Visible Roots Vol. 5, Caribbean

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF DAKAR

Visible Roots LEARNING ABOUT OUR CULTURE, TOGETHER

Caribbean / ISD highlights

JUNE 2024 VOLUME 5

Editor's Note

Welcome to the 5th issue of Visible Roots, the global diversity magazine of The International School of Dakar! Can you believe the 23-24 school year is coming to an end already? Our seniors just celebrated their graduation from the DP program and our Grade 5 students have celebrated the end of their elementary journey with the PYPX! In this issue, we move on to the region on the other side of the Atlantic, the captivating region of the Caribbean. Comprising over 700 islands, islets, reefs, and cays, the Caribbean is a melting pot of peoples, languages, and traditions. From the larger islands like Cuba, Jamaica, and Hispaniola (comprising Haiti and the Dominican Republic), to the smaller yet equally influential nations like Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guadeloupe, each territory contributes to the region's dynamic mosaic. When it comes to effects of multiculturalism and of pre and post-colonialism, there are few regions of the world that encapsulate this reality better than the Caribbean!

Indigenous peoples, descendants of African slaves, European colonizers, and indentured laborers from India and China have all left huge imprints on the region's identity. Their fusion of cultures has resulted in vibrant cuisines, lively music and dance forms, and unique religious practices. As we explore the intersections of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Caribbean, let us also reflect on the challenges that persist in ensuring equal opportunities and representation for all its inhabitants.

We finish up with the highlights of our ISD World Culture Day which was a huge success in bringing our school community together. As always, remember, "Visible Roots" is more than a magazine; it's a celebration of how our diversity makes an impact! Join us as we learn more about our world together!

The Tree of Life The Ceiba tree holds profound cultural and ecological significance throughout the Caribbean region. Revered by indigenous peoples as a sacred symbol of life and spirituality, the Ceiba, also known as the "Tree of Life" or "God Tree," stands as a towering testament to resilience and interconnectedness. Its massive trunk and expansive canopy provide shelter for diverse flora and fauna, serving as vital habitats in lush rainforests and coastal ecosystems.

Moreover, the Ceiba's wood, with its durable yet flexible properties, has been traditionally used by Caribbean communities for crafting canoes, housing, and ceremonial artifacts, underscoring its practical importance in daily life. Beyond its ecological and utilitarian value, the Ceiba embodies a deep-rooted connection to Caribbean identity and heritage, weaving a narrative of continuity and reverence for nature across generations.

6-29

CARIBBEAN

30-37

NOTE: Visible Roots is an INTERACTIVE magazine! Just click on any portrait, and you will be taken to a link that shows each person or cultural aspect through video.

ISD HIGHLIGHTS

Leaders Authors Artists Athletes Scientists Musicians Films Cultural Heritage

World Culture Day Radio Jaguar

Let’s

Celebrate!

Did you know ISD is actually one of the most diverse international schools in the world?

LEADERS

Frantz Fanon hailed from the island of Martinique and lived through the tumultuous mid-20th century. As a psychiatrist and revolutionary thinker, Fanon's insights into the late stages of colonialism and its systemic oppression were profound for societies grappling with questions of identity and social justice. His seminal works, including "Black Skin, White Masks" and "The Wretched of the Earth," offered a piercing critique of colonial power structures of his time.

Fanon was inspired by the Negritude movement and his legacy ended up having a huge influence on anti-colonial and national liberation movements across the Global South. Through the lens of Fanon's writings, readers can gain more historical awareness of post-colonialism and see his commitment to building a more equitable world.

FRANTZ

NANNY

QUEEN

FANON

Queen Nanny of the Maroons was a legendary leader of resistance against British colonial rule in 18th-century Jamaica. Originating from the Ashanti region of modern day Ghana, Nanny led the Windward Maroons with strategic brilliance, outsmarting and resisting British forces. She orchestrated guerrilla warfare tactics, safeguarded the Maroon communities in the Blue Mountains, and negotiated treaties that secured their autonomy. Her leadership not only ensured the survival and independence of the Maroons but also challenged the oppressive structures of colonialism. By remembering Queen Nanny's legacy, we honor her courageous struggle and draw vital lessons in solidarity, empowerment, and the ongoing fight for justice in a global context.

Click on the portraits to learn more about these leaders!

“You can explain anything to the people provided you really want them to understand”

V.S. V.S. Naipaul, a Nobel Prize-winning author born in Trinidad and Tobago, is celebrated for his profound contributions to literature and his exploration of postcolonial identity. Growing up in a society marked by the legacies of colonialism, Naipaul's works delve into the complexities of displacement, cultural hybridity, and the search for belonging. In his novel "A House for Mr. Biswas," he covers themes of the personal struggles and triumphs of individuals seeking stability and identity. The book highlights the cultural alienation of Mr. Biswas as he quests for a house of his own which symbolizes the broader struggle for autonomy and self-determination in a world shaped by colonial hierarchies.

NAIPAUL

LITERATURE Aimé Césaire was a monumental figure in the fight against colonialism. A poet, playwright, and politician from Martinique, Césaire sought to reclaim black identity and pride as one of the founders of the Négritude movement. His works, including the seminal poem "Cahier d'un retour au pays natal" (Notebook of a Return to the Native Land), powerfully articulate the psychological and cultural traumas inflicted by colonial rule. Through his writing, Césaire exposes the dehumanizing effects of colonialism while celebrating African heritage and black consciousness. His political career, marked by his tenure as the mayor of Fort-de-France and his role in the French National Assembly, further exemplified his commitment to advocating for the rights and dignity of colonized peoples.

AIMÉ CÉSAIRE Click on the authors to read and learn more!

“A civilization that proves incapable of solving the problems it creates is a decadent civilization.

A civilization that chooses to close its eyes to its most crucial problems is a stricken civilization.

A civilization that uses its principles for trickery and deceit is a dying civilization.”

Aimé Cesaire

MARYSE CONDÉ Maryse Condé was an acclaimed Guadeloupean author who explored the themes of race, colonialism, and identity across the Caribbean and beyond. Her large body of work, spanning several decades, includes numerous novels, essays, and plays, earning her international acclaim and prestigious awards, including the Alternative Nobel Prize in Literature. Among her most revered works is "Segou," a sweeping historical novel that transports readers to pre-colonial West Africa. Set against the backdrop of the transatlantic slave trade and the encroaching forces of European colonization, "Segou" tells the lives of multiple generations of a Bambara family as they navigate the chaotic changes of the 18th century. Through vivid storytelling and meticulous historical research, Condé vividly brings to life a particular era of African culture and tradition, while also highlighting the devastating impacts of slavery and imperialism. Her works confront uncomfortable truths and embrace the diversity of human experience.

Click on the author to read and learn more!

Edna Manley was a Jamaican sculptor, artist, and cultural icon who played a pivotal role in shaping the artistic landscape of the Caribbean.

Through her sculptures and paintings, she captured the essence of Jamaican identity and the struggles of its people, addressing themes of social justice, cultural heritage, and national pride. Manley's work not only celebrated the vibrancy of Caribbean culture but also challenged colonial narratives and advocated for the empowerment of marginalized communities. Her artistic contributions were also instrumental in advancing feminist ideals, as she defied traditional gender roles and advocated for women's rights through her work and activism, making her a trailblazer in both the artistic and feminist movements of the Caribbean.

EDNA MANLEY

TESSA MARS Tessa Mars is a contemporary Haitian artist known for her bold and thought-provoking explorations of identity, culture, and societal norms. With a distinctive style that blends elements of pop art, surrealism, and Afrofuturism, Mars challenges stereotypes and confronts issues of race, gender, and colonialism in her pieces. Her works engage viewers in critical dialogue about the complexities of Caribbean life and the global African diaspora. As a prominent female artist from Haiti, Mars also embodies the spirit of feminist resistance, using her platform to amplify the voices of women and advocate for gender equality in the art world and beyond.

Click on the portraits to learn more about their art!

WILFREDO LAM Wilfredo Lam was a visionary Cuban artist of Afro-Chinese heritage. Born in 1902 in Sagua La Grande, Cuba, Lam's artistic journey spanned continents, reflecting the sociopolitical landscapes of his time.

Influenced by his encounters with European modernism during his early years in Spain and France, Lam developed a distinctive visual language that blended elements of surrealism with Afro-Cuban mysticism and mythology. His iconic paintings, reflect on the complexities of identity, spirituality, and cultural hybridity.

Through his groundbreaking artworks, such as "The Jungle" and "The Wedding," Lam not only redefined the boundaries of artistic expression but also pioneered a nuanced dialogue on race, diaspora, and the collective unconscious.

Click on the portrait to learn more about his art!

“With regard to life, modern painting is a revolutionary activity…

We need it in order to transform the world into a more humane place where mankind can live in liberty…We must accept these things with passion. It means that we must live imaginatively.”

Wilfredo Lam

The famous West Indies cricket team of the 1970s and 80s stands as a symbol of excellence and unity. Dominating international cricket during this period, the team was famous for its amazing pace attack, featuring legendary bowlers like Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Colin Croft and Joel Garner. Their unprecedented success on the cricket field not only brought pride to the Caribbean nations but also challenged the remnants of colonialism by asserting the strength and talent of a once-colonized people on a global stage. The team's cohesion created a deep a sense of regional identity and solidarity among Caribbean nations.

WEST INDIES

CRICKET TEAM

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is one of the greatest sprinters of all time. Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, she won gold in the 100 meters at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, making her the first Caribbean woman to achieve this feat. Her career includes multiple Olympic and World Championship titles, showcasing her exceptional speed and consistency on the track. Known as the “Pocket Rocket” she is celebrated for her resilience and determination, overcoming personal and professional challenges, including returning to peak form after becoming a mother. Her success has not only elevated Jamaican athletics but also served as a powerful symbol of empowerment and possibility for women and young athletes globally.

SHELLY-ANN FRASER-PRYCE Click on the portraits to learn about these athletes!

“The road to success has to have obstacles because, at the end of the day, when success comes, it will be that much better.”

Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce

Roberto Clemente is revered as one of the most iconic figures in baseball history who forever changed the game and became a symbol of resilience, generosity, and social justice. Born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, in 1934, Clemente's journey to greatness was one of perseverance. As the first Latino player to reach 3,000 hits in Major League Baseball, Clemente's athletic skills was matched only by his integrity and passion for humanitarian causes. Clemente used his platform to advocate for the rights and dignity of marginalized communities, particularly in Latin America. His tragic death in a plane crash while delivering aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua in 1972 further cemented his legacy as a selfless humanitarian and trailblazer.

ROBERTO

CLEMENTE

Click on the portraits to learn about this athlete!

"Any time you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world and you don't, then you are wasting your time on Earth."

Roberto Clemente

IMPORTANT SCIENTISTS

In the late 19th century, Cuban scientist Carlos Finlay proposed the revolutionary theory that mosquitoes were the vectors responsible for transmitting the yellow fever disease, a hypothesis that was initially met with skepticism by the medical community. Through meticulous research and experimentation, he identified the Aedes aegypti mosquito as the culprit, paving the way for crucial advancements in public health and epidemiology. Finlay's work laid the foundation for Walter Reed's subsequent validation of his findings, which led to effective control measures and the eventual eradication of yellow fever in many regions.

His contributions have had a lasting impact on medical science, exemplifying the importance of perseverance and innovation in scientific inquiry.

CARLOS

FINLAY

Sir Arthur Lewis was a distinguished scientist and economist from Saint Lucia who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 1979. His dualsector model describes the transfer of labor from traditional agricultural work to modern industrial work as the main pathway for economic development in the globalized world. Sir Arthur Lewis explained that when countries develop, people will often move from farms to factories for better jobs, which often means moving to other countries. This helps the industrial economy grow, but not everyone gets the same benefits across both sectors. His work highlighted the importance of structural changes in economies and provided a framework to see how developing nations could achieve sustainable growth.

His insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by developing countries continue to guide policymakers worldwide.

SIR ARTHUR Click on the portraits to learn more about their work!

“Collective judgment of new ideas is so often wrong that it is arguable that progress depends on individuals being free to back their own judgment despite collective disapproval.”

Sir Arthur Lewis

THE GARIFUNA COLLECTIVE

The Garifuna Collective is an award-winning musical ensemble hailing from the Garifuna communities of Belize, known for their vibrant blend of traditional Garifuna rhythms with contemporary sounds. With their captivating music and electrifying performances, the collective celebrates the Afro-Indigenous cultural roots of the Garifuna people. With soul-stirring melodies and infectious beats, they preserve and promote Garifuna language, music, and dance, while also addressing social and political issues facing their communities.

Powerful Music Koffee, a Jamaican reggae artist, has taken the music world by storm with her catchy melodies and powerful lyrics. Hailing from Spanish Town, Jamaica, Koffee burst onto the scene with her breakout hit "Toast," which quickly became an anthem of celebration and resilience. As the only woman to ever win a Grammy for Best Reggae Album (and the youngest as well, at age 19), she brings a fresh perspective to the genre, performing many songs that are empowering for young people, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and effect positive change in their communities.

KOFFEE

Click on the portraits to listen to their music!!

“Just remember that once you have life and you have the ability to execute a gift, just use that to the fullness of your ability.“

Koffee

CELIA

Cruz

Celia Cruz, the Queen of Salsa, was a Cuban-American singer whose electrifying voice and vibrant personality made her an icon of Latin music worldwide. Born in Havana, Cuba, Cruz's career spanned over six decades, with numerous hit songs and multiple Grammy Awards.

Cruz was also a symbol of resilience and cultural pride, having overcome personal and political challenges to achieve international acclaim. Celia Cruz's most famous song "La Vida Es Un Carnaval" ("Life is a Carnival") is an iconic salsa anthem which carries a powerful message of resilience, optimism, and embracing life's ups and downs. The song's lyrics convey the idea that despite the challenges and hardships one may face, it's important to keep moving forward with joy and positivity because eventually things will get better.

Click on the portrait to learn more about her music!

“Forgiving is not forgetting.

Forgiving is remembering without pain.”

Celia Cruz

FILMS "Yuli" is a biographical film that tells the captivating story of Cuban ballet dancer Carlos Acosta, based on his memoir "No Way Home." Directed by Icíar Bollaín, the film explores Acosta's journey from a troubled childhood in Havana to becoming one of the world's greatest dancers.

Through stunning dance sequences and poignant storytelling, "Yuli" delves into themes of family, identity, and the power of art to transcend barriers. The film celebrates Acosta's remarkable talent and resilience, showcasing how his passion for dance became a means of overcoming adversity and finding his place in the world.

"Sugar," directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, is a poignant drama that follows the journey of Miguel "Sugar" Santos, a talented young baseball player from the Dominican Republic, as he chases his dreams of playing in the Major Leagues. Set against the backdrop of the harsh realities of professional sports and immigration, the film offers a nuanced portrayal of ambition, sacrifice, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Through Sugar's eyes, viewers witness the challenges faced by many immigrant athletes as they navigate cultural barriers, homesickness, and the pressures of success.

Click on the portraits to watch these films online!!

Want to contribute to Visible Roots or learn more about amazing people and cultures around the world? Email “ceceo@faculty.isd.sn” today to get involved!

Bomba and Plena Bomba and Plena are two traditional music genres originating in Puerto Rico that hold profound cultural importance, especially in the context of resistance and cultural identity. Bomba, originating among enslaved Africans during the colonial era, is characterized by its vibrant rhythms, call-and-response singing, and themes of resistance and liberation.

Plena, emerging in the early 20th century in working-class neighborhoods, features catchy melodies and storytelling lyrics addressing social and political issues. Both genres became vital tools for conveying news, spreading messages of resistance, and mobilizing communities during periods of upheaval. Bomba and Plena served as expressions of cultural pride, resilience, and solidarity, allowing Puerto Ricans, particularly Afro-Puerto Ricans, to reclaim their heritage and assert their humanity in the face of oppression. Today, these music genres continue to thrive as vibrant expressions of Puerto Rican culture, embodying pride, empowerment, and resilience for generations.

Click on the photo to learn more!

The Haitian Revolution was a watershed moment in world history as a courageous uprising that led to the overthrow of slavery and the establishment of the first independent black republic in the Western Hemisphere.

Oppression and exploitation in the French colony of Saint-Domingue led to a revolution fueled by the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Led by visionary leaders like Toussaint Louverture, enslaved Africans and free people of color rose up against their oppressors, fighting for their inherent right to freedom and self-determination. After years of relentless struggle and military campaigns against French, Spanish, and British forces, Haiti declared its independence on January 1, 1804, marking a historic triumph over tyranny and colonial domination. The Haitian Revolution remains a powerful symbol of resistance, resilience, and the pursuit of justice, inspiring liberation movements worldwide and leaving an enduring legacy of courage and hope for future generations.

HAITIAN

REVOLUTION 1791-1804

Click on the photo to learn more!

Pitons Management Area The Pitons Management Area in Saint Lucia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, holds immense significance due to its stunning natural beauty, geological importance, and rich ecological diversity. Dominated by the iconic Gros Piton and Petit Piton volcanic peaks rising majestically from the Caribbean Sea, the area encompasses pristine rainforests, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine habitats. Beyond its ecological importance, the Pitons Management Area serves as a model for sustainable tourism and community development, balancing conservation efforts with the socio-economic needs of local communities. Engaging residents through education, capacity building, and economic opportunities empowers them while preserving cultural heritage and fostering cross-cultural exchange. Through responsible visitor management, eco-friendly infrastructure, and cultural preservation, sustainable tourism aims to create a resilient and inclusive industry benefiting both the environment and local communities.

Click on on the the photo photo to to learn learn more! more!

Click

Taíno People The Taíno people were the indigenous inhabitants of the Caribbean islands before the arrival of European colonizers. They were skilled navigators, farmers, and artisans who lived in villages governed by chiefs known as “caciques”. The Taíno had a complex social structure with nobles, commoners, and slaves, and their society was organized around agriculture, primarily cultivating crops like maize, yams, cassava, and beans. They also hunted, fished, and gathered wild plants for food. The Taíno were known for their intricate pottery, woven baskets, and finely crafted objects made from wood, bone, and stone. They had a rich spiritual belief system, worshipping deities associated with nature, the cosmos, and ancestral spirits. The arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492 marked the beginning of European colonization and the eventual decline of Taíno civilization due to disease, forced labor, and violent conquest. Many mixed people in the Caribbean today are descendants of the Taíno and their cultural heritage and influence persist today even though much of their culture is now a remnant of the past.

Click Click on on the the photo photo to to learn learn more! more!

April-June 2024

d l r o W

y a D e r u t l Cu

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF DAKAR

Visible Roots LEARNING ABOUT OUR CULTURE, TOGETHER

COMING BACK IN SEPTEMBER __________________________ upcoming 2024-2025 volumes CENTRAL AFRICA SOUTHEAST ASIA NORTHERN EUROPE WORLD CULTURE DAY 25 SOUTH AMERICA

Please reach out to ceceo@faculty.isd.sn, if you would like to join the Visible Roots Team for next year!