Moving with Soul- Commencement Speech for Springfield College Boston Campus

Greetings familia,

When I received the call from Dr. Ulric Johnson, Asst. Dean of Springfield College Boston Campus, I was blown away by the invitation to be their 2011 Graduation Commencement Speaker.

When we met in person and walked around the Campus I knew this will be a memorable gift and it was the right place for me to say, this was my first commencement address.

With everything I was seeing, hearing and feeling, I wanted to share something uplifting, yet real. It was an opportunity to think out loud with the energy of renewed thoughts, hope and love.

In keeping the tradition of growing with you, I share with you part of my Commencement Speech for the 2011 Graduates of Springfield College Boston Campus.

Moving with Soul

Good Evening, Buenas Tardes, Greetings Dean Robert Willey, Assistant Dean Ulric Johnson, (Brother with a true Caribbean spirit), faculty, students, special guest, family and friends. I stand with you with the humble spirit of the ancestors who guide my dear mother whose spirit hugs me today. Happy Mother’s Day!!!

Transformation is defined by the shedding of the old and the welcoming and embracing of the new.

One of nature’s most beautiful visuals of transformation is that of a Butterfly or as I like to call it, the Soul Bird.

The butterfly, moves with grace, brightness and lightness. It lifts your spirit at the very first site of it. It is a symbol of new life, of wisdom and knowledge.

Today you begin your transformation from the woman on a search to a woman who stands firm with the clarity of who she is and where she is going. From the man who is labeled to the man who appreciates and embraces the uniqueness he brings to life, to the Immigrant who chased a dream with determination and convictions to succeed to the Immigrant who walks with home in the heart and stands and screams, Si Se Puede!!

The journey will not be easy but it will be up to you to trust parts of you. Reach for those parts of you that will take every stop on the road as lessons learned. Because you fought so hard to get here, it will be that pain that you will most recognize. But your eyes are now wide open and your wings will hold those you care for unconditionally and that pain, you will name, recognize and move past it as you grow.

Be courageous, allow your journey to be yours, fit for you with the light of your ancestors guiding you.

Move with love, love of self, love for those before you and love for those who will challenge you because with that challenge you will learn something of value, Patience.

I read this quote every morning, by Audrey Lorde,” When I Dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am Afraid.”

Dare to be that teacher that adds more to the history books, teaches the real story, engage in the real conversation. Allow your students to see themselves in the makeup/development of the Americas.

Be that clinician that allows that family to be an expert of their life and outcome. Treat them with kindness and respect and know that you will also learn something from them.

Walk away today with that degree in your hands but also embrace and honor your life experiences because there will be moments when that experience will be the strongest connection to community. There will be moments when you will need to move beyond the books to see, to listen and to learn.

Be grounded in goodness so that when you pause to share your words, it will have a lasting impact on the heart.

We are living in times were our search for justice and truth should lead our purpose, let today be the day that you stand on the side of truth.

Pause; be careful to not celebrate injustice, for injustice in one community is injustice to all. It will never be and should never be the only response to pain.
Truth will open the door to the healing of our communities. With truth, we see our commonalities and move beyond our differences. Truth takes us below the surface; it takes us to our root.

Today is an extra special day, it is mother’s day. We celebrate all the mothers in the space. You are the nurtures of our families. A mother is a teacher, counselor, cheerleader, confidant, and mentor. Hold all of it as you move today, for that is something that can never be taken from you.

It is also a special day for the fathers who walk next to these loving mothers. Look to them and say thank you, I love you for you. Our conversation needs to carry a tone that says, I appreciate you for the Queen that you are.

There is a Yoruba/African verse that speaks to the importance of this unity and the inclusion of a woman’s voice. When the male Orishas came to Earth, things were not coming together. They went back to ask what was missing. Olodumare asked, did you invite the woman/Oshun? They said no. He told them they needed to invite her to be successful, that without women and children things would not go well. They did and things went well. It speaks to having a woman’s touch. Sweetness can bring love and success, to everything we do.

Unity and acceptance have to be part of your transformation. I have been thinking a lot about Malcolm X. The truth he walked with is what I think we are missing today. One of his quotes stands out as I share this space with you today. It speaks to acceptance. “We cannot think of being acceptable to others until first proven acceptable to ourselves.”

Be clear on who you are, embrace your full self. That will bring freedom of the mind, a freer hand to write your story, free words that move without fear and in peace.

At this point I moved the energy of the space. I spoke in Spanish to the Latino students. I then also addressed all the students of color and spoke of unity between Latinos and African Americans.

Why a Soulbird? A Soulbird moves with the intention to search for the better self, a better world. As you begin this new chapter in your life, move with the intention of making every space you enter a space filled with hope and most important, love.

India Arie the singer poet shares,” It’s not what you do, but Why you do what you do. A Soulbird lives with the intention of growing, rising up and elevating, because we know that, like Ghandi said, “We must be the change we wish to see in the world.” Let’s spread the wings of our souls and elevate.”

Your wings are wide open. They are open and filled with new ideas, a new approach, and new definitions. Your transformation into that bright, free flowing butterfly, SOULBIRD, will elevate you to the person that our community will support.

Congratulations to each and every one of you. Congratulations to those who supported and encouraged your journey. Congratulations to those who presented another perspective and allowed you to think outside of the box.

Fly with purpose, land with strength and move with love.

Peace and Blessings

Senegal through my Eyes by Aissata Barry of the HER Project

The HER Project supported El Movimiento's Night of Resistance event. The event was a fundraiser for the youth who are doing amazing things in bringing awareness to the importance of Ethnic Studies. Please visit the site at www.ethnicstudiesnow.org

Our own HER Project Leader Aissata Barry presented a short piece on her home country of Senegal. We were all moved by her confidence, strength and search for truth.

We share her piece with you.

peace


The area that today is Senegal once was part of the West African
Empire. the word Senegal originally came from a Senegalese word (SUNU
GAL) MEANING our dugout canoe" (everyone is in the same boat). When
the Europeans came to Senegal centuries ago trying to take over, the
natives of Senegal were afraid of them because of their skin colors
and thought of them as witches or some evil spirits, hence when the
white man approached them to find a way of communication, the natives
began to shout (lii sunu gal la) (these are our dugout canoes). for
this reason, the Europeans began to call the territory Senegal.
Senegal also has many important historical places which existed since
the triangular slave trade.
the most visited and known place in Senegal LILE DE GOREE
also known as Goree Island (Ile de Goree) is a small island just off
the coast of Dakar, Senegal's sprawling capital city. Goree Island is
a big tourist attraction because of its history as a major
slave-trading center. It's an important destination for
African-Americans in particular who come to pay their respects and
reflect upon their ancestors' past. In fact the Maison des Esclaves
(House of Slaves) on the island has become a place of pilgrimage for
everyone to reflect upon the horrors of the slave-trade and remember
the millions of souls who died because of it. this place is also known
as (maison dentree sans retour) meaning house of entrance without
return.
Senegal is a country rich in musical values and the number of
occasions that are used to gather around the "griots" or clapping your
hands and sway your hips in rhythm delights a public often very
numerous. Each ethical group has his music and his instruments that
are their own. the most famous musical instrument in Senegal is the
sabar. The sabar was used to communicate to other villages. The
different rhythms correspond to phrases and could be heard for over 15
kilometers.

some Senegalese proverbs that motivates me are:

A tree that grows in the shade of another one will die small.
If a centipede loses a leg, it does not
prevent him from walking.
draft

Participation in the Hemispheric Forum for Women-Participacion en el Foro Hemisferico de Mujeres

Greetings family.



I share with you another amazing experience. I attended the OAS, CIM, UN Hemispheric Forum- “Women Leadership for a citizens democracy” I was there in my role as the Diaspora Coordinator/ Panama of the Red de Mujeres Afro. I met so many wonderful women and men and reconnected with a few I met at the last OAS conference. As I shared with the Ambassador from Barbados when I saw him, he does wear nice ties. He shared that he recognized my voice right away when I presented my intervention.



As you will see in my pictures I was surrounded by women who immediately embraced me as an equal and as a sister.



Some of my highlights include, the words by Muni Figueres Ambassador of Costa Rica who said this to men in the space, “ Bendito sea usted entre todas las mujeres.” She also shared some reflective words of President Laura Chinchilla. When the President was asked, What does it feel like to be the first female President. She responded, “ I look to the day when we will not be asked that question.”



Another moment includes my intervention and exchange with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. In her presentation, the Prime Minister stated that a “woman’s agenda is vital to sustainable development in our Region.” She spoke of the importance of a balanced agenda that includes women and children. I loved when she said with great clarity in her voice, “ Women are climbing out and onto the steps.”



In using her words and that of the Secretary General of the OAS, I asked the Prime Minister the following question, Women of African descent continue to face double discrimination of gender and race. On this year that the UN and the OAS have named the year of People of African descent, and as the Secretary General stated earlier, we face a high level of poverty in our community. Using your words Prime Minister, What do we need to do to create a clear agenda that is fully inclusive of women of African descent that will zero in on specific actions and suggestions?



The Prime Minister responded to many questions and waited to respond to me at the end. She addressed me by my name and thanked me for asking such an important question. She then looked at the Secretary General and at the UN Women Representative and said, this question merits a focus in this meeting that you will be having in the next few days. If not, then we are lacking in really responding to the needs of All women.



Yet, my favorite moment was any and every exchange I had with an Ambassador or Minister from the Caribbean. We laughed and shared stories as if we all knew each other for years. Just love that Caribbean love!! As you will see in the pictures, they were fabulous, elegant Black Women.

I give thanks to the ancestors for placing me in this space that feeds growth, clarity and voice to my community.



In peace

Yvette



Saludos familia,



Comparto con ustedes otra experiencia muy especial. Asistí al evento de la OEA, CIM, ONU Foro Hemisférico- "Liderazgo de Mujeres para la democracia de ciudadania" estuve allí en mi papel como el Coordinador de Diáspora/Panamá de la Red de Mujeres Afro. Encontré tantas mujeres y hombres maravillosos y conecté de nuevo con unos pocos que conoci en la última conferencia de OEA. Como compartí con el Embajador de Barbados cuando lo vi, lleva muy bonitas corbata. Compartió que reconoció mi voz en mi intervención. Como verá en mis imágenes estuve rodeada por mujeres que inmediatamente me abrazaron como igual y como una hermana.



Algunos de mis puntos culminantes incluyen, las palabras por Embajador de Costa Rica Muni Figueres, que dijo esto a los hombres en el espacio, "Bendito sea entre todas las mujeres". Ella también compartió algunas palabras reflectoras de la Presidenta Laura Chinchilla. Cuando le preguntaron come se siente en ser la primer mujer Presidenta de Costa Rica? Respondió, "espero el día cuando no se haga esa pregunta".



Otro momento incluye mi intervención y el intercambio con la Primera Ministra Kamla Persad-Bissessar de Trinida y Tobago. En su presentación, la Ministra indicó que una agenda de la mujer, es esencial al desarrollo sostenible en nuestra Región". Habló de la importancia de una agenda equilibrado que incluye mujeres y a niños. Adoré cuando dijo con gran claridad en su voz, "Women are climbing out and onto the steps.” A utilizar sus palabras y las del Secretario-General del OEA, yo le pregunté a la Ministra, las Mujeres Afrodescendientes continúan encarar doble discriminación de género y raza. En este año que la ONU y la OEA han nombrado el año de Personas Afrodescendientes, y como el Secretario-general indicó más temprano, encaramos un nivel alto de la pobreza en nuestra comunidad. ¿Utilizando sus palabras, Como creamos una agenda clara que nombra la inclusion de las mujeres Afrodescendientes que concentrará la atención en acciones y sugerencias específicas? La Primera Ministra respondió a muchas preguntas y esperó para responder a mí al fin. Me dirigió por mi nombre y me dio gracias para hacer tal pregunta tan importante. Ella entonces miró al Secretario-General y a la Representante de Mujeres de la ONU y dijo, esta pregunta merece un enfoque en esta reunión que usted tendrá en los próximos días. Si no, entonces nosotros no respondemos realmente a las necesidades de Todas las mujeres.



Todavía, mi momento favorito fue cualquier y cada intercambio que tuve con las/los Embajadoras/os y Ministras del Caribe. Nos reímos y compartimos historias como si todos nos conociéramos durante años. ¡ Adoro el amor Caribeno!! Como verá en las imágenes, ellas fueron Mujeres Afro fabulosas y elegantes. Doy gracias a las ancestras por colocarme en este espacio que alimenta el crecimiento, la claridad y la voz de nuestra comunidad.



abrazos

Yvette

Reflection- The Light Within

It is with love in our hearts that we wish you all a Happy New Year.

As we move into 2011, it is important to look at the lessons learned in 2010. Gather those moments when the light, those whispers spoke to us with love and commitment.

This journey may not make sense to most but when I close my eyes and sit in silence, there is no stronger validation.

How do we share that light that builds a unified community?

Our willingness to search for truth, move without fear and create balance in our lives, our community, will be our leading song.

I wrote this week on the fifth day of Kwanzaa which is Nia-Purpose, “Standing on these rocks and speaking of the struggle, strength and love of the Cimarrones/Freed Slaves, brought an overwhelming peace and clarity in PURPOSE. Nia-Purpose, principle is to build and develop our community so that we can restore our greatness. We are great for what we have faced and survived.” Ase

This is the picture I share with you. That moment transformed me. It is with that feeling that I look back at the Reflections of 2010.

These are some of the points that stood out for many.

Humanity-Words we should Stand by-Honoring Ann Marie Coriolan

I share this with you to highlight the common theme of love for humanity. Why do I think this is so important at this time? Like MLK, once our eyes are open to the suffering of the world, you could not but feel the pain of the people of Katrina, Colombia and Haiti, to name a few.

Through my awareness, I have always felt this strong connection to the people of Haiti because if we know history, then we know that what they did has impacted all people of African descent. We should always salute them for fighting, FOR US!! The people of Haiti have been recovering from many disasters over the years. If you have spent any time there, then you know that this devastation will require years of recovery.

Beyond our connection to the country is the connection to the human beings we see on the news and in the papers and the family members of friends we hear about.

So as we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr., let us pause and send out a message of love to the people of Haiti. Let us use our collective energy and send these words out into the universe, hope, peace, love, community, prosperity. Let love and humanity be your guide. Let these words be the words we stand by.

Now is the Time, Ahora!!

One of the things highlighted in the dialogue was that our experience, the Afro-Latino experience in this country, is an African American experience. It is not until I open my mouth and they hear an accent, I learned that I am seen as a different kind of Black. It is at this moment that I step up to say,” Speaking bad about those Black people, ”African Americans” is speaking bad about me.”

We all agree that they are different cultural experiences in Puerto Rico, Santo Domingo and the U.S. but the Black experience, lack of inclusion, inequality, access, exist everywhere.

Why all of this? Torii Hunter’s comments places us in a position once again to talk, really talk to each other.

The use of the word “impostor” is strong yet, he hits a note. The note, that African American and Afro-Latino players do not truly see themselves as brothers. His words highlight that both sides need to learn more about each other, moving pass language.

Now is the time, Ahora!! Let us not get stuck on the word and take, grab, this opportunity to talk. Let us, people of African descent, transcend the stigma, perceptions that have plagued us.

Baseball is not just a game. During the time of Jackie Robinson and Roberto Clemente, it was the platform for visible change, a platform to challenge the status quo and now it can be the platform to confront a divide that exist between us, BLACK people.

We Believe!! Introducing the Young Women of TomorrowI

Sheneka”... When I think about my name and what it means, the following characteristics come to mine; strong, intelligent, independent, hardworking, determined, and successful person. These qualities will guarantee my success. Outside factors like not having much of a family and other things I’ve been through in my childhood are what make me who I am. My mother is a strong person and that part I got from her. She had a rough childhood and she has taught me to be tough and strong because she got through life doing that and it has worked out in her favor. I see myself graduating, giving birth to a healthy child, and then attending college.

The things I value are my unborn daughter, life, and helping people that are in need. I value my daughter because she will be a big part of my life and she’ll be my motivation. I value my life because there aren’t many people who have an opportunity to be in my shoes or even have the chance to go to college. My child will depend on my guidance. I value giving others help because this quality will be beneficial for my social work career.

Myshelle-We have learned to open up and share with each other which I really do not do. I also made some good friends. These girls were there for me on days when I was down and didn’t really know it. Just being able to have someone listen to me and everything I had to say made a big difference. I just want to say thanks to the girls, Ms. Grace and Ms. Yvette for being there.

Pride- Black History Month in Panama

My work has given me the opportunity to see my father on another level. Painful stories of the impact of segregation on our family keep pouring out. Joyous stories of his childhood in Gatun speak to why when they get together, there is nothing but love in their faces. The pride in our family history allows him to take me on a ride to see the location of the Port in Calle 5 where my grandfather and many other Caribbean workers arrived to Panama.

Moments with my father are a realization that this is bigger than me, bigger than us. We are telling a story of a people that had no voice.

Proud to be from Colon- On the official day of Etnia Negra en Panama May 30th, Colon shines. As I shared before I left, it is a day that we stand taller on the shoulders of our ancestors and for that one day, all the bad that is said about Colon gets put aside for us to celebrate our blackness.

Grounded in Blackness

I ask again, what does it means to be grounded in Blackness or Pro Black? Why did I see the connection?

First, Being Pro Black means loving self and loving my Black brother and sister unconditionally.

Pausing for a moment, I know that putting this out is thought provoking and may mean some isolation but there is a sense of freedom that hugs you when you are speaking truth to your own reality. This is not the time for easy conversations if we really want to transform our world.

I made a list of a few things that answer the question for me at this moment in my life;

-Knowing that those who walk close to me and have had a lasting impact on me who are not Black find our similarities, our humanness, but in opening my eyes to the reality of my childhood and my experiences as an adult, that our roads take different destinations when my Blackness come into play.

-Not loosing focus to the discomfort of others who refuse to hear our reality.

-Believing in my power to change and give to my community.

I give thanks to my mother for leaving a legacy of being proud and not allowing anyone to shake that, for showing me the connection between every Black Panamanian, leading me on a deeper search of that unity. Thanks, for the gift of seeing myself in Nicaragua, Belize, Ecuador and the women of Nigeria.

Thanks Mama for supporting my need to break down the barriers that I saw as a child, for reminding me to take my shoes off to be one with my teammates on the track team and for sitting us down as a family to watch Sounder.

Guerrera Spirit

That Guerrera spirit lives deep in the women who fight for the visibility, recognition and empowerment of the Afro Central American community. You hear it in their voices, see it as they stand and speak their truth, when they walk with pride and hold you with love. I commend one of our guererras, Mirtha Colon, who leads the women’s division of ONECA/CABO for moving with that energy.

We, women of African descent, move to the beat of our ancestral drum. It does not matter how tired we are at these conferences, we always leave celebrating and dancing. When we dance you see grace, joy and an ability to get down low like no bodies business.

Guerrera Spirit moves with those women who fight hard, love hard and see the light that leads to justice for our communities.

Footsteps to Unity

We spend a lot of time wanting others to see us, to understand our complexities as people of African descent. Today our focus needs to be how we see each other and accept each other while building towards a better understanding of the complexities of our individual regions.

Looking deeper into understanding that what is happening in Haiti has an impact on Santo Domingo. Santo Domingo has an impact on Puerto Rico. Nicaragua impacts Costa Rica. Colombia impacts Panama. Venezuela impacts Ecuador. Adding to this understanding, our experience in this country and our relationship with Africa Americans, we should see the advantage to building a unified message.

In preparing my opening for the dialogue, I kept saying, Afro descendents of Latin America and the Caribbean need to rename and reclaim history that would speak to our truth.

A Beaming Light- Celebrating Coach Henry Jones

As we get older, we gain the ability to reflect on our childhood and those aha moments that shaped us and the people that have had a lasting impact on us.

I recently wrote in my journal, “This journey has made me see Panama in a different light, love everything about being from Colon, celebrate being a product of Rainbow City, know with purpose that my Black is Beautiful and has deepened my Love for those I call Friends.”

It has also deepened my love for those I call mentors and teachers.

Many say, once an athlete always an athlete. The discipline, teamwork, focus that you develop will carry you through life. What I learned from Coach Jones has stayed with me off the track.

With my young women, I always highlight the talent I see in them and hope that they hold it close through good and bad times.

Coach saw me run at the age of 10 and saw something I did not know I had. He worked hard with so many of us. My parents trusted him and allowed me to gain more than good track skills from this amazing man.Coach was an Olympian, teacher, mentor father and confidant to many.

Report Back- US Launching of the African Women Decade

This is our journey of discovery it is our time to heal all that has made us say” You are a different kind of black.” Today we ask all of you present to stand with us, join us as we move towards a better future of a stronger unified black community.

My international work with the Red de Mujeres Afro has showed me that success in Senegal is success in Ecuador, success in Haiti, success in New Orleans

They are other moments in 2010 that although I did not write about them in my Reflections, I carry them close in my heart.

Here are a few;

-The passing of my dear friend Veena’s mother, Mrs. Mayani. Mrs. Mayani always welcomed me with a smile. I was not able to be there with Veena, Usha and the rest of the family. I called my father to share the news and he said, I will be there for you. I learned that our friendship is also, our family’s friendship.

-Spending time talking and eating with City Councilor Chuck Turner. Chuck opened his doors to me in my early years in Boston and allowed me to learn the true meaning of listening to community. I have learned many other things from Chuck but seeing him face this major challenge in his life, I learned the true meaning of loyalty. There is nothing anyone can say that will change the fact that this man has sacrificed for community and most off all, has loved us, our community unconditionally. It is with that light that I will continue to stand with him.

-Being at the wedding of a dear friend as she married her Soul mate while her father’s spirit hugged her with an abundance of love. My friendship with Sarah has taught me that you can move to the beat of your own drum and those that move with you will gather joy along the way.

-Filming the documentary in Panama with Toshi Sakai and having my lines read to me by Sheila Walker was exactly what the ancestors ordered. This project which Toshi gathers with love will truly be amazing because the experience has been transforming for all those involved.

-Getting a package with the book, The Afro Latin@ Reader- History and Culture in the US. What a moment!! To open the book and look at page 417 and see the dedication to my father was priceless.

To then have the first book signing event in Boston was a validation that this is our story to tell.

-Going to Houston, Texas for a When and Where I Enter Inc., Afro-Latina brunch with Sonia Pierre as the keynote. This was the first time Sonia and I had seen each other since the earthquake and since the passing of our dear friend Ann Marie. I was her translator and while doing it, I felt a level of pain, fear, yet conviction to keep doing what we are doing.

This was balanced with my time with Mr. and Mrs. Layne who knew me as a child in Rainbow City. My cup runeth over as they spoke of my family and of my mother. I was overcome with tears when Mrs. Marva looked at me and said that if you knew my mother and especially my grandmother, then it was no surprise to have me standing there with them.

-Oh Rainbow City, what can I say other than LOVE. I just love everything about it, the people, my friends, who through that common history we can go 20+ years without seeing each other and once we pick up that phone and say, “It’s me” or when we see each other, you are received with a level of love that defies description.

There is one moment that spoke directly to the questions I continue to walk with, that speak to the development of my voice. Reading what I wrote with a dear classmate in high school was an, aha moment of, Yes, I was on this path way before I named it. I wrote, “Both blacks and whites are still aware of the separation even if there are not stated arguments or resentments. The question still stands, will it change.”

So today, as you say to others Happy New Year, reach for that Light Within that moves you towards building our community. Continue your search for truth, holding those who are dear to you close and believing we will be victorious in 2011.

Family, I ask that we move with the love that will transform you and our community, that love that moves beyond the month we are given and the year we are celebrated. Reach for that love, that light, which will make every day, your day.

Peace
Yvette