Spring 2020

Jamaican American Club Newsletter

Where is your cultural pride? By Myrna Loy

While I was sitting distribution copies of “Blackbright Magazine” at the carnival, I noticed three noisy Black men. One of them was wearing a red, yellow and green tshirt with the herb symbol on the front. He was holding a bottle of Remy Martin to his mouth and was gulping greedily. Another wore dreadlocks and was waving a half consumed bottle of whiskey over his head while being held around the neck by the third, who was wearing a t-shirt with the words “Jamaica –Irie Mon” on the front. If you hadn’t seen them laughing minutes before, you would thought they were fighting.

They were generally drawing attention to themselves and obviously under the influence. What infuriated me was that they were imitating Jamaican patios, wore symbols that identify them as Jamaicans when they were obviously not Jamaicans, and worse their conduct was doing Jamaicans a disservice. Even though their impersonation was poor, any non Blacks or non Jamaicans could erroneously categories them as Jamaicans. These men are what some call “Jafakans” i.e. fake Jamaicans. Their imitation of the Jamaican identity would not be so offensive if it did not negatively implicate Jamaicans, but it does! Onlooker seemed genuinely concerned of the affray. I was concerned as well, but for a different reason.

Continue on page 4

Trivia

Jamaica produces Blue Mountain Coffee, a highly soughtafter and expensive coffee that is popular across the globe. It is one of the rarest coffees in the world.

Inside this issue:

Where is your cul-

Trivia

The Winner’s Edge

Top Tourist Spots

Zozibini Tunzi

Beauty Queens

Continued from page 1

I was worried that non Blacks may not know that Africa is divided into 43 countries and there are approximately 21 Caribbean island territories, so that these men could have come from any one of them! I didn’t like the idea that if the affray was reported and descriptions were requested, “Witnessed” (being none the wiser), could easily say: “they were definitely Jamaican I could tell by their accent!” Hence the rap: “H’enting dat gwann a foreign, de yardie get the blame”. A Jamaican cannot be defined nor categorized. Jamaicans include Lord Ouseley, who is a member of the House of Lords; Delroy Lindo, who is a famous actor; Lennox Lewis, who is a World Heavy with Champion; Naomi Campbell or Tyson Beckford, who are supermodels; Patrick Ewing and Donovan Bailey, who are sportsmen; Dian Abbot, who is a Politician; Bob Marley, Busta Rhymes, Harry Belafonte, who are musicians to name a few. But for some reason, Jamaicans are seldom associated with high achievers, the famous and the infamous. Because of biased media coverage that results in stereotyping and bigotry, the un-informed usually think of Jamaicans as trouble maker, aggressors, wear dread locks, smoke weed, sell coke and are gun- proud. As a result Jamaicans get a bad reputation and end up being apprehended (or blamed) for many criminal misdemeanors when the offence could have been committed by someone from another island or country pre

The Winner’s Edge by Janice K. Maxwell

“If you’re going to hold someone down, you’re going to have to hold on by the other end of the chain. You are confined by you won repression.” Toni Morrison

Being an optimist, I don’t worry about the past; it’s the now and the future that is all we have. Hip hop mogul, Nellie has a song about being number one. It says that two is just a number and three nobody remembers. The Olympics is seen portrayed as an excellent representation of being a winner. We see the tangible of the athlete standing on the podium representing country, the medals and the 15 minutes of fame. Many people believe this as the only way to measure success and being a winner, but it’s not.

As a teenager, she was concerned about her looks; as a woman in twenties, she was concerned about being worthy enough to be approved by her peers, husband ect… Now in her 70’s, she looks in the mirror, smile, puts on the purple hat, goes out to meet the world head on in confidence knowing that people will never stop her. Although we all have it, many of us do not know it: we are all winners. The intangible winner’s edge is measured by how well you do compare to what you could have done, which is to quit. tending to be Jamaican. I am not sure why non Jamaicans try to implicate Jamaicans by mimicking their accent and their stance. Maybe they don’t realize that they are doing it or maybe, subconsciously, they lack cultural pride. All I can say is that if you from Africa, claim your Africanness. If you are from one of the island territories of the Caribbean- claim your true heritage. If you are born in this country (UK) –maintain your parent’s culture and don’t borrow someone else’s’. Everyone should be proud of tier heritage, their language and their culture and while “playing Jamaican” can be fun, if a non Jamaican is not behaving in a law abiding fashion yet imitation a Jamaican, they are reinforcing the negative stereotypes and making it difficult for Jamaicans to gain respect.

Persistence is the edge that true winners’ posses. The edge for such winners is giving it your best shot, personal achievement and having the right attitude regardless of the outcome. That edge is in college students who complete their degree on the seven year plan rather that the traditional four year. That edge is in marathon runners who finish dead last. They kept running hours after the race ended; they did not stop because the cameras and crowds were not there to greet them as they crossed the finish line. That edge pushes you to keep going because in the end, the race is with yourself.

The winner’s edge is finding contentment in your current space. Where you are right now is all you have because where you should be may never come. In many cases, the disappointments and unanswered wishes turned out to be some of the greatest blessings. The unplanned pregnancy becomes your only source of unconditional love when both parents died and the child’s father leaves you in a single year. The partner that you dated for three years and just knew you would marry once you got out of college –in four years but it really took seven. Acceptance and always moving forward is the edge.

TOP TOURIST SPOTS IN JAMAICA

Since time immemorial Jamaica has been the best travel destination for many tourists all around the world. This country is blessed with numerous great physical features as well as great entertainment and culture ever witnessed anywhere before. Apart from that, the natives here are also very kind and polite to all visitors from every corners of the earth.

Apart from her great physical features, the country of Jamaica is also blessed with just the perfect climate that is favourable for every human being. The daily weather conditions are also awesome as this country lies within the tropical region. It is true to say that the perfect climate has made Jamaica to be among the best tourist destination places worldwide.

Therefore the following are just but a few top places you should never fail to visit as a tourist in Jamaica;

Dunn's River Falls If you visit Dunn's River Falls, you will be amazed to see the spectacular 600ft water fall which is very popular. This magnificent water fall is characterized by cold and clear white froth that splashes over a series of stone steps while trickling towards the sea at the same time. Therefore if you want to greatly enjoy your visit to the Dunn's Water Falls, ensure that you hire a tour guide.

Montego Bay Another great tourist attraction spot that you can visit if you are a tourist in Jamaica is the popular Montego Bay. Montego Bay is characterized by nice beaches that offer great opportunities for each and every tourist to enjoy all types of water sports. This place is among the best spots in Jamaica where tourists who love seeing attractive beaches as well as swimming can have the best times of their lives. Apart from other spots here, there is the spectacular Doctor's Cave Beach where any tourist can enjoy having a nice warm bath.

Ocho Rios If you love reggae music then Ocho Rios may be the best place for you to visit especially if you have been a great fan of legend reggae artists like Bob Marley and etc. Ocho Rios hosts the popular Bob Marley mausoleum for the sake of the late Bob Marley's fans where one may even luckily bump into the late Bob Marley's family members. Apart from that, there is also the great Chukka Cove's Zion Bus tour for tourists who love road trips.

Negril Beach It is true to say that Negril Beach is among the finest lengthy white sand beaches and top spots in Jamaica. This place is characterized by beautiful open air cafes as well as beach bars for tourists . Written by Alice Jerusha

Zozibini Tunzi Miss Universe winner

Carol Carter aka Ripuree wrote this:

Black African daughters of Jamaica or wherever Mothers of all skin shades and textures of hair. Carrier of prototype human material Yet promoting only lighter shades with straight hair? Yes; there was a time when we could do no better when our bodies, mind or space we could not control ;When we were raped anywhere, anytime before loved ones. Thus we and our men, are still challenged to connect. It wasn’t possible to experience that degree of self-negation for centuries And not end up wanting to portray any image, but our own Thus, too few Negro men admire Negro women’s beauty, while we encourage our sons to continue such ways.

Still, it matters not what we did yesterday, yesteryear or the last moment All that matters is who we decide to become from now on. We couldn’t do better, when we didn’t know better or when we were mentally blindfolded, with our limbs cut off. So daughter of Africa and mothers of mankind what causes will we make to correct our plight? What future do we want for successive generations of our children in the world of tomorrow and beyond?

Sisters, we’re sensuous and we’re gorgeous we’re the mothers of the human race. But we’re retarding our own growth, plus that of all others mindlessly making causes; not considering future effects. Critically examine our views of God and Allah Can they unite and inoculate our minds from self-hate? And can we stop being so heavenly focused for a moment to honor other Negroes, with whom we share earth space? Should we still shout black love, unity and power when our most negroid features, we so strongly detest? Should we expect anyone else to accept us color-blindly when we cannot accept ourselves “as is”?

Do the blackest children have a chance in Jamaica when the Bible and Western culture tell us that black is sinful and bad? Can we refuse such self-defeating nonsense and choose uplifting self-descriptions instead? Today we know that verbal and physical traumas can negatively impact us for life. While self-love produces healthy self-image, so why accept degrading meanings of ourselves? Why do our children still ingest fear-filled Bible notions? Which are: violent, unjust, irrational and ungodly As much as, or more than censored T.V. show. How are such things wise for compromised minds? Sisters, many of us sow negativity further Encouraging fathers to not support children they had when we met. But what lessons are we teaching by such actions? And would we want our daughters, to meet same fate?

Can we not think loftier than lower animals that ensure that only the best are reproduced. By looking for others already with good character not their weakness to manipulate? Can we cultivate and elevate a new default mindset, That considers what is ultimately best for the whole Not just a Chosen Few s when only a few prosper, they must fear everyone else. Sisters, men have ruled the world in Wars and economic businesses, but we’re the molders of the character of those Men. So when our wealthier men mostly choose Caucasian It’s our words and ways, they replicate.

Yes; we do have the power to uplift or demote and we’re truly stagnating our collective progress by refusing to acknowledge that we hate our own color; thus the reason others disrespect us, where we’re most. Our men we must respect and cherish because without them, we’re only half. Plus, they’re products of our uterus, and were nourished to grow from our breasts. We first taught them to be men but whatever we’ve been teaching has been flawed so now it’s our maternal right and responsibility to teach anew, from our authentic images and selves.

Selfishness, greed and stupidity, were the life- conditions prevailing when some Negro Africans profited from the Slave Trade. And those vibes have now expanded exponentially. Since worldwide, we seem most against ourselves. Many of us (self-included) have acted dishonorably. But we needn’t remain marinating in guilt and shame.

All that matter is who we’re committed to becoming with every thought we think, and action we take. Negro women of the world No matter what any Teacher, Bible or Society tell us let’s know; that before us there were no others and after us, none shall remain. As first humans we have great responsibilities Overtime, and by dilution Negroes produced all others while no other two, can produce Negroes overtime Prototypical Negro state must therefore be protected, respected, and not despised. Black is not less important than white, nor equal to sin as the Bible imply. And darkness is not obliterated by light Therefore; rethink all the nonsense we’ve been taught By the Bible, and all else that inform our minds. Negro daughters of Africa, and mothers of all human It’s our duty, in Jamaica and worldwide to honor ourselves in ways that make it impossible to be scorned and denied, where we’re the most.

From left, Kaliegh Garris, Miss Teen USA; Nia Franklin, Miss America; Cheslie Kryst, Miss USA; Zozibini Tunzi, Miss Universe; and Toni-Ann Singh, Miss World.Credit...Paras Griffin/Getty Images; Steven Ferdman/Getty Images; Stephen R. Sylvanie/USA Today Sports, via Reuters; Paras Griffin/Getty Images; Daniel

2019 will be a year to remember. All the major beauty pageant winners are held by Black women. Whether it is café ole or deep mahogany, Black women come in all shapes, color and sizes. This is a historic moment and my never be repeated. Ladies around the world know that you are capable of achieving all your dreams. Never rest on your laurels. These ladies have opened the door and created space for you to enter into your greatness. Know that these titles are stepping stones to move upwards to other milestones that the creators has in store for your goals. You have a purpose.

Toni-Ann Singh, Miss Jamaica winner of Miss World

Toni-Ann Singh was crowned Miss World 2019. Singh was born in Morant Bay, Jamaica. Both of her parents are Jamaican born; her mother is Afro Caribbean and father is Indo-Caribbean. Toni attended Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida, where she graduated with a degree in woman’s studies and psychology. Singh becomes the 4th Miss Jamaica to hold the title Miss World.

Organization

Jamaican American Club

www.JamaicanAmericanClub.org

Jamaican American Club PO Box 62 Elk Grove, IL 60009 USA

JamaicanAmericanClub@yahoo.com

This not for profit club's sole purpose is to create unity among positive people who have passion; therefore, the Jamaican American Club will not align itself with any religious, political or social classes that are unwilling to respect an individual's choice for their interpretation of the world.

Goal: Help the community remain viable.

Intended audience: Any individual who would like to help is welcome.

Click on image to get to their website

While I was sitting distribution copies of “Blackbright Magazine” at the carnival, I noticed three noisy Black men. One of them was wearing a red, yellow and green t- shirt with the herb symbol on the front. He was holding a bottle of Remy Martin to his mouth and was gulping greedily. Another wore

dreadlocks and was waving a half consumed bottle of whiskey over his head while being held around the neck by the third, who was wearing a t-shirt with the words “Jamaica – Irie Mon” on the front. If you hadn’t seen them laughing minutes before, you would thought they were fighting.

They were generally drawing attention to themselves and obviously under the influence. What infuriated me was that they were imitating Jamaican patios, wore symbols that identify them as Jamaicans when they were obviously not Jamaicans, and worse their conduct was doing Jamaicans a disservice. Even though their impersonation was poor, any non Blacks or non Jamaicans could erroneously categories them as Jamaicans. These men are what some call “Jafakans” i.e. fake Jamaicans. Their imitation of the Jamaican identity would not be so offensive if it did not negatively implicate Jamaicans, but it does! Onlooker seemed genuinely concerned of the affray. I was concerned as well, but for a different reason.

I was worried that non Blacks may not know that Africa is divided into 43 countries and there are approximately 21 Caribbean island territories, so that these men could have come from any one of them! I didn’t like the idea that if the affray was reported and descriptions were requested, “Witnessed” (being none the wiser), could easily say: “they were definitely Jamaican I could tell by their accent!” Hence the rap: “H’enting dat gwann a foreign, de yardie get the blame”. A Jamaican cannot be defined nor categorized. Jamaicans include Lord Ouseley, who is a member of the House of Lords; Delroy Lindo, who is a famous actor; Lennox Lewis, who is a World Heavy with Champion; Naomi Campbell or Tyson Beckford,

who are supermodels; Patrick Ewing and Donovan Bailey, who are sportsmen; Dian Abbot, who is a Politician; Bob Marley, Busta Rhymes, Harry Belafonte, who are musicians to name a few. But for some reason, Jamaicans are seldom associated with high achievers, the famous and the infamous.

Because of biased media coverage that results in stereotyping and bigotry, the un-informed usually think of Jamaicans as trouble maker, aggressors, wear dread locks, smoke weed, sell coke and are gun- proud. As a result Jamaicans get a bad reputation and end up being apprehended (or blamed) for many criminal misdemeanors when the offence could have been committed by someone from another island or country pretending

to be Jamaican. I am not sure why non Jamaicans try to implicate Jamaicans by mimicking their accent and their stance. Maybe they don’t realize that they are doing it or maybe, subconsciously, they lack cultural pride. All I can say is that if you from Africa, claim your Africanness. If you are from one of the island territories of the Caribbean- claim your true heritage. If you are born in this country (UK) – maintain your parent’s culture and don’t borrow someone else’s’. Everyone should be proud of tier heritage, their language and their culture and while “playing Jamaican” can be fun, if a non Jamaican is not behaving in a law abiding fashion yet imitation a Jamaican, they are reinforcing the negative stereotypes and making it difficult for Jamaicans to gain respect.