The information that I am about to share today may be surprising to some, and hopefully informative for others. As we approach the end of February, which is designated as Black History Month, I thought I would share my personal experience. Since I live in the United States, I see the achievements and history of African Americans being highlighted and celebrated throughout the month. While I have been inspired by these historical figures and other great achievers of today, I can’t help but reflect on my own heritage.
I had an interesting conversation with a new colleague recently that gave me a new revelation. As I interacted with African Americans over the years, I have noticed several differences between their perspectives on racial issues and mine and how their history has impacted their lives. While I recognize the differences, we share the common experience of being descendants of enslaved people. I’m still learning and trying to understand the African American perspective.
I spent a considerable amount of time trying to recall if I have ever had a conversation about my blackness while living in Jamaica. I could not! It wasn’t a matter of not recognizing that I am black, but it was obvious… a given. You see, I am from a country with over 75% of the population being of African descent and where the motto, “Out of Many, One People” reflects that all Jamaican do not fall into that group. The beautiful thing in my view, is that most of us simply identify as Jamaican. In my experience, that means we are all identified as Jamaicans. Some people will say they don’t see colour, but I disagree. Of course we notice differences in complexion and ethnicity; however, that doesn’t completely define who we are. Please note that the ideas that I share in this episode are based on my experiences growing up in Jamaica and how those experiences have shaped my perspective. This is obviously not reflective of the experiences of all Jamaicans; however, I believe that it is not unique to me.
I spent a considerable amount of time trying to recall if I have ever had a conversation about my blackness while living in Jamaica. I could not! It wasn’t a matter of not recognizing that I am black, but it was obvious… a given. You see, I am from a country with over 75% of the population being of African descent and where the motto, “Out of Many, One People” reflects that all Jamaican do not fall into that group. The beautiful thing in my view, is that most of us simply identify as Jamaican. In my experience, that means we are all identified as Jamaicans. Some people will say they don’t see colour, but I disagree. Of course we notice differences in complexion and ethnicity; however, that doesn’t completely define who we are. Please note that the ideas that I share in this episode are based on my experiences growing up in Jamaica and how those experiences have shaped my perspective. This is obviously not reflective of the experiences of all Jamaicans; however, I believe that it is not unique to me.
Black History Month is not something that was always recognized when I was growing up, and I really can’t recall exactly when I first became aware of its celebration. It has been said that “If America sneezes, Jamaica catches a cold”, so I am not surprised that the recognition of Black History Month has gradually emerged over time. Educators capitalize upon the opportunity to highlight black historical figures and events. I remember associating February with the airing of movies related to slavery. Alex Haley’s Roots, The Color Purple and Shaka Zulu come to mind, and I remember wishing that the focus would have been different.. There has been some debate over whether Jamaica needs to celebrate BHM, especially since people of African descent comprise the majority of the population. February is also recognized as Reggae Month in Jamaica and that focus seems to be more happily embraced. Regardless of these differing opinions, I think we can all agree that it is important to reflect on our history, always strive to learn from it and advocate to safeguard the future for all people. As Jamaica’s first National Hero, the Right Honourable Marcus Garvey, stated. “ A people without the knowledge of their history, origin and culture, is like a tree without roots”.
Growing up in Jamaica, I wasn’t raised to feel “less than” because of the colour of my skin. Heritage Week in October was something that my schoolmates and I looked forward to. Preparations would begin weeks earlier and there were weeklong celebrations in schools and across the island. It provided an annual opportunity for us to experience civic pride as we participated in various celebrations and activities. Our national heroes, Paul Bogle, Alexander Bustamante, Marcus Mosiah Garvey, George William Gordon, Norman Washington Manley, Samuel Sharpe and heroine, Nanny of the Maroons, were highlighted. Their images are prominently placed on the Jamaican currency and they are commonly found on murals in schools and communities. Being from Montego Bay, St. James, we focused a lot on Sam Sharpe. He was the main instigator of the 1831 slave rebellion and played an instrumental role in the abolition of slavery. I still remember his famous quote, “I’d rather die on yonder gallows than live in slavery”. The poems, skits, songs, costumes, food, music and other aspects of our culture evoked excitement and a sense of pride for being the descendants of these brave heroes. The conversation that I referenced earlier, was an eye-opener and helped me to have a renewed appreciation for our experiences and culture. After sharing some of my experiences, my colleague noted the difference in the mentality and sense of self for a people who fought bravely for freedom, versus the experience of African-Americans who were also enslaved. His observation was profound!
While reflecting on this conversation and Black History Month in the United States, I couldn’t help but contemplate the events of the summer of 2020 and the injustices that many African-Americans face even today. Living in this country has forcefully brought my attention to the privilege that I enjoyed growing up in a country where people of African descent are not the minority. I realize that I still carry that sense of self with me and it continues to impact how I respond to social issues, how I relate to others and how I respond and advocate. I will admit that my lens for racism is not the same as others in my community that look like me. I must make it clear that growing up Jamaican had its own challenges and disparities in our societal structure. Classism was more of an issue in my upbringing and those structures have racial connections. I must admit that this is an area in which the societal divide is evident. The Emancipation Declaration for enslaved people in Jamaica, a British colony, was read on August 1, 1834 and the country later declared its independence on August 6, 1962. Both dates are now commemorated as public holidays every year. Coming out of slavery and eventually moving into the realm of emancipation, the descendants of Europeans were land owners and who held prominent positions in society. There have been positive, notable shifts over the years and it is refreshing to see black Jamaicans now holding notable positions in government and other important sectors of society. By the time I was growing up in post independent Jamaica, I didn’t feel bound by those societal constructs. When I entered a space, I didn’t feel like the colour of my skin was what solely determined people’s expectations.
Many of us were raised to believe that education would open opportunities; and it did. Confidence and resilience seemed to be second nature and a part of the fibre of being Jamaican. This 4,244 sq mile-island proudly embodies the fact that “we lickle but we tallawah”, and so are its people. This expression means that we are small but determined, strong and refuse to be confined or constrained because of our size. That is the foundation of my black history.
While reflecting on this conversation and Black History Month in the United States, I couldn’t help but contemplate the events of the summer of 2020 and the injustices that many African-Americans face even today. Living in this country has forcefully brought my attention to the privilege that I enjoyed growing up in a country where people of African descent are not the minority. I realize that I still carry that sense of self with me and it continues to impact how I respond to social issues, how I relate to others and how I respond and advocate. I will admit that my lens for racism is not the same as others in my community that look like me. I must make it clear that growing up Jamaican had its own challenges and disparities in our societal structure. Classism was more of an issue in my upbringing and those structures have racial connections. I must admit that this is an area in which the societal divide is evident. The Emancipation Declaration for enslaved people in Jamaica, a British colony, was read on August 1, 1834 and the country later declared its independence on August 6, 1962. Both dates are now commemorated as public holidays every year. Coming out of slavery and eventually moving into the realm of emancipation, the descendants of Europeans were land owners and who held prominent positions in society. There have been positive, notable shifts over the years and it is refreshing to see black Jamaicans now holding notable positions in government and other important sectors of society. By the time I was growing up in post independent Jamaica, I didn’t feel bound by those societal constructs. When I entered a space, I didn’t feel like the colour of my skin was what solely determined people’s expectations.
Many of us were raised to believe that education would open opportunities; and it did. Confidence and resilience seemed to be second nature and a part of the fibre of being Jamaican. This 4,244 sq mile-island proudly embodies the fact that “we lickle but we tallawah”, and so are its people. This expression means that we are small but determined, strong and refuse to be confined or constrained because of our size. That is the foundation of my black history.
Raising three black boys in America presents a different focus from the one that I had growing up in Jamaica. Although removed from the country of their heritage, they are still exposed to the values and ideals of our people. When they end up in situations where they are “the pepper in the salt shaker” (a reference from my firstborn who attends a predominantly white university), they can utilize the same determined spirit demonstrated by their ancestors to rise against the odds. I remember a poem that I learned from a colleague when we taught grade one in Jamaica. We would teach it to the children every year and it was music to my ears to eventually hear them recite it by memory. I wish I knew who wrote it. I can still hear the children expressively echoing each line after I said it:
“I look in the mirror, and what do I see?
I see, I see a beautiful me!
My eyes, my ears, my nose and mouth.
Good gracious, gracious, gracious me!
It’s a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful me!”
As students, we would stand attention with our right hand on our chest to proudly recite the national pledge:
“Before God and all mankind, I pledge the love and loyalty of my heart, the wisdom and courage of my mind, the strength and vigour of my body in the service of my fellow citizens; I promise to stand up for Justice, Brotherhood and Peace, to work diligently and creatively, to think generously and honestly, so that Jamaica may, under God, increase in beauty, fellowship and prosperity, and play her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race.” I still see that sense of pride, strength and courage in Usain Bolt on the track, poet and radio personality Mutabaruka, Miss World 1993 and politician Lisa Hanna, Grace Jones on the catwalk or on the big screen, reggae sensations Shaggy and Buju Banton performing on stage, Portia Simpson-Miller - the island’s first female Prime Minister and the list could go on and on.
I cherish the impact of the determination of our African ancestors many generations later and consider it a privilege to be directly connected to that heritage. I came across a poem written by Ferdinand Boyd, that further highlights the history of one group of Jamaicans. While I am not a Maroon, I acknowledge the legacy of Jamaica’s only national heroine - Nanny of the Maroons. The Maroon community is a group of enslaved Africans and their descendants who escaped from enslavement to find freedom in the mountainous, remote terrain away from the plantations. Jamaica has several Maroon settlements that maintain a certain amount of autonomy and are governed by elected chiefs who hold the title of Colonel. I remember visiting Accompong Town in the parish of St. Elizabeth on a school trip. It was an interesting educational experience. The newly elected Accompong Colonel Richard Currie has been causing quite a stir on social media recently with some referring to him as the “Jamaican Black Panther”. Take a moment to do some research about this group of people if you want to find out more. Here is Ferdinand Boyd’s tribute to the fearless leader of the Windward Maroons who settled on the eastern side of the island.
“I look in the mirror, and what do I see?
I see, I see a beautiful me!
My eyes, my ears, my nose and mouth.
Good gracious, gracious, gracious me!
It’s a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful me!”
As students, we would stand attention with our right hand on our chest to proudly recite the national pledge:
“Before God and all mankind, I pledge the love and loyalty of my heart, the wisdom and courage of my mind, the strength and vigour of my body in the service of my fellow citizens; I promise to stand up for Justice, Brotherhood and Peace, to work diligently and creatively, to think generously and honestly, so that Jamaica may, under God, increase in beauty, fellowship and prosperity, and play her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race.” I still see that sense of pride, strength and courage in Usain Bolt on the track, poet and radio personality Mutabaruka, Miss World 1993 and politician Lisa Hanna, Grace Jones on the catwalk or on the big screen, reggae sensations Shaggy and Buju Banton performing on stage, Portia Simpson-Miller - the island’s first female Prime Minister and the list could go on and on.
I cherish the impact of the determination of our African ancestors many generations later and consider it a privilege to be directly connected to that heritage. I came across a poem written by Ferdinand Boyd, that further highlights the history of one group of Jamaicans. While I am not a Maroon, I acknowledge the legacy of Jamaica’s only national heroine - Nanny of the Maroons. The Maroon community is a group of enslaved Africans and their descendants who escaped from enslavement to find freedom in the mountainous, remote terrain away from the plantations. Jamaica has several Maroon settlements that maintain a certain amount of autonomy and are governed by elected chiefs who hold the title of Colonel. I remember visiting Accompong Town in the parish of St. Elizabeth on a school trip. It was an interesting educational experience. The newly elected Accompong Colonel Richard Currie has been causing quite a stir on social media recently with some referring to him as the “Jamaican Black Panther”. Take a moment to do some research about this group of people if you want to find out more. Here is Ferdinand Boyd’s tribute to the fearless leader of the Windward Maroons who settled on the eastern side of the island.
Nanny Of The MaroonsA strong and able woman,
Born in Ghana of the Ashanti Tribe,
Transported to Jamaica,
As a slave and lived and died
In Nanny Town
High in the hills of Portland,
Where indigenous flowers bloom
A woman who came, not to be served,
But to serve and serve selflessly,
All the time, during her time
A woman, without fear
Fighting a guerrilla warfare
in the hilly terrain
Come rain, come shine,
As the mist fly
Under cloudy sky
A Maroon who outwitted
The British
Morning, noon and night
Putting them in a plight
Leading to their eventual flight
And she was right.
A woman with a burning desire
To succeed setting the place on fire,
Killing the enemy with all her might
And slipping out of sight,
like a shadow in the night.
She was brave and bold,
Always in control,
Impacting the nation with
her heart and soul.
A woman with a natural sheen,
Natures' queen in scene after scene
Nanny of the Maroons
Visionary leader, mind reader
And lay preacher.
A phenomenal woman,
A woman sublime,
One of a kind
Boggling the mind.
A woman before her time,
A natural heroine,
Our only heroine,
NANNY OF THE MAROONS
(C) Ferdinand Boyd
https://www.my-island-jamaica.com/nanny-of-the-maroons-poem.html
Born in Ghana of the Ashanti Tribe,
Transported to Jamaica,
As a slave and lived and died
In Nanny Town
High in the hills of Portland,
Where indigenous flowers bloom
A woman who came, not to be served,
But to serve and serve selflessly,
All the time, during her time
A woman, without fear
Fighting a guerrilla warfare
in the hilly terrain
Come rain, come shine,
As the mist fly
Under cloudy sky
A Maroon who outwitted
The British
Morning, noon and night
Putting them in a plight
Leading to their eventual flight
And she was right.
A woman with a burning desire
To succeed setting the place on fire,
Killing the enemy with all her might
And slipping out of sight,
like a shadow in the night.
She was brave and bold,
Always in control,
Impacting the nation with
her heart and soul.
A woman with a natural sheen,
Natures' queen in scene after scene
Nanny of the Maroons
Visionary leader, mind reader
And lay preacher.
A phenomenal woman,
A woman sublime,
One of a kind
Boggling the mind.
A woman before her time,
A natural heroine,
Our only heroine,
NANNY OF THE MAROONS
(C) Ferdinand Boyd
https://www.my-island-jamaica.com/nanny-of-the-maroons-poem.html
My black history does not fit perfectly into the African-American experience, but I don’t mind reflecting on my culture and heritage and my ancestral heroes. Sometimes I wish we didn’t have these ethnic groupings, yet I respect and understand why we must recognise and celebrate the achievements and the role that they played in history. This year, I encourage all people of African descent to take some time to learn about your history; not just through the lens of slavery. What qualities of greatness did your ancestors possess and how did they show up in the world even amidst hardships? I also encourage people from other ethnicities to educate yourselves because we all have ready access to information. Marcus Garvey said, “If you have no confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life.”
Some of our ancestors were defeated, others fought for their freedom. I refuse to be twice defeated, so I am choosing to walk in the confidence of those who paved the way for me to have the opportunities that I enjoy. That is just a small part of my black history. I love the skin that I wear; but whenever I am asked about how I identify, my default response is “Jamaican”.
Until next time, walk good and one love. 🖤💚💛
Some of our ancestors were defeated, others fought for their freedom. I refuse to be twice defeated, so I am choosing to walk in the confidence of those who paved the way for me to have the opportunities that I enjoy. That is just a small part of my black history. I love the skin that I wear; but whenever I am asked about how I identify, my default response is “Jamaican”.
Until next time, walk good and one love. 🖤💚💛