Reflections- Our Words- A Salute to Mr. Claral Richards
Hope everyone is well. We have been extremely busy at Encuentro Diaspora Afro. Our year began with a message from the family about change and new direction. I revisit those words to give me the energy to keep moving forward.
Our recent events, workshops, training have led me to think a lot about the importance of our words as we offer guidance to our youth and we support each to other as human beings and as Afro descendents. In reflecting on the work we have been doing in the schools and community programs, we honor the importance of such spaces such interactions and in doing so, I would like to Salute on Panama’s Dia de la Etnia Negra May 30th, Mr. Claral Richards whose words and guidance have a lasting effect on our work.
I need to take you back a few months and why I sit with this today.
I participated in a wonderful event in Philadelphia that highlighted Afro Latina activism. The people and the staff where all fully engaged in the dialogue. After each presentation, I felt this great sense of gratitude for those who have helped to get me here. We spoke about a diversity of things but one of the highlighted themes was our acceptance of who we are as Afro descendent women. The second part of the event had some local women. In a short space of time, one statement took the air out of the space. It was related to our bodies and our hair. Yes, hair!!! Hair as we all know is truly a delicate conversation among Black and Latina women but natural hair can go from being attractive to sloppy and ugly, in our community. Whatever the intention, it spoke to our internal struggle of how beauty is defined.
I with my “Fro” felt offended by the words but mostly in that moment I was also concerned about the amount of youth with bright eyes that were present and what kind of message this would send to them. The youth came running to us asking if we also felt uncomfortable with the Presenters words. They wanted to talk at length about it. They were filled with such hope of doing work that would highlight the Afro Latino experience. I myself began to reflect very deeply on words and how it impacts our youth and each other.
The following event was a National Latino Symposium Meeting in Detroit. I was more excited that a fellow Panamanian had put my name out than I was about the Foundation actually inviting me. I read all the information they sent and was concerned that the racial issues would not get its deserved time. I felt prepared for whatever would come my way when I was in the meeting. What I was not prepared for was that I would feel the “whiteness” in the space before even entering it. While on my last connection flight, I realized most of the people were also attending the meeting. I noticed them but no one made an effort to even look at me. I have learned to deal with these moments a little better. This time, I sat down pulled out my notebook and wrote the following words.
Do you see me?
Do you see me?
The Me that embraces her full self.
You have no idea that I understand your words, Quien es ella?
I acknowledge you yet, I am invisible in your eyes and mind.
You turn away to not be reminded of your roots.
What roots, you say?
The roots that challenge your white privilege mind.
The roots that built the country that you stand and say, Latino Presente!
The Day you see me, is the day the chains of colonialism will be removed from your mind.
On that day, you will embrace the Tio that the family disowned,
On that day, I will sit with you and say,
You hurt me but I forgive you, and maybe,
Hopefully on that day, You will SEE ME!
On the day of the meeting, the set up of the room spoke to who had the floor. We were spread out and out of 150 participants, only four were identified as Afro-Latinos. If you ask me, the room was full with Black folks!!The race issue was addressed as a Diversity issue only to Latinos and African Americans. My seat was burning. In a very calm way, I stood up and shared, how can we plan on sitting with African American, when we Latinos, will not have our own internal conversation of how we do not even acknowledge the Afro descendent history or community in this space. I then got the, Oh, you where so clear and articulate when you spoke. Yes, again, we all know what that means. Needless to say, once again the words did not match the intent of creating an open dialogue that was truly inclusive.
A few other spaces stand out as I share these Reflections. We participated in writing workshop sponsored by the Bread Loaf Program. I was asked to share some of my poetry and the students and teachers share their words based on the theme chosen. The theme was DREAM. Roberto and I shared a piece and to my delight, 8-10 year olds and some older, Came up and responded to our pieces with their own poems. How fun was that, to hear what the words meant to them.
I always have fun doing workshops and presentations with youth. I do not get many opportunities to share the work and my love for sports. I was invited to do a workshop at the Tenacity Program which is a Tennis and literacy Program. One of the Counselors read the article in the BANNER and contacted me. The youth in the after school program read the article and prepared some questions. I did an opening activity to get a sense of who was in the room as it relates to race and identity. When doing the walk across the room activity, I ask a diversity of questions. This helps them see each other in a different light. One of the questions is, walk across if you are of African descent. One young girl did not. At the end of the workshop, she came up to me and shared that she enjoyed the presentation and that she was not upset with me because she does not like it when people,” tell me I am Black. I am Dominican.” Our time together opened something for her because when I went back to play tennis with them, she was so excited to see me. She began to share what she was thinking since she saw me and that she sees things differently.
This brings me to a space that I am most concerned about, our Public School system. I commend those who walk into this space on a daily basis who take very seriously the impact of their words on the development of our youth. I then need to say, the system itself is damaging our youth. How are we defining success? We are there to create a space for critical thinkers by offering them a variety of ways to look at the world. The racial tensions that exist within the schools, is because of the lack of racial and cultural equity in the schools. We cannot leave it up to the youth to have the answers if we are not even giving them to tools to find the questions. Our words, our guidance to have them find themselves, know themselves is crucial today. We have many youth who are getting to college and have yet to engage in a dialogue about self and identity.
Why is this all important? It is because the words of those who shaped us and continue to shape us, allow us to find new words to navigate our daily life.
We thank our parents and those who we come in contact with on a daily basis. If I have not said thanks in some time, Thank you. I have a very long list of the many men and women, yes men, who continue to inspire me. A recent radio interview made me realize how much I love Black men. Our relationship is intense and complicated but I have not given up. I am enjoying our daily visual of our relationship through the eyes of the President and the First Lady. It is a reminder to us and to all, how we love each other and how we touch each other. Yes, touch!
Today I salute one of the Beautiful Black men on my list. It is said very lightly that he is the Nelson Mandela of Panama. For me he is much more. He has taken his valuable time to share stories with me to give me guidance and pep talks. In my eyes, Mr. Richards, is humble in his presence but walks with a giant heart. His words have substance and wisdom. What I most enjoy about our Sunday conversations is how much hope he has in our generation and the ones to come. He has shared numerous times how we need to spend time with our youth and give them the tools to continue doing the work. I once asked him to share a moment that began all his work. He remembered a friend bringing back an Ebony Magazine. He was moved by the beautiful faces of all the brothers and sisters.
Mr. Richards’s words speak to our connection to each other. He said to me once, when I see a Black man and a Black woman, I treat them as a sister or a brother because we were separated and we never know who is before us.
Today on Dia de la Etnia Negra in Panama, I give thanks to him for his dedication and determination to have this day become a reality. Today with all of you, I say thanks for taking the time to See Me. Your words are an inspiration to rise up and face the challenges for the full inclusion of the Afro descendent voice.
I am product of many things and many people but I can now say I am a product of the words of Mr. Claral Richards. Our youth, our children, my niece, my nephews are us. How we interact with them does help them to be open and prepared to face the world. It’s funny, in pausing about what I have shared I can remember my mother’s words with such clarity because of the love in her voice.
Make your words land easy on the ears and last long on the heart. Thank you, Mr. Richards.
Peace
Yvette
Monday, June 1, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
PRONUNCIAMIENTO
21 DE MAYO 2009 - Día Nacional de la Afrocolombianidad
La población afrocolombiana representada en sus mujeres.
Exaltamos hoy las luchas de líderes y liderezas en sus procesos reivindicativos que desde tiempos ancestrales nos han permitido permanecer en la memoria histórica de un país que se resiste a entender la riqueza representada en la diversidad étnica.
Liberados de cadenas físicas y atados aun de carimbas mentales y sociales, elevemos nuestras voces de protesta en contra de:
· Los abusos constantes a la que son sometidos niños, jóvenes, mujeres, ancianos del pueblo afro.
· Desplazamientos masivos de territorios en los que nuestras mujeres son las victimas primarias.
Victimas de la violencia en sus diversas manifestaciones.
· Violación a los derechos étnicos de género y territoriales.
· Negación e invisibilización de aportes al engrandecimiento de una Nación plurietnica y multicultural.
· Las practicas discriminatorias y racistas que les niegan oportunidades de estudio, laborales y participativas en los espacios de toma de decisiones
· El olvido, la miseria en la que permanecen refundidos nuestros pueblos.
POR ESTO Y MUCHO MAS DECIMOS
BASTA YA…….
Exigimos
· Políticas publicas incluyentes y respetuosas de la diversidad étnica y cultural
· Cumplimiento de la normatividad vigente y tratados internacionales en contra del racismo, la discriminación y xenofobia.
· Planes de desarrollo estratégicos que contribuyan a la reivindicación de los pueblos y mejoramiento de la calidad de vida
· El enaltecimiento de aportes y visibilización.
POR UN FUTURO NEGRO, BRILLANTE Y
PROMETEDOR Y CONVENCIDAS QUE OTRA
COLOMBIA ES POSIBLE
ORGULLOSAMENTE: AFROCOLOMBIANAS
RED NACIONAL DE MUJERES AFROCOLOMBIANAS “KAMBIRÍ”
21 DE MAYO 2009 - Día Nacional de la Afrocolombianidad
La población afrocolombiana representada en sus mujeres.
Exaltamos hoy las luchas de líderes y liderezas en sus procesos reivindicativos que desde tiempos ancestrales nos han permitido permanecer en la memoria histórica de un país que se resiste a entender la riqueza representada en la diversidad étnica.
Liberados de cadenas físicas y atados aun de carimbas mentales y sociales, elevemos nuestras voces de protesta en contra de:
· Los abusos constantes a la que son sometidos niños, jóvenes, mujeres, ancianos del pueblo afro.
· Desplazamientos masivos de territorios en los que nuestras mujeres son las victimas primarias.
Victimas de la violencia en sus diversas manifestaciones.
· Violación a los derechos étnicos de género y territoriales.
· Negación e invisibilización de aportes al engrandecimiento de una Nación plurietnica y multicultural.
· Las practicas discriminatorias y racistas que les niegan oportunidades de estudio, laborales y participativas en los espacios de toma de decisiones
· El olvido, la miseria en la que permanecen refundidos nuestros pueblos.
POR ESTO Y MUCHO MAS DECIMOS
BASTA YA…….
Exigimos
· Políticas publicas incluyentes y respetuosas de la diversidad étnica y cultural
· Cumplimiento de la normatividad vigente y tratados internacionales en contra del racismo, la discriminación y xenofobia.
· Planes de desarrollo estratégicos que contribuyan a la reivindicación de los pueblos y mejoramiento de la calidad de vida
· El enaltecimiento de aportes y visibilización.
POR UN FUTURO NEGRO, BRILLANTE Y
PROMETEDOR Y CONVENCIDAS QUE OTRA
COLOMBIA ES POSIBLE
ORGULLOSAMENTE: AFROCOLOMBIANAS
RED NACIONAL DE MUJERES AFROCOLOMBIANAS “KAMBIRÍ”
Monday, February 2, 2009
Afro-latin American Women Unite to Change the World-Interview published in Vida Afrolatina
Q&A with Yvette Modestin by Nivia Binett-Carroll
Afro-Latin American Women Unite to Change the WorldPosted on www.VidaAfroLatina.com on January 31, 2009
A network of Afro-descendent women is working to transform the societies in which they live. The Network of Afro-Latin American, Afro-Caribbean and Diaspora Women (La Red de Mujeres Afrolatinoamericanas, Afrocaribeñas y de la Diàspora) is a space that fights against racism, sexism and poverty. Among the Network’s leadership is Yvette Modestin, a Panamanian activist living in Boston.
Modestin is also a leader of the African Disapora community in Boston, where she founded of Encuentro Diaspora Afro. This grassroots organization advances racial equity and social inclusion by mobilizing and empowering people of African descent through community education, training, dialogue, and by building cross-racial alliances. Modestin, a warrior for women and girls, recently took some time to talk to VidaAfroLatina.com about the Network and her life as an Afro-Panamanian activist.
VidaAfroLatina.com: Tell me about yourself:
Modestin: I am the middle child of three siblings, I was born and raised in Colón, Panama, and came to the United States to attend college. I am fortunate to have grown up in a very strong and loving environment which gave me the tools to deal with the racism I would face here. I knew racism in Panama, but my experiences in this country were different.
VidaAfroLatina.com: What is the Network of Afro-Latin American, Afro-Caribbean and Diaspora Women?
Modestin: It is an organization that helps to strengthen, support, empower and provide clarity and truth to Black women from Latin America the Caribbean and throughout the Diaspora. It has become my passion, my purpose.
VidaAfroLatina.com: What is your role in the organization?
Modestine: I am the regional coordinator for the United States and Canada. It was a position that fell in my lap and I ran with it. I network with colleagues from Nicaragua, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic and Honduras just to name a few. The goal is to shed light and attention on what is happening to women all over the world. Issues [include] land displacement, racism, sexism, HIV/AIDS, human rights and domestic violence.
VidaAfroLatina.com: What are some of the specific things that the organizations implements different than what is being offered by other organizations?
Modestine: Our entry point is different in addressing challenges faced by women of color, but through our workshops we take a holistic approach to address subject matters such as HIV/AIDS and domestic violence. Although our focus is to help women to reach collective success, there are times that we will also address the families and men in order to continue to have a global effect.
VidaAfroLatina.com: Where do you get funding?
Modestine: A lot or our work is done on a volunteer basis. We do receive support from the Inter-American Foundation. Projects are done in the different countries to address to issues of racism, sexism, and domestic violence. We gladly welcome women who have the same interests to join us in addressing these critically important issues. One of the areas that we would like to expand in 2009 is getting funding to continue to do our work and reach all of our sisters in different regions.
VidaAfroLatina.com: Where do you get your strength and energy from?
Modestin: I get my energy and strength from the spirit and words of my ancestors, from my mother’s spirit that shines so bright, and from the unconditional love and support of my father and family. Also, from the wisdom, knowledge and character of all of the wonderful women and men that I have met and worked with throughout this journey. Physical activities—I love to run no matter where I am—and yoga are also special interests of mine.
VidaAfroLatina.com: What are your feelings about President Obama, and how do you feel it will impact the Network?
Modestine: I am especially pleased that Obama has a strong Black woman at his side. Even though I wake up every day and hold my head up high, it was a held a little higher on Nov. 5. However, there are still many challenges that are present, we have not arrived yet. Until there is a vision of full justice and full inclusion, we need to continue to do our part. He cannot do it all.
For information on how you can become involved in La Red de Mujeres Afro, visit www.MujeresAfro.org and click on the Contactos page. There you will find contact information for leaders of La Red in the U.S., Nicaragua, Panama, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Brazil, Venezuela and several other countries.
Nivia Binett-Carroll is a bilingual holistic health practitioner and occupational therapist. She is the founder and owner of Excel Wellness & Rehab in Pembroke Pines, Fla. For more information, contact Binett-Carrol at nivia@excelwellnessnrehab.com or visit www.excelwellnessnrehab.com.
Afro-Latin American Women Unite to Change the WorldPosted on www.VidaAfroLatina.com on January 31, 2009
A network of Afro-descendent women is working to transform the societies in which they live. The Network of Afro-Latin American, Afro-Caribbean and Diaspora Women (La Red de Mujeres Afrolatinoamericanas, Afrocaribeñas y de la Diàspora) is a space that fights against racism, sexism and poverty. Among the Network’s leadership is Yvette Modestin, a Panamanian activist living in Boston.
Modestin is also a leader of the African Disapora community in Boston, where she founded of Encuentro Diaspora Afro. This grassroots organization advances racial equity and social inclusion by mobilizing and empowering people of African descent through community education, training, dialogue, and by building cross-racial alliances. Modestin, a warrior for women and girls, recently took some time to talk to VidaAfroLatina.com about the Network and her life as an Afro-Panamanian activist.
VidaAfroLatina.com: Tell me about yourself:
Modestin: I am the middle child of three siblings, I was born and raised in Colón, Panama, and came to the United States to attend college. I am fortunate to have grown up in a very strong and loving environment which gave me the tools to deal with the racism I would face here. I knew racism in Panama, but my experiences in this country were different.
VidaAfroLatina.com: What is the Network of Afro-Latin American, Afro-Caribbean and Diaspora Women?
Modestin: It is an organization that helps to strengthen, support, empower and provide clarity and truth to Black women from Latin America the Caribbean and throughout the Diaspora. It has become my passion, my purpose.
VidaAfroLatina.com: What is your role in the organization?
Modestine: I am the regional coordinator for the United States and Canada. It was a position that fell in my lap and I ran with it. I network with colleagues from Nicaragua, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic and Honduras just to name a few. The goal is to shed light and attention on what is happening to women all over the world. Issues [include] land displacement, racism, sexism, HIV/AIDS, human rights and domestic violence.
VidaAfroLatina.com: What are some of the specific things that the organizations implements different than what is being offered by other organizations?
Modestine: Our entry point is different in addressing challenges faced by women of color, but through our workshops we take a holistic approach to address subject matters such as HIV/AIDS and domestic violence. Although our focus is to help women to reach collective success, there are times that we will also address the families and men in order to continue to have a global effect.
VidaAfroLatina.com: Where do you get funding?
Modestine: A lot or our work is done on a volunteer basis. We do receive support from the Inter-American Foundation. Projects are done in the different countries to address to issues of racism, sexism, and domestic violence. We gladly welcome women who have the same interests to join us in addressing these critically important issues. One of the areas that we would like to expand in 2009 is getting funding to continue to do our work and reach all of our sisters in different regions.
VidaAfroLatina.com: Where do you get your strength and energy from?
Modestin: I get my energy and strength from the spirit and words of my ancestors, from my mother’s spirit that shines so bright, and from the unconditional love and support of my father and family. Also, from the wisdom, knowledge and character of all of the wonderful women and men that I have met and worked with throughout this journey. Physical activities—I love to run no matter where I am—and yoga are also special interests of mine.
VidaAfroLatina.com: What are your feelings about President Obama, and how do you feel it will impact the Network?
Modestine: I am especially pleased that Obama has a strong Black woman at his side. Even though I wake up every day and hold my head up high, it was a held a little higher on Nov. 5. However, there are still many challenges that are present, we have not arrived yet. Until there is a vision of full justice and full inclusion, we need to continue to do our part. He cannot do it all.
For information on how you can become involved in La Red de Mujeres Afro, visit www.MujeresAfro.org and click on the Contactos page. There you will find contact information for leaders of La Red in the U.S., Nicaragua, Panama, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Brazil, Venezuela and several other countries.
Nivia Binett-Carroll is a bilingual holistic health practitioner and occupational therapist. She is the founder and owner of Excel Wellness & Rehab in Pembroke Pines, Fla. For more information, contact Binett-Carrol at nivia@excelwellnessnrehab.com or visit www.excelwellnessnrehab.com.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Message from the Encuentro Diaspora Afro family
Greetings to All,
Happy New Year to all from the Encuentro Daispora Afro family. We entered the New Year with change in the air. This change is asking us to look inward, to be more open and to challenge ourselves to grow and expand. In working towards that goal, we would like to share the words of the Encuentro Daispora Afro family. These are heroes like Mr. Claral Richards,”the Nelson Mandela of Panama, my father, my 16 year old niece, our spiritual community, My cousin in Martinique, dear childhood friends, my sister and staff/advisors to the organization.
Our energy is strong from our new elected President and our thoughts are filled with possibilities.
We hope to continue to share and grow with you in 2009.
Peace and blessings,
Yvette
This is a very important and historic year. The election of Barack Obama to the Presidency of the United States, is a hugh pyschological boost for people of African descent around the world. It is inspiring to people who are still relegated to the bottom of humanity. Obama's election is an inspiration to become active politically and to fight for our god given rights as human beings. This year we must let our work be inspirational in helping those who are globally impacted by the social, political and economic policies of the greedy economic elites around the world. We must let our Ori (spiritual head of destiny) guide us and remember that Black is beautiful and Africa is still the center of the world.
Ase!
Tony van der Meer
Three Simple Words
I grew up in a family dominated by people of great ignorance who consistently said to the women in our family, no you can't. I have lived a life filled with struggles, achievements, choices and even failures that have screamed silently, yes I can! Today I am deeply moved by the historical significance of the election of Barak Obama. I am in awe of this inspiring individual and the massive fortitude of the one who stands behind him, Michelle Obama. As a woman, I am thankful that change has finally come to America and I am hopeful the world will someday follow in her footsteps. You see, the world's invisible majority desperately cries out for the very change that has come to America. It is the generations of voices whispering, yes I can, which has brought us to where we stand today. Still I wonder, how long before a woman of any color, be it white, black, red, or yellow, can be President of the United States of America? Someday future generations will know the words "yes we can" to include people of all races, color, gender, sexual orientation, and religion.
Usha B. Mayani
Dear Friend
We the African Panamanians are deeply satisfied and very happy for the great victory of our Brother Barack Obama. We cherish the opportunity to remind you that we are the same people; we were all brought in slave ships from different parts of West Africa by Europeans from Spain, England, France Portugal, The Netherlands ,who imposed upon African men, women and children their own languages. This fact doesn't make us different, It is time for us to unite in soul and mind in this Continent which we helped to build up for many centuries.
Mr. Claral Richards
Afro Panamanian Leader
La récente élection d'un Président Noir aux Etats - Unis, est indéniablement un évènement historique dans l'histoire de l'humanité et également une révolution culturelle et spirituelle, dans un pays dont l'histoire est marquée par les périodes sombres de l'esclavage, la ségrégation et la lutte pour les droits civiques.Je formule l'espoir que s'ensuivre, une modification des représentations mentales de l'homme noir à travers le monde pour combattre le racisme et les discriminations. Je formule aussi le voeu que nous puissions évoluer vers un monde de partage, d'amour et d'acceptation de l'autre avec ses différences. A bientôt, Jacqueline.
I do think that the fact America, that has experienced slavery, segregation and civil - right movement has been able to elect a Blackpresident ,is a major spiritual and cultural revolution. I do hope for a change in the mental representation of Black people throughout the world, to fight racism and discrimination . May that tremendous event brings a feeling of relief, recognition and pride in our soul forever!
Jacqueline Modestin
Martinique
As we enter a New Year and a new era, our struggles with the economy are even more challenging than before, but change is here. We must believe that we will overcome the obstacles before us. Our continued confidence in our nation and community will help us liberate our fear and build a better future for generations to come and the world.
Rhoda Johnson
Organization Advisor
As I watched and celebrated President Obama’s Inauguration, I watched my son’s face and the joy he expressed. At seven years old, he doesn't understand what it is to be a black man in America, Watching President Obama take that oath, he now has a future filled with lots of possibilities. I cried a lot during the Inaguration because they were members of my family who are no longer with us, that I would have loved to share this moment. The joy in my father’s voice was also a high point. Growing up in the Canal Zone under the Jim Crow law, he never thought he will see this day. He celebrated and saw hope for his grandchildren. Will President Obama’s presidency, end racism in America? Noooooooooooooooo. We as a people need to be honest about this and many other issues we are facing today and although we have made some progressive steps, we still have a longggggggggggggggggg way to go.
Michele McCray
sister
Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States at noon today. I never thought I would see a black President actually walk into the White House which was built by slaves, or even see a BLACK man run the country. Even through this could be the hardest job, I know that President Obama will change America. And I pray that he will be safe.
Chanel 16 years old
niece
America will once become a leader. We have come so far.
Felix Modestin
Father
Happy New Year to all from the Encuentro Daispora Afro family. We entered the New Year with change in the air. This change is asking us to look inward, to be more open and to challenge ourselves to grow and expand. In working towards that goal, we would like to share the words of the Encuentro Daispora Afro family. These are heroes like Mr. Claral Richards,”the Nelson Mandela of Panama, my father, my 16 year old niece, our spiritual community, My cousin in Martinique, dear childhood friends, my sister and staff/advisors to the organization.
Our energy is strong from our new elected President and our thoughts are filled with possibilities.
We hope to continue to share and grow with you in 2009.
Peace and blessings,
Yvette
This is a very important and historic year. The election of Barack Obama to the Presidency of the United States, is a hugh pyschological boost for people of African descent around the world. It is inspiring to people who are still relegated to the bottom of humanity. Obama's election is an inspiration to become active politically and to fight for our god given rights as human beings. This year we must let our work be inspirational in helping those who are globally impacted by the social, political and economic policies of the greedy economic elites around the world. We must let our Ori (spiritual head of destiny) guide us and remember that Black is beautiful and Africa is still the center of the world.
Ase!
Tony van der Meer
Three Simple Words
I grew up in a family dominated by people of great ignorance who consistently said to the women in our family, no you can't. I have lived a life filled with struggles, achievements, choices and even failures that have screamed silently, yes I can! Today I am deeply moved by the historical significance of the election of Barak Obama. I am in awe of this inspiring individual and the massive fortitude of the one who stands behind him, Michelle Obama. As a woman, I am thankful that change has finally come to America and I am hopeful the world will someday follow in her footsteps. You see, the world's invisible majority desperately cries out for the very change that has come to America. It is the generations of voices whispering, yes I can, which has brought us to where we stand today. Still I wonder, how long before a woman of any color, be it white, black, red, or yellow, can be President of the United States of America? Someday future generations will know the words "yes we can" to include people of all races, color, gender, sexual orientation, and religion.
Usha B. Mayani
Dear Friend
We the African Panamanians are deeply satisfied and very happy for the great victory of our Brother Barack Obama. We cherish the opportunity to remind you that we are the same people; we were all brought in slave ships from different parts of West Africa by Europeans from Spain, England, France Portugal, The Netherlands ,who imposed upon African men, women and children their own languages. This fact doesn't make us different, It is time for us to unite in soul and mind in this Continent which we helped to build up for many centuries.
Mr. Claral Richards
Afro Panamanian Leader
La récente élection d'un Président Noir aux Etats - Unis, est indéniablement un évènement historique dans l'histoire de l'humanité et également une révolution culturelle et spirituelle, dans un pays dont l'histoire est marquée par les périodes sombres de l'esclavage, la ségrégation et la lutte pour les droits civiques.Je formule l'espoir que s'ensuivre, une modification des représentations mentales de l'homme noir à travers le monde pour combattre le racisme et les discriminations. Je formule aussi le voeu que nous puissions évoluer vers un monde de partage, d'amour et d'acceptation de l'autre avec ses différences. A bientôt, Jacqueline.
I do think that the fact America, that has experienced slavery, segregation and civil - right movement has been able to elect a Blackpresident ,is a major spiritual and cultural revolution. I do hope for a change in the mental representation of Black people throughout the world, to fight racism and discrimination . May that tremendous event brings a feeling of relief, recognition and pride in our soul forever!
Jacqueline Modestin
Martinique
As we enter a New Year and a new era, our struggles with the economy are even more challenging than before, but change is here. We must believe that we will overcome the obstacles before us. Our continued confidence in our nation and community will help us liberate our fear and build a better future for generations to come and the world.
Rhoda Johnson
Organization Advisor
As I watched and celebrated President Obama’s Inauguration, I watched my son’s face and the joy he expressed. At seven years old, he doesn't understand what it is to be a black man in America, Watching President Obama take that oath, he now has a future filled with lots of possibilities. I cried a lot during the Inaguration because they were members of my family who are no longer with us, that I would have loved to share this moment. The joy in my father’s voice was also a high point. Growing up in the Canal Zone under the Jim Crow law, he never thought he will see this day. He celebrated and saw hope for his grandchildren. Will President Obama’s presidency, end racism in America? Noooooooooooooooo. We as a people need to be honest about this and many other issues we are facing today and although we have made some progressive steps, we still have a longggggggggggggggggg way to go.
Michele McCray
sister
Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States at noon today. I never thought I would see a black President actually walk into the White House which was built by slaves, or even see a BLACK man run the country. Even through this could be the hardest job, I know that President Obama will change America. And I pray that he will be safe.
Chanel 16 years old
niece
America will once become a leader. We have come so far.
Felix Modestin
Father
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