Lessons from Marcus Garvey: Lesson 7: Confidence

"If you have no confidence in self you are twice defeated in the race of life. With confidence you have even before you have started. " - 
Marcus Garvey 





Source: The Philosophy and Opinions of Marcus Garvey, Or Africa for Africans
                  Compiled by Amy Jacques Garvey 
                  First published in 1923



            http://www.jpanafrican.com/ebooks/eBook%20Phil%20and%20Opinions.pdf

Lessons from Marcus Garvey: Lesson 6: Find your purpose be happy

"Life is that existence that is given to man to live for a purpose, to live to his own satisfaction and pleasure..."- Marcus Garvey 


Source: The Philosophy and Opinions of Marcus Garvey, Or Africa for Africans
                 Compiled by Amy Jacques Garvey
                  First published in 1923 

Lessons from Marcus Garvey: Lesson 5: Masters of your Destiny

"I trust that you will so live today as to realize that you are masters of your destiny, masters of your fate;  if there is anything you want in this world it is for you to strike out with confidence and faith in self and reach for it...Nature is bountiful; nature is resourceful and nature is willing to obey [your]command..."- Marcus Garvey


Source: The Philosophy and Opinions of Marcus Garvey, Or Africa for Africans
                    Complied by Amy Jacques Garvey
                    First published in 1923
               http://www.jpanafrican.com/ebooks/eBook%20Phil%20and%20Opinions.pdf

Lessons from Marcus Garvey: Lesson 4 Be Ambitious

"AMBITION is the desire to go forward and improve one's condition. It is a burning flame that lights up the life of the individual and makes him see himself in another state. To be ambitious is to be great in mind and soul; to want that which is worthwhile and strive for it; and to go on without without looking back, reaching to that which gives satisfaction."-Marcus Garvey

Source: The Philosophy and Opinions of Marcus Garvey, Or Africa for Africans

                    Complied by Amy Jacques Garvey 

                   First published in 1923

             http://www.jpanafrican.com/ebooks/eBook%20Phil%20and%20Opinions.pdf

Lessons from Marcus Garvey: Lesson 3 Charting Your Destiny

We Are Arbiters of Our Own Destiny

God and Nature first made us what we are, and then out of

0ur own creative genius we make ourselves what we want to 

be. Follow always that great law.

Let the sky and God be our limit, and Eternity our 

measurement. There is no height to which we cannot climb 

by using the active intelligence of our own minds. Mind 

creates, and as much as we desire in Nature we can have 

through the creation of our own minds. - Marcus Garvey 

Source: http://www.international.ucla.edu/africa/mgpp/lifesamp.asp

Printed in the Negro World, 6 June 1925, as a front-page editorial; written in Atlanta Federal Penitentiary. Original headlines omitted. Creed reprinted in slightly revised form, under the title "African Fundamentalism," as a UNIA poster, sold by mail order through the Negro World by Amy Jacques Garvey, 1925.

Lessons from Marcus Garvey: Lesson 2 Self-Reliance

"CHANCE has never yet satisfied the hopes of a suffering people. Action, self-reliance, the vision of self and the future have been the only means by which the oppressed have seen and realized the light of their own freedom. "- Marcus Garvey  

Source: The Philosophy and Opinions of Marcus Garvey, Or Africa for Africans 
                    Compiled by Amy Jacques Garvey
                    First published in 1923 
                    http://www.jpanafrican.com/ebooks/eBook%20Phil%20and%20Opinions.pdf

Lessons from Marcus Garvey: Lesson 1- Race First and African Fundamentalism

New 25-day series, Lessons from Marcus Garvey.  The Right Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey (August 17, 1887 - June 10, 1940), is Jamaica’s first National Hero, pioneering Pan- African philosopher, visionary, Black nationalist and  political leader. 

Lately I have been reading a lot of Garvey particularly, Tony Martin’s Race First and Marcus Garvey Message to the People (the majority of the books are available in Google Books). 

Marcus Garvey’s African Fundamentalism

The time has come for the Negro to forget and cast behind him his hero worship and adoration of other races, and to start out immediately, to create and emulate heroes of his own.

We must canonize our own saints, create our own martyrs, and elevate to positions of fame and honor black men and women who have made their distinct contributions to our racial history. Sojourner Truth is worthy of the place of sainthood alongside of Joan of Arc; Crispus Attucks and George William Gordon are entitled to the halo of martyrdom with no less glory than that of the martyrs of any other race. Toussaint L'Ouverture's brilliancy as a soldier and statesman outshone that of a Cromwell, Napoleon and Washington; hence, he is entitled to the highest place as a hero among men. Africa has produced countless numbers of men and women, in war and in peace, whose lustre and bravery outshine that of any other people. Then why not see good and perfection in ourselves?

Ours the Right to Our Doctrine

We must inspire a literature and promulgate a doctrine of our own without any apologies to the powers that be. The right is ours and God's. Let contrary sentiment and cross opinions go to the winds. Opposition to race independence is the weapon of the enemy to defeat the hopes of an unfortunate people. We are entitled to our own opinions and not obligated to or bound by the opinions of others.

Source: http://www.international.ucla.edu/africa/mgpp/lifesamp.asp

Dr. Gina Athena Ulysee performs at Liberty Hall: The Legacy of Marcus Garvey Thursday May 9, 2013

Gina Athena Ulysee was born in Pétion-Ville, Haiti. Trained as a cultural anthologist, Ulysee is also a poet and multi-media artist.  She has been teaching since she earned her PhD in anthropology from the University of Michigan in 1999.

Spoken-word is her chosen medium. Ulysee employs history, statistics, personal stories and Vodou chants to address the injustices and dehumanisation of the struggle Haitians.

 http://www.ginaathenaulysse.com/

Searching For Me

Last night I cried myself to sleep I was just sad. Simply couldn't switch it off. My first post for 2013 was supposed to be inspiring and enlightening. I wanted to share something interesting at least. 

But lately I've been feeling stuck and awfully overwhelmed and tired. Last night I just cracked. I was crippled by negative energy that I was fueling. I regretted going a History and Philosophy degree.  The Oxford Dictionary offers this definition of Philosophy, "the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence, especially when considered as an academic discipline."But last night it was the study of nonsense and the fact that I excelled at the study of nonsense made me cry even harder. 

Once again I had back myself into the corner of self-doubt. It often seems that @ 25 I have no idea what I want to do and I haven't accomplished anything. 

This morning in the already too bright orange light of the sun (its going to be another scorcher and I am already dreading the trek to NHT and back for lunch) I feel better. Things are clearer now. 

These are the absolutes of my life. I accept that the purpose of life is expression. I am wholly responsible for my choices and actions. 

Writing and research are my basic tools . This is what I am intrinsically motivated to do and these are the tools I must use to expand my life. This is easy to write and even easier to say, to act requires discipline and commitment and thus far I've been resisting. 

I must now actively use my skills to produce on the creative plane to expand my life. With this I resolve to just be me for I am enough. This is where my happiness lies

PS: Thank you Boo boo, for returning and staying. 

Israeli soldiers open fire in 'buffer zone'

One Palestinian killed and 10 teenagers wounded as Israeli soldiers open fire at border. More at Al Jazeera 

Israel agrees to Gaza ceasefire

Egyptian foreign minister says truce will begin at 19:00 GMT on Wednesday, after eight days of attacks. The Egyptian foreign minister has announced that a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip will come into effect at 19:00 GMT on Wednesday. More at Al Jazeera. 

Gaza Crisis: Women and Children Dying as the International Community Plays Watch and See

More than 100 people have died in the Gaza Strip in six days of violence as Israel continues its bombardment of area. Among the dead are  children and women. Keep updated at Al Jazeera 

Palestinians gather around a destroyed house after an Israeli air strike in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip November 19, 2012 REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa

An Israeli shoots a video at the scene after a rocket fired by Palestinians 
in Gaza landed in the southern Israeli city of Ashdod, November 18, 2012. Rueters/Nir Bias

Palestinians gather around a destroyed house after an Israeli  air strike in 
Gaza City, November 18, 2012, REUTERS/ Shuiab Salem

A Palestinian man kisses the body of one of his children during their funeral in the northern Gaza Strip  November 18, 2012,. Two children, Jumana Abu Sefan, 18 month old and her brother Tamer, three and half year old were killed  in a Israeli air strike on Sunday. REUTERS/ Mohammed Salem

A wounded Palestinian lies on a hospital bed after an Israeli air strike in northern Gaza Strip, November 17, 2012. REUTERS/Ali Hassan 

IOJ Research Symposium 2012

Reading List September 2012

In my last post I mentioned that I wanted to write more and in so doing I needed to read for. In a bid to actual DO what I say I want to and to accomplish my objectives I have made a reading list for September.  I want to read 4 books in the upcoming month.  

1. Rex Nettleford's Mirror Mirror: Identity, Race and Protest in Jamaica (1998 edition originally published in 1970)
2. George L. Beckford's Persistent Poverty: Underdevelopment of Plantation Societies in the Third World (1999 edition orginally published in 1972)
3. David M. Fetterman's Ethnography Step by Step (2010 edition) 
4. Octavia Butler's Kindred  (2009 edition) 

Reflections on the SALISES 50-50 Conference

Friday August 24  marked the end of the SALISES 50-50 Conference: Critical Reflections in a Time of Uncertainty. The conference was the climax of work that began in 2009 by the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies. The conference sought to address the local, regional and internal challenges facing the Caribbean, reviewing and making suggestions to social policies as well as to critically assess post independence models for economic development.  


The  Honourable Dr. Peter Philips, Minister of Finance, Planning and the Public Service offered the keynote address on "Caribbean Independence: Past, Present and the Future - A Reckoning"   at the opening ceremony on Monday August 20. 

Other guest speakers included Chancellor of the University of the West Indies and former Director of the Pan American Health Organization Sir George Alleyne, the United Kingdom Member of Parliament of Jamaican descent  Diane Abbott, Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank Sir K. Dwight Venner, distinguished Professors Emerti of the University of the West Indies Norman Girvan and Selwyn Ryan and University Director of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies and social historian Professor Verene Shepherd.  

The five day conference saw over nine panels each day offering insight in areas ranging from: women and entrepreneurship; crime and violence prevention and reduction;  cultural and social currencies; socio-economic dependencies and the path towards development; regionalism and the Caribbean; education and language; youth policy and education;  information technology communication and development; climate change and the environment and 

On Friday August 24 the Honourable Portia Simpson Miller, Prime Minister of Jamaica offered her remarks and congratulations to the conference organizer and  the closing address was delivered by the Honourable Ralph Gonsalves Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Prime Minister Gonsalves spoke on "The Independence Experience 
of the OECS and Prospects for the Future." 

The sessions that I attended were inspiring, thought provoking and enlightening. However the most profound message that I take from the conference came from Prime Minister Gonsalves at the end of the conference where he reminded attendees that as a region the Caribbean must use its sovereignty and independence as its key assets for the benefit of its people. The masses who must be educated and enlightened so the voting populous are aware of the policies being undertaken and they must have a voice in matters relating to our own development. PM Gonsalves also spoke on the importance of regional integration and cooperation that extended beyond CARICOM and the OECS and it was important to negotiate and seek partnerships with nations that will benefit the people of the region.

 It is this regard that I believe we have set to fully recognize our true potential as 50 years have passed since Commonwealth independence in the Caribbean we still seek to have the same partners of development.  We are no being bold and innovative enough to seek new alliances as we move forward.  We have yet as a region to deal with key issues of development and true sustainability and cooperation. 

On Writing, Measurements of productivity, Success, Growth and Sustainable Development

This post may be considered to be not well organized but really its a summary of all I need to say right now right before I move on into a new phase of my life fueled by a renewed energy & passion.  

Writing: 

The Lunatic by Anthny C Winkler (1987) 

Two days ago I was at the SALISES 50-50 at the Jamaica Pegasus and I was having a really interesting conversation with another young aspiring writer  and she told of a story she heard of Anthony C.  Winkler. She said Winkler when explaining his writing process shared that he woke up early each  day and devoted time to writing. He simply documented his ideas it did not matter if the material would be used or not but it deemed important to actually write. This is something aim to adopt. So for here on I will attempt to write a blog spot every other day. I always have ideas and things to share but I have been simply lazy. So I will take up an hour earlier and simply write. I have two short story fiction prose that are incomplete and I want to complete those stories. I have a deadline of October 24 for my deadline to produce those 2 stories. I also want to set time out to read more. I have a list of books that offers analysis of the internal and external  factors that influence  Caribbean socio-economic, cultural and political narratives. In order to clear through the chaos of mind and order my work I must read more. I must write more. I want to write true authentic honest and open stories about the Jamaican consciousness to infuse the histories I know and share the vibrant energies that I experience each and every day.    

Measurements of Productivity 

I need to set clear timelines and schedules and to mark my accomplishments. Thus far I feel that I have not given my energy to producing meaningful work that is tangible and so I am now drafting schedules to organize my work and set clear realistic goals. 

Success 

I do not believe there are formulas for success or that there are standard instruments to measure success for me my success will be determined when I truly happy when I am content with my health and fitness; saving;  investment and security; the creation of wealth

and building strong relationships with my family and friends. These are areas that I need to work on.  

Growth and Development 

As the excitement of the Jamaica 50 party and the 2012 London Olympics I think it is time for serious reflection and deliberations on the strategies necessary to move forward and attain sustainable development. 

Personally, I have been reflecting on my own growth and development, one where I am and where I am going. In 2008 I received a Bachelor of Arts in History and Philosophy from the University of the West Indies, Mona. This broad generalist study has enabled me to work within several areas from media to ethnographic research. However I need to know more. I applied and was accepted to the Centre for Development Environment and Policy (CeDEP) International Programmes to do a MSc. in Sustainable Development with focus on poverty reduction and rural development.  I seek to acquire knowledge in sustainable development best practices and most importantly the correct application application of these principles to build Caribbean rural communities. 

FREEING OUR MINDS EMANCIPATION DAY 2012

Ivan Van Sertima and Africa's Contribution to Global Civilization

Ivan Gladstone Van Sertima (26 January 1935 – 25 May 2009) was an associate professor of Africana Studies at Rutgers University in the United States.

He is best known for his Olmec alternative origin speculations, a brand of pre-Columbian contact theory, which he proposed in his book They Came Before Columbus (1976). While his Olmec theory has "spread widely in the African American community, both lay and scholarly", it was mostly ignored in Mesoamericanist scholarship, or else dismissed as Afrocentric pseudohistory to the effect of "robbing native American cultures".

Van Sertima was born in Karina Village, Guyana, when Guyana was still a British colony; he retained his British citizenship throughout his life. He completed primary and secondary school in Guyana, and started writing poetry.He attended the School of Oriental and African Studies(SOAS) at the University of London from 1959. In addition to his creative writing, Van Sertima completed his undergraduate studies in African languages and literature at SOAS in 1969, where he graduated with honors.  During his studies, he learned Swahili and Hungarian. From 1957 to 1959, worked a Press and Broadcasting Officer in the Guyana Information Services During the 1960s, he worked for several years in Great Britain as a journalist, doing weekly broadcasts to the Caribbean and Africa. Van Sertima married Maria Nagy in 1964; they adopted two sons.

In doing field work in Africa, he compiled a dictionary of Swahili legal terms in 1967.

In 1970 Van Sertima immigrated to the United States, where he entered Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, for graduate work.

He published his They Came Before Columbus 1976, as a Rutgers graduate student. The book deals mostly with his claims of African origin of Mesoamerican culture in the Western Hemisphere, but among other things also writing that the kings of the 25th Dynasty of Egypt were Nubians. The book, published by Random House rather than an academic press, was a bestseller and achieved widespread attention within the African American community for his claims of prehistoric African contact and diffusion of culture in Central and South America. It was generally "ignored or dismissed" by academic experts at the time and strongly criticized in detail in an academic journal in 1997.

Sertima completed his master's degree at Rutgers in 1977. He became Associate Professor of African Studies at Rutgers in the Department of Africana Studies. In 1979, Van Sertima founded the Journal of African Civilizations, which he exclusively edited and published for decades.

He published several annual compilations, volumes of the journal dealing with various topics of African history. His article, "The Lost Sciences of Africa: An Overview" (1983), makes claims for early African advances in metallurgy, astronomy, mathematics, architecture, engineering, agriculture, navigation, medicine and writing. He claimed that higher learning, in Africa as elsewhere, was the preserve of elites in the centres of civilizations, rendering them vulnerable in the event (as happened in Africa) of the destruction of those centers and the disappearance of the knowledge. Van Sertima discussed such "African scientific contributions" in an essay for the volume African Renaissance, published in 1999 (he had first published the essay in 1983). This was a record of the conference held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in September 1998 on the theme of the so-called African Renaissance.

After divorcing his first wife, Sertima remarried in 1984, to Jacqueline L. Patten, who had two daughters.

On July 7, 1987, Van Sertima testified before a United States Congressional committee to oppose recognition of the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's "discovery" of the Americas. He said, "You cannot really conceive of how insulting it is to Native Americans . . . to be told they were discovered".

Van Sertima retired in 2006. He died on 25 May 2009 aged 74.He was survived by his wife and four adult children. His widow, Jacqueline Van Sertima, said she would continue to publish theJournal of African Civilizations. She also planned to publish a book of his poetry.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivan_van_Sertima

Afrikan-Jamaican dub--poet and monodramatist d'bi young in word! sound! powah! Sunday June 24.