The prolific writer who came from humble beginings in Negril, Jamaica is remembered for his stellar books which continue to inspire and influence aspiring men and women today. These titles include, but are not limited to, “100 Amazing Facts about the Negro with Complete Proof,” “Sex and Race: Volumes 1-3,” and “The World’s Great Men of Color: Volumes 1-2.”

Camille Wardrop Alleyne (Trinidad & Tobago) NASA Engineer Camille Wardrop Alleyne is an aerospace engineer of extraordinary brilliance.

In the highly technical field of science

Black Rights Activist You didn’t know that he was of West Indian descent did you? Well, you’re probably not alone. There isn’t much about this great man that hasn’t already been said. The son of Grenadian mother and an African American father from Georgia, Malcolm X was a powerful orator and advocate for disenfranchised Black Americans during the 1950s and 1960s.

Although Malcolm turned away from a life of crime under the tutelage of his early mentor, Elijah Muhammad, Malcolm’s message of Black solidarity and power was more of a return to his roots, than it was a departure from all that he had known. Malcolm’s dad, Earl, was a member of Marcus Garvey’s Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). Garvey, who was born and bred in St. Anns, Jamaica, is widely regarded as the father of Black Nationalism.

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The

of Dancehall HISTORY ENTERTAINMENT MINDING YOUR BUSINESS

Go to gowhereitzat.com for the full story

Once despised and ridiculed by the American music industry, dancehall took its rightful place as one of the premier genres in Black urban music in the world. Although much of the dancehall music today has since devolved into a watered-down version of the worst that American pop, hip-hop, and R&B has to offer, there was a time when it had its own unique style and flavor that was decidedly Jamaican.

The rambunctious child of Jamaica—and older sister of hip-hop music—has always had a strong following in the

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Caribbean, Africa, Japan, Europe and parts of South America. Still, its artistic and cultural integrity has been severely lacking in recent years.

But only those of us who have had an ongoing love affair with this sexy, stylish and brutally outspoken island girl can truly appreciate the impact she has had on Black popular culture as a whole.

As I think about my earliest exposure to dancehall as a Brooklyn boy of the 1980s, a panorama of provocative images flashes across the magic mirror of my mind: I see Ronald Reagan in my magic mirror. I see shinny Nissan Maximas with gold-plated rims; four-finger rings; Garbage Pail Kids; Basil’s house; Super Power Records; Roland Alfonso selling his records at Apache’s Restaurant on Nostrand and Prospect; “The Mall” on Church Avenue and that nasty bruck foot, big batty dutty gyal that saw down at Rockaway Beach.

Huuuuuh!!! Mi ah tell yuuuuh!

Although these memories marked the genesis of the genre for me, dancehall’s origin precedes that decade of decadence commonly known as the 1980s. The feel-good vibes of the dancehall can be traced to the raucous backyard bashes on the island of Jamaica.

Ewert Beckford—better known as Sweet Daddy U-Roy—rocked parties with King Tubby’s sound system. As word of Roy’s rhyme skills spread through Jamaica, he and singer John Holt combined to “Wake the Town” with hits like “Wear You to the Ball.”

This festive atmosphere gave rise to the world famous Stone Love International sound system in 1972. The 42-year-old sound system helped birth the careers of some of dancehall’s most celebrated artists, including Wayne Wonder, Buju Banton, Bounty Killer, and the Fire Man himself, Capleton.

While King Addies, Body Guard, Metro Media, and Jam Roc would later carry the torch for dancehall here in New York City, Stone Love was the first sound system to establish itself as a viable business entity.

“A lot of people don’t understand that the sound system is not just a bunch of guys playing the latest music,” says Byron “Father Barney” Dudley, official spokesperson for Stone Love during an interview he and I had in 2005. “It is an institution that has helped to sustain ghetto people. The Jamaican government has never really taken into consideration the economic value of the sound systems in the dancehall. Merchants gather around the sound systems to sell their food, drinks, and cigarettes. This has enabled them to send their children to school and put food on the table. Plus many music careers were established all because of these sound systems.”

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Oracabessa Festival

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Caribbean Business Connections 2nd Anniversary

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PHILOSOPHY

A Life Beyond ‘Do What You Love’ The Stone is a forum for contemporary philosophers and other thinkers on issues both timely and timeless.

supposed to love and what we really love.

Student advisees often come to my office, rubbing their hands together, furrowing their brows and asking me to walk along with them as they ponder life after graduation. Just the other day, a sophomore made an appointment because he was worrying about whether he should become a doctor or a philosophy professor. A few minutes later, he nervously confessed that he had also thought of giving stand-up comedy a whirl.

In a much discussed article in Jacobin magazine early this year, the writer Miya Tokumitsu argued that the “do what you love” ethos so ubiquitous in our culture is in fact elitist because it degrades work that is not done from love. It also ignores the idea that work itself possesses an inherent value, and most importantly, severs the traditional connection between work, talent and duty.

As an occupational counselor, my kneejerk reaction has always been, “What are you most passionate about?” Sometimes I‘d even go into a sermonette about how it is important to distinguish between what we think we are

By: Dr. Gordon Marino New York Times columnist

But is “do what you love” wisdom or malarkey?

When I am off campus and informally counseling economically challenged kids in Northfield, Minn., a city of about 20,000, the theme is not “do what you love.” Many of them are used to delivering papers at 5a.m., slinging shingles all day or loading trucks all

night. They are accustomed to doing whatever they need to do to help out their families. For them, the notion of doing what you love or find meaningful is not the idea that comes first to mind; nor should it. We put our heads Continues on page 38

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LIFESTYLE

Take the cellphone out your Bras ladies For many young women today, tucking cell phones in the bra has become a cool, hip way to have simple access to these essential devices. Most of us have no idea that cell phones are small microwave radios that should not be kept directly on the body.

The ways some people are using their phones today could increase their risk of developing breast cancer and other diseases tomorrow.

Cell phone’s microwave radiation seeps directly into soft fatty tissue of the breast.

It’s too late for Andrea X, a young active mother of three from Southern California. For more than six years, this vegetarian and runner drove her children everywhere, with her cell phone tucked snugly into her sports bra. Sheused her hands-free headset and was on the phone for four to five hours a day. Often her chest or ear would redden, but she thought little of it. This spring she developed a malignant

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tumor right where her phone had sat on her Amazingly, today’s SARs rest breast. No one in her family has ever had on standards that were set breast cancer. in 1979 to prevent the warming of the large head Could all this be a coincidence? Of course. of a 6-foot tall heavyBut her doctor, and the physicians of four set man. other women under the age of 40 with similar stories, are deeply concerned that cell phones Our bodies are truly can cause cancer in women who store them electric. But the on their torsos. steady, low electrical impulses that keep As of January, San Francisco will require us alive may be cell phone retailers to provide the estimated disrupted by those Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) for each pulsed signals that phone. I am not asking anyone to become a power today’s small Luddite and forgo the benefits and wonders of microwave radio cell modern technology. I am saying — know the phones. That warm dangers of holding phones next to the brain tingle from the cell phone and body, and be safe. Using a headset or pressed to the bosom could presage breast speaker phone substantially reduces radiation cancer not too far into your future. Given exposure, as does holding a phone away from even the possibility of harm that can be the body when it’s connected to a signal. prevented with a dollop of precaution, isn’t it time, ladies, to get a headset, and Interestingly, smart phones come with take those phones out of your pockets warnings, but these warnings are buried in and bras? the manufacturers’ instruction material that Devra Davis is an epidemiologist, author few people read. The iPhone 4 manual, for and public health advocate. Davis’ new example, says that if the phone is kept in the book is “Disconnect: The Truth About pocket, “FCC guidelines for safe exposure can Cell Phone Radiation, What the Industry be exceeded,” and that “users are responsible Has Done to Hide It, and How to Protect for protecting themselves.”

Your Family.”

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BUSINESS WhereItzAt magazine and its family of advertisers proudly congratulates the BIG Awards honorees. We extend our gratitude and thanks to our sponsors of the BIG Awards Gala on Saturday, June 21st

We’re grateful to Mr Herman Blackwood and Ms Doreen Grant of Silver Spoon restaurant for their contributions to the evenings cuisine 36 | www.gowhereitzat.com

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PHILOSOPHY

A Life Beyond ‘Do What You Love’ ...Continued from page 32

“

“

he necessarily wills that his faculties be developed, since they serve him, and have been given him, for all sorts of purposes.

death of God, the faithful believed that their talents were gifts from on high, which they were duty-bound to use in service to others.

In his treatise on ethics, “The Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals,” Kant ponders: Suppose a man “finds in himself a talent which might make him a useful man in many respects. But he finds himself in comfortable together and consider, “What are you best at circumstances and prefers to indulge in doing?” or “What job would most improve pleasure rather than take pains in enlarging your family’s prospects?” Maybe being his happy natural capacities.” Should he? licensed as a welder or electrician? Maybe the military? Passion and meaning may enter into Kant huffs, no — one cannot possibly will the mix of our chats with the understanding that letting one’s talents rust for the sake that they sharpen your focus and make you of pleasure should be a universal law of nature. “[A]s a rational being,” he writes, more successful. “he necessarily wills that his faculties be My father didn’t do what he loved. He labored developed, since they serve him, and have at a job he detested so that he could send his been given him, for all sorts of purposes.” To children to college. Was he just unenlightened Kant, it would be irrational to will a world and mistaken to put the well-being of others that abided by the law “do what you love.” above his own personal interests? It might be argued that his idea of self-fulfillment was Perhaps, unlike Kant, you do not believe taking care of his family, but again, like so that the universe is swimming with purposes. many other less than fortunate ones, he hated Then is “do what you love,” or “do what his work but gritted his teeth and did it well. you find most meaningful” the first and last commandment? Not necessarily.

It could, I suppose, be argued that my father turned necessity into a virtue, or that taking The faith that my likes and dislikes or our the best care you can of your family is really sense of meaning alone should decide what I a form of self-service. But getting outside do is part and parcel with the gospel of selfyourself enough to put your own passions fulfillment. Philosophy has always been right aside for the benefit of a larger circle, be it to instruct that we can be as mistaken about family or society, does not come naturally our views on happiness as anything else. The same holds for the related notion of selfto everyone. fulfillment. Suppose that true self-fulfillment Not all take this path. You may know the tale comes in the form of developing into “a of Dr. John Kitchin, a.k.a. Slomo, who quit mature human being.” This is of course not his medical practice for his true passion — to claim that we ought to avoid work that we skating along the boardwalk of San Diego’s love doing just because we love doing it. That Pacific Beach. But is it ethical for the doctor would be absurd. For some, a happy harmony to put away his stethoscope and lace up exists or develops in which they find pleasure his skates? in using their talents in a responsible, otherThinkers as profound as Kant have grappled oriented way. with this question. In the old days, before the

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The universally recognized paragons of humanity — the Nelson Mandelas, Dietrich Bonhoeffers and Martin Luther Kings — did not organize their lives around selffulfillment and bucket lists. They, no doubt, found a sense of meaning in their heroic acts of self-sacrifice, but they did not do what they were doing in order to achieve that sense of meaning. They did — like my father and some of those kids from town — what they felt they had to do.

Dr. King taught that every life is marked by dimensions of length, breadth and height.

Length refers to self-love, breadth to the community and care of others, and height to the transcendent, to something larger than oneself. Most would agree with Dr. King’s prescription that self-fulfillment requires being able to relate yourself to something higher than the self. Traditionally, that something “higher” was code for God, but whatever the transcendent is, it demands obedience and the willingness to submerge and remold our desires.

Perhaps you relish running marathons.

Perhaps you even think of your exercise regimen as a form of self-improvement. But if your “something higher” is, say, justice and equality, those ideals might behoove you to delegate some of the many hours spent pounding the track on tutoring kids at the youth center. Our desires should not be the ultimate arbiters of vocation. Sometimes we should do what we hate, or what most needs doing, and do it as best we can.

Gordon Marino is a professor of philosophy at St. Olaf College and the editor of “The Quotable Kierkegaard.”

Printed with the permission of author

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