“We need more light about each other. Light creates understanding, understanding creates love, love creates patience and patience creates unity.” Malcolm X
Encuentro Diaspora Afro began this year with a message of hope and love. We heard from many in our family who shared these thoughts with you:
Happy New Year to all from the Encuentro Diaspora 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 Diaspora 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.
-Yvette
This is a very important and historic year. The election of Barack Obama to the Presidency of the United States is a hugh psychological 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
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
I pause today to look back at our Reflections for the year and ask, Did we have the movement that we hoped for? Was there love in our message? Was there an opportunity to love each other and our individual self without shame and did it bring us closer together?
My year began with a very spiritual trip to Belize where I wrote;
When the meeting began, I reached over to Dorotea the Netwok/Red General Coordinator to say, we may need to do an ice breaker. I then caught myself and said I am among Caribbean women the love comes out of our pores. There was never discomfort in the air. Once we shared our work the connection was made deeper than any ice breaker. Dorotea then said the energy around us is doing the work. We all looked over to the elegant movement of the waters.
As I do in any place I travel, I went for a run. This makes others nervous but I always feel safe, at times, safer than I do running in Boston Streets. Everyone greeted me with “good morning maam”. How loving, how comforting to know that there is still genuine love and respect among our people. These gestures reminded me of my own upbringing. I was not allowed to call anyone outside of my immediate friends, by their first name, it was either auntie or Ms or Mr.
After my run, I found some of the women in the waters for a morning dip. We did not worry about fancy bathing suits, or anything that would get in the way. It was about the pure pleasure of soaking in this warm refreshing water. What better cleansing of the spirit and the soul than this. I found myself going in fully clothed. We sat for an hour sharing stories about home and our Caribbean upbringing. This would then become our morning ritual. Our rooms were no more than 20 feet from the ocean. So with no hesitation, I fell asleep and woke up daily to the sounds and depth of Olokun.
We held onto this sense of community, of purpose as the year moved on. When I look back at the hope in my heart and in the eyes of the many youth that I came in touch with, I feel that the conversation that did need to happen on a larger scale did not. The level of racism that I saw, felt was like no other. It was not hidden. It was blunt. The question was and is, are we naming it? That theme led me through my next few Reflections.
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!
This was a defining moment for me. It validated that there is still so much work to do. It spoke to the need for the internal conversation going side by side with the external. But it is moments like these that I hold onto the words of the many people who inspire me and one in this reflection was Mr. Claral Richards.
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.
This year brought a great sense of clarity of my childhood and the role, the depth it has played in what I do on a daily basis. We mourned and celebrated Michael Jackson and my teacher, Mr. Phillip Henry. I began to see things differently and memories came to light.
As the year moved, we went further away from love, self-love and unity. My sadness came out during some major incidents. The response to this reflection was overwhelming because so many were impacted by the incidents. The part that stood out for most was,
We should not let this time pass us by without acknowledging the deep divide that exists in the Americas.
How do we mend our broken communities? How do we heal the deeply rooted history that lies within us? How do we build a community that cares for our youth and defends the humanity of our people? How do we create a space that speaks Truth?
We need to begin answering these questions if we hope to move as a people in the 21st Century. By beginning this dialogue, we give hope to those who are coming behind us and justice to those whose shoulders we stand on.
As we began to evaluate our direction, create new questions, in our following Reflection we wrote;
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, go home sit with your family and engage in these questions. Cry, laugh and hopefully begin the healing process within, then when you come out, Encuentro Diaspora Afro will be there to move, walk, hold you, in the process as a community. Embrace your Afro descent identity. Honor your family, your ancestors in all their shades.
This also applies to African Americans, Africans and our allies. This is a time for all to return home to reflect on our past to know how we can be a part of the healing process of our society.
By embracing your full self, you can then embrace your African American, Caribbean, African, brothers and sisters. We will then be a community that heals itself and removes the shackles from our mind and our feet.
I pause here to share one of my, aha moment, quote from Assata Shakur: “Our desire to be free has got to manifest itself in everything we are and do.”
We did not give up! Encuentro Diaspora Afro had the honor of hosting and participating in events and entering spaces that had fruitful, spiritual and moving dialogue. It gave hope and energy to keep moving forward.
I have always loved this quote by Che Guevarra:
Dejeme decirle, a riesgo de parecer ridiculo,
que el revolucionario verdadero esta guiado
por grandes sentimientos de amor.
Let me say, at the risk of sounding ridiculous,
that the true revolutionary is guided by feelings of love.
I began to understand it better this year on a many levels both professionally and personally. Love, Self-Love, Unity: you can choose your order. What I continue to learn is that if you have early examples of love, then some obstacles are less intense, holding each other is less difficult and seeing it when it is right in front of you becomes easier.
Such spaces as the Red de Mujeres Afro is built on this quote. No matter how strong our individual position in a discussion, the ultimate goal is the advancement of Afro descendent women.
The Ifa study group, were we learned the verses and discussed them as they related to our everyday life created a spiritual love. The constant message was the building of good character as individuals and as a community and gaining wisdom and knowledge from those who have come before us.
Other spaces include our Hispanic Heritage Month event where Artist/Activist Marcos Bellamy moved the crowd with his music and his strong presence. Marco said something in a presentation that has stayed with me. He said, “We should feel betrayed because the system has failed to tell our truth”.
This statement fits with the space that we see growth yet there is a stillness that does not allow us to truly love, self-love and create unity. The H.E.R. Project is a space that teaches us what our youth is really thinking. They are open and raw. At the end of each session we all walk out saying, they are loving a little more today because they are feeling a little safer and comfortable in their own skin.
They are still conversations to have. The Hair issue is an important one for many. The movie “Hair” caused strong reactions based on how much money women spend on weaves. What lacked in the dialogue was the deep damage that has been done to Black women to act and look a certain way. Our hair issues are not just OURS but of a society that is not ready to view us in our most natural form. At times, my natural hair, my Fro, makes me feel naked because I cannot hide behind anything.
Facilitating/guiding the Reflection writing workshop combined all these spaces. We spoke openly, wrote without fear and as one of the women shared, sat at the edge of our bed and had the most important conversation with ourselves. The energy in the room is something I will treasure for life. It was an affirmation that the pen can do wonders for our social and personal transformation.
With all these wonderful moments of the year, one that speaks very close to my heart, the one where there is love, self-love and unity has been reconnecting with dear childhood friends from Rainbow City and high school classmates.
As I shared earlier, I have gained a new sense of clarity of my childhood since reflecting without discomfort and sitting with them. I realize even more that my story is their story. We still have so much in common and by reconnecting we began to love each other as adults.
This space gave me LOVE, taught me SELF-LOVE and because of that, there is a UNITY among us that is indescribable. I know that no matter how far away we are from each other, all we have to say is, Rainbow City, Colon, CHS and we are there.
So as we close out 2009, I Reflect on that Love that I hold dear for my people, my community, all of you, that gives me the energy to still believe that we can make a difference.
May the light shine on you, to create the Unity that will lead us into 2010.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Reflection-Hispanic Heritage Month- Embracing all of you
Reflection- Hispanic Heritage Month- Embracing all of you
On this Hispanic Heritage Month, Encuentro Diaspora Afro would like to share our internal and external development and celebrate all of you during this time.
This has been an amazing gift that we continue to shape. The organization began as El Encuentro de Afro-Latinos in Boston but in my own internal and external growth and travels, I realized it was beyond that and bigger than that.
The word that stands out for us at this present moment is Equity.
We have celebrated Afro-Latino, Latino, Caribbean, African American culture in a variety of ways. We have engaged ourselves and the community on a deeper level. As we move forward, we find it necessary to reflect on our mission and vision. This is due in part, to what we have learned over the years that requires us to speak directly to the experience.
At the core of our presence, our need to keep moving, our development is Racial Equity. What does it mean to be a person of African descent in the 21st Century?
We recently began developing a new project where we will revisit the questions we posed when this all began when all I wanted was to bring people together. The intent is to add to those what we have seen, learned, and what we still see as unanswered questions.
To share a few:
Where do we get our message of Race?
How was it delivered to us?
How has it helped us or hurt us?
With the youth, we have seen that they are willing to engage but when the time arrives to go home and ask questions of family history, they get stuck. We learn that the message is so ingrained in them from their own families, that is, Latino good, Black bad, that they are confused and torn.
Sadly, this is causing a level of confusion to many Afro-Latino youth. To not walk across the room, as we have seen in our workshops, when asked if you are of African descent because you do not like being told you are Black, is painful to all.
Our experience has been the same among adults. We have met many from all walks of life and all different professions yet the conversation is the same, I still cannot talk about this at home. I have seen adults cry from the pain of their relationships with family members diminished because they have embraced their Blackness, have natural hair or brought a Black man/Black woman, Afro-Latino/a home to the family.
Our home shapes us. It was and is the space where words were first defined and attitudes shaped.
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, go home sit with your family and engage in these questions. Cry, laugh and hopefully begin the healing process within, then when you come out, Encuentro Diaspora Afro will be there to move, walk, hold you, in the process as a community. Embrace your Afro descent identity. Honor your family, your ancestors in all their shades.
This also applies to African Americans, Africans and our allies. This is a time for all to return home to reflect on our past to know how we can be a part of the healing process of our society.
By embracing your full self, you can then embrace your African American, Caribbean, African, brothers and sisters. We will then be a community that heals itself and removes the shackles from our mind and our feet.
I pause here to share one of my, aha moment, quote from Assata Shakur: “Our desire to be free has got to manifest itself in everything we are and do.”
On this Hispanic Heritage month the Encuentro Diaspora Afro ask that you Celebrate and Embrace all of you. Say loud and proud, Negro Latino Presente!!!!!By doing so, we will begin healing as individuals and as a community.
This year we have two events on October 14, 2009. We are excited to collaborate with Community Change Inc. and The Cultural Café for the Hispanic Heritage Month Event. Please join us for a Brown Bag discussion from 12- 1:30pm, Seperated by Slavery, Reunited at Verse, with Marcos “Sese” Bellamy. Marcos will also join us for an evening event from 6:30-9pm at the Cultural Café. Marcos will speak on his time in Venezuela and share his very powerful, powerful music. See attached flyers.
In Celebration of All of you,
Peace
Yvette
On this Hispanic Heritage Month, Encuentro Diaspora Afro would like to share our internal and external development and celebrate all of you during this time.
This has been an amazing gift that we continue to shape. The organization began as El Encuentro de Afro-Latinos in Boston but in my own internal and external growth and travels, I realized it was beyond that and bigger than that.
The word that stands out for us at this present moment is Equity.
We have celebrated Afro-Latino, Latino, Caribbean, African American culture in a variety of ways. We have engaged ourselves and the community on a deeper level. As we move forward, we find it necessary to reflect on our mission and vision. This is due in part, to what we have learned over the years that requires us to speak directly to the experience.
At the core of our presence, our need to keep moving, our development is Racial Equity. What does it mean to be a person of African descent in the 21st Century?
We recently began developing a new project where we will revisit the questions we posed when this all began when all I wanted was to bring people together. The intent is to add to those what we have seen, learned, and what we still see as unanswered questions.
To share a few:
Where do we get our message of Race?
How was it delivered to us?
How has it helped us or hurt us?
With the youth, we have seen that they are willing to engage but when the time arrives to go home and ask questions of family history, they get stuck. We learn that the message is so ingrained in them from their own families, that is, Latino good, Black bad, that they are confused and torn.
Sadly, this is causing a level of confusion to many Afro-Latino youth. To not walk across the room, as we have seen in our workshops, when asked if you are of African descent because you do not like being told you are Black, is painful to all.
Our experience has been the same among adults. We have met many from all walks of life and all different professions yet the conversation is the same, I still cannot talk about this at home. I have seen adults cry from the pain of their relationships with family members diminished because they have embraced their Blackness, have natural hair or brought a Black man/Black woman, Afro-Latino/a home to the family.
Our home shapes us. It was and is the space where words were first defined and attitudes shaped.
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, go home sit with your family and engage in these questions. Cry, laugh and hopefully begin the healing process within, then when you come out, Encuentro Diaspora Afro will be there to move, walk, hold you, in the process as a community. Embrace your Afro descent identity. Honor your family, your ancestors in all their shades.
This also applies to African Americans, Africans and our allies. This is a time for all to return home to reflect on our past to know how we can be a part of the healing process of our society.
By embracing your full self, you can then embrace your African American, Caribbean, African, brothers and sisters. We will then be a community that heals itself and removes the shackles from our mind and our feet.
I pause here to share one of my, aha moment, quote from Assata Shakur: “Our desire to be free has got to manifest itself in everything we are and do.”
On this Hispanic Heritage month the Encuentro Diaspora Afro ask that you Celebrate and Embrace all of you. Say loud and proud, Negro Latino Presente!!!!!By doing so, we will begin healing as individuals and as a community.
This year we have two events on October 14, 2009. We are excited to collaborate with Community Change Inc. and The Cultural Café for the Hispanic Heritage Month Event. Please join us for a Brown Bag discussion from 12- 1:30pm, Seperated by Slavery, Reunited at Verse, with Marcos “Sese” Bellamy. Marcos will also join us for an evening event from 6:30-9pm at the Cultural Café. Marcos will speak on his time in Venezuela and share his very powerful, powerful music. See attached flyers.
In Celebration of All of you,
Peace
Yvette
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Reflection- How do We Mend and heal our Communities?
Reflections- How do We Mend and heal our Communities?
I have been sitting with this Reflection for a few weeks. I have gone through different stages of emotions due to recent incidents that cause you to pause. This is a time of great analysis for a real dialogue on race in the Americas.
From the young Black campers, pool incident, the Prof. Gates arrest, to the President’s response, the atmosphere of urgency for this country to engage on the racial disparities that exist was front and center.
“Change the complexion of the pool” that was one of the statements made about the young black summer campers. This is 2009!!!!! I was so sad when I heard about this incident. My initial reaction was, at such a young age, they now know the meaning of “racism”. This incident will most likely stay with them. I saw a video of some of them speaking on their experience and it was clear that it has affected their self-esteem.
I commend Tyler Perry for celebrating the childhood of these young people by taking them to Disney World. It may seem trivial but it was good enough to bring them back to some level of their innocence.
Question- Why was this not on the front page for weeks? These are young children, our future and we want them to know that we feel their pain and that we will not tolerate such negative actions towards our, youth.
The Prof. Gates incident brought to the surface a myriad of concerns, discussion and revelations of who we are in 2009. Yes, this happened to Prof. Gates, Harvard Professor and it happens to many Black and Latino men on a daily basis.
African American and Latino men are at high rates in prison, some due to such incidents where they do not have the status of Prof. Gates and get the media coverage to get the charges dropped.
I know we have many opinions and positions on this one. I share these reflections for us to stop, pause and develop a dialogue. The Presidents response was that of someone who was a personal friend of the Prof. and a BLACK man in America.
I commend his response and yes, he apologized for the “stupidly” statement but his response was bigger and deeper, than that. Why did he have to explain himself to such length?
While attending a Red de Mujeres Afro meeting in the midst of this, many did not see the President’s response as an explanation but as an apology. Yes, an apology for those who cannot listen to the reality of what it means to be, BLACK in America.
To reflect on these incidents is also to reflect on the reality of the Canal Zone experience in Panama, where we lacked a racial dialogue.
Here it is, raw and blunt
BLACK
I am Black in America not the Black in the Canal Zone that was sheltered and not engaged in real dialogue.
The dialogue that speaks to my Rainbow City and your Margarita
The one where I went to your home and you hesitated to enter mine.
The Black in the Canal Zone that developed my internal power,
To the Black in America that follows me around the store.
The Black in the Canal Zone where my Father got a beating for taking a Banana from a White man’s tree, A BANANA!!
Black in America ask, show me your ID and you are guilty before being proven innocent and even after,
Black in the Canal Zone where it meant attending a segregated school, long after Brown vs Board of Education to Black in America where in 2009, young children cannot go swimming
Black in the Canal Zone donde yo soy la hija de Elicia y Felix to , quien es ella.
Yes, people, I have come to the true realization that Black as dark as it is, is still invisible in the Americas.
REMEMBER KATRINA
This is a time for unity amongst Afro descendents, Latinos and our allies. How do we take these incidents and build a space where we can truly listen to each other and even if you do not agree, I can tell my story in my words, from my eyes.
We should not let this time pass us by without acknowledging the deep divide that exists in the Americas.
How do we mend our broken communities? How do we heal the deeply rooted history that lies within us? How do we build a community that cares for our youth and defends the humanity of our people? How do we create a space that speaks Truth?
We need to begin answering these questions if we hope to move as a people in the 21st Century. By beginning this dialogue, we give hope to those who are coming behind us and justice to those whose shoulders we stand on.
peace
Yvette
I have been sitting with this Reflection for a few weeks. I have gone through different stages of emotions due to recent incidents that cause you to pause. This is a time of great analysis for a real dialogue on race in the Americas.
From the young Black campers, pool incident, the Prof. Gates arrest, to the President’s response, the atmosphere of urgency for this country to engage on the racial disparities that exist was front and center.
“Change the complexion of the pool” that was one of the statements made about the young black summer campers. This is 2009!!!!! I was so sad when I heard about this incident. My initial reaction was, at such a young age, they now know the meaning of “racism”. This incident will most likely stay with them. I saw a video of some of them speaking on their experience and it was clear that it has affected their self-esteem.
I commend Tyler Perry for celebrating the childhood of these young people by taking them to Disney World. It may seem trivial but it was good enough to bring them back to some level of their innocence.
Question- Why was this not on the front page for weeks? These are young children, our future and we want them to know that we feel their pain and that we will not tolerate such negative actions towards our, youth.
The Prof. Gates incident brought to the surface a myriad of concerns, discussion and revelations of who we are in 2009. Yes, this happened to Prof. Gates, Harvard Professor and it happens to many Black and Latino men on a daily basis.
African American and Latino men are at high rates in prison, some due to such incidents where they do not have the status of Prof. Gates and get the media coverage to get the charges dropped.
I know we have many opinions and positions on this one. I share these reflections for us to stop, pause and develop a dialogue. The Presidents response was that of someone who was a personal friend of the Prof. and a BLACK man in America.
I commend his response and yes, he apologized for the “stupidly” statement but his response was bigger and deeper, than that. Why did he have to explain himself to such length?
While attending a Red de Mujeres Afro meeting in the midst of this, many did not see the President’s response as an explanation but as an apology. Yes, an apology for those who cannot listen to the reality of what it means to be, BLACK in America.
To reflect on these incidents is also to reflect on the reality of the Canal Zone experience in Panama, where we lacked a racial dialogue.
Here it is, raw and blunt
BLACK
I am Black in America not the Black in the Canal Zone that was sheltered and not engaged in real dialogue.
The dialogue that speaks to my Rainbow City and your Margarita
The one where I went to your home and you hesitated to enter mine.
The Black in the Canal Zone that developed my internal power,
To the Black in America that follows me around the store.
The Black in the Canal Zone where my Father got a beating for taking a Banana from a White man’s tree, A BANANA!!
Black in America ask, show me your ID and you are guilty before being proven innocent and even after,
Black in the Canal Zone where it meant attending a segregated school, long after Brown vs Board of Education to Black in America where in 2009, young children cannot go swimming
Black in the Canal Zone donde yo soy la hija de Elicia y Felix to , quien es ella.
Yes, people, I have come to the true realization that Black as dark as it is, is still invisible in the Americas.
REMEMBER KATRINA
This is a time for unity amongst Afro descendents, Latinos and our allies. How do we take these incidents and build a space where we can truly listen to each other and even if you do not agree, I can tell my story in my words, from my eyes.
We should not let this time pass us by without acknowledging the deep divide that exists in the Americas.
How do we mend our broken communities? How do we heal the deeply rooted history that lies within us? How do we build a community that cares for our youth and defends the humanity of our people? How do we create a space that speaks Truth?
We need to begin answering these questions if we hope to move as a people in the 21st Century. By beginning this dialogue, we give hope to those who are coming behind us and justice to those whose shoulders we stand on.
peace
Yvette
Monday, July 6, 2009
Reflection- A Celebration of my childhood; In Memory of my teacher, Mr. Henry
Reflections- A Celebration of my Childhood; In Memory of my Teacher, Mr. Henry
My childhood memories have been very present in my thoughts for the past week. This is mostly due to the mourning on a global scale of the passing of Michael Jackson and on a personal profound scale of my teacher, Mr. Henry.
The news of Michael’s death really moved me. It has been some time, since I celebrated and danced to his music without some reservation. This reservation was due in part to his many legal troubles and his external struggle with his identity.
His passing took me immediately to the place of celebrating this man that made us dance, scream, cry and change our entire wardrobe. Yes, I did and I have pictures to proof it!! The news made me realize that there was no one outside of my family or community that I wanted to be like, more than the Rock with you, Michael Jackson. That in itself is a huge revelation.
For the child in Panama, the Jackson family was royalty. Michael was the artist who transcended race. You could not help to move to his music, no matter what color you were or what part of the world you lived in.
I am not dismissing his public contradictions but would like to focus on the first time you heard Ben or your first attempt at memorizing the Thriller video. How you smiled when you danced to Remember the time.
I knew my adoration was not only a product of my imagination when my father called me to see if I was ok. My father brought us to the US for the Victory Tour at the Meadowlands. He remembered how much I cried from the excitement. My sister and brother remember my screaming. Later that evening, my niece called me to see how I was doing and she could not comprehend the level of my sadness. It was difficult to explain how I had a story to what I was doing when I heard Michael’s songs.
All in all, I mourn Michael’s sudden and tragic death and I celebrate the video of my childhood with his music as the background.
Very similar to the impact of Michael’s passing was the news of my teacher, Mr. Henry. Mr. Henry was dear to me not only in the classroom but in the community. As I have gained clarity on the impact of segregation within the Canal Zone, Mr. Henry was very much a part of my fluid transition.
He was part of Rainbow City. He understood us because he was us. He was a daily reminder of how important it was for us to succeed in this environment.
Mr. Henry also went beyond us by having an impact on all his students at CHS. This week we all had a story, from his smile, to his pens, his driving and his dedication. Bless him for all the time he spent with me on Math.
A few years back I was able to say, Thank you directly to him. Today, I share him with you and thank him for his lasting impact on so many of us. I thank him for being a teacher beyond the classroom.
Before closing, I reflect back on my recent Reflection where I shared that I am a product of many people. My childhood memories continue to answer, why I do what I do and why I have chosen this path. Today the woman in the mirror is a product of Michael Jackson’s great music and the simple joy of dancing and of Mr. Henry who defined commitment to his profession and to his students.
May they rest in Peace. Alaafia
My childhood memories have been very present in my thoughts for the past week. This is mostly due to the mourning on a global scale of the passing of Michael Jackson and on a personal profound scale of my teacher, Mr. Henry.
The news of Michael’s death really moved me. It has been some time, since I celebrated and danced to his music without some reservation. This reservation was due in part to his many legal troubles and his external struggle with his identity.
His passing took me immediately to the place of celebrating this man that made us dance, scream, cry and change our entire wardrobe. Yes, I did and I have pictures to proof it!! The news made me realize that there was no one outside of my family or community that I wanted to be like, more than the Rock with you, Michael Jackson. That in itself is a huge revelation.
For the child in Panama, the Jackson family was royalty. Michael was the artist who transcended race. You could not help to move to his music, no matter what color you were or what part of the world you lived in.
I am not dismissing his public contradictions but would like to focus on the first time you heard Ben or your first attempt at memorizing the Thriller video. How you smiled when you danced to Remember the time.
I knew my adoration was not only a product of my imagination when my father called me to see if I was ok. My father brought us to the US for the Victory Tour at the Meadowlands. He remembered how much I cried from the excitement. My sister and brother remember my screaming. Later that evening, my niece called me to see how I was doing and she could not comprehend the level of my sadness. It was difficult to explain how I had a story to what I was doing when I heard Michael’s songs.
All in all, I mourn Michael’s sudden and tragic death and I celebrate the video of my childhood with his music as the background.
Very similar to the impact of Michael’s passing was the news of my teacher, Mr. Henry. Mr. Henry was dear to me not only in the classroom but in the community. As I have gained clarity on the impact of segregation within the Canal Zone, Mr. Henry was very much a part of my fluid transition.
He was part of Rainbow City. He understood us because he was us. He was a daily reminder of how important it was for us to succeed in this environment.
Mr. Henry also went beyond us by having an impact on all his students at CHS. This week we all had a story, from his smile, to his pens, his driving and his dedication. Bless him for all the time he spent with me on Math.
A few years back I was able to say, Thank you directly to him. Today, I share him with you and thank him for his lasting impact on so many of us. I thank him for being a teacher beyond the classroom.
Before closing, I reflect back on my recent Reflection where I shared that I am a product of many people. My childhood memories continue to answer, why I do what I do and why I have chosen this path. Today the woman in the mirror is a product of Michael Jackson’s great music and the simple joy of dancing and of Mr. Henry who defined commitment to his profession and to his students.
May they rest in Peace. Alaafia
Monday, June 1, 2009
Reflections- Our Words- A Salute to Mr. Claral Richards
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
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
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
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Reflection of the Network of Afro descendent Women Meeting in Belize-September 2008
Reflection of the Network of Afro descendent Women Meeting in Belize
September 2008
To my Jamaican grandfather
Se Alaafia ni,
In continuing the Encuentro Diaspora Afro and Network of Afro descendent Women/Red de Mujeres Afro tradition, I share with you our most recent trip to Belize. These Reflections are written in the spirit of sharing and bridging. This one comes to you during the month of Hispanic Heritage Month where the Afro-Latino voice is greatly excluded in this society. As Christopher Rodriguez wrote recently, “I want to encourage Afro-Latinos to think about what will be your contribution to the education of our people, and serve as a bridge to Latinos and African Americans and highlight the commonalities of our legacies in the US and the rest of the Americas.”
Belize is the Central American country with a Caribbean twist!!It may sound cliché to say this again but Belize felt like home. It is so amazing even to me, to see how we truly are connected. I arrived to the International Airport and had to take a small charter to my final destination, Dandriga. I felt everything on this small charter. I thought I was brave at the beginning in enjoying the scenery then I found myself closing my eyes and chanting to Yemaya as we flew over this open space of beautiful ocean water.
Dandriga is the district capital and the cultural center of the Garifuna people (of Ameridian and African ancestry).The population is mostly a mixture of Garifuna and Kriol. The Kriol/Caribbean presence is seen and strongly felt in the sound of the people.
We were welcomed by our wonderful host and a woman I truly admire. Ms.Phyllis Cayetano is a vision of strength, grace and commitment. To be around her is to feel empowered and at peace. There is such clarity in her purpose. This trip was to bring more women from Belize into the Network/Red de Mujeres Afro. It was an opportunity for the women from Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and the Diaspora to share their common Caribbean roots. This was the first meeting/workshops held completely in English or I will also add, Kriol, in Central America.
The Pelican Beach Resort was nature’s full expression of LOVE. The landscape made everything fall together. The palm trees move in a dance. The trees and the water made us feel that all our troubles and worries were going to be lifted by the natural blessings of this land.
When the meeting began, I reached over to Dorotea the Netwok/Red General Coordinator to say, we may need to do an ice breaker. I then caught myself and said I am among Caribbean women, the love comes out of our pores. There was never discomfort in the air. Once we shared our work the connection was made deeper than any ice breaker. Dorotea then said the energy around us is doing the work. We all looked over to the elegant movement of the waters.
As I do in any place I travel, I went for a run. This makes others nervous but I always feel safe, at times, safer than I do running in Boston Streets. Everyone greeted me with “good morning maam”. How loving, how comforting to know that there is still genuine love and respect among our people. These gestures reminded me of my own upbringing. I was not allowed to call anyone outside of my immediate friends, by their first name, it was either auntie or Ms or Mr.
After my run, I found some of the women in the waters for a morning dip. We did not worry about fancy bathing suits, or anything that would get in the way. It was about the pure pleasure of soaking in this warm refreshing water. What better cleansing of the spirit and the soul than this. I found myself going in fully clothed. We sat for an hour sharing stories about home and our Caribbean upbringing. This would then become our morning ritual. Our rooms were no more than 20 feet from the ocean. So with no hesitation, I fell asleep and woke up daily to the sounds and depth of Olokun.
The first day began with breakfast at Ms.Phyllis’s and Mr. Roy’s home. It was a true Kriol, Garifuna breakfast. Fish, casaba bread and the best mango juice, EVER! Belize was hot, that Caribbean heat where every takes its own form including my “fro”.
I found myself finding a comfort both inside and out. The Kriol words made me feel grounded. I did not have to pretend to “yank” as we called it at home because my tongue was a sound of pride. This brought back memories of being told, we need to speak proper English when the gringo was around. This was a point of fascination and education. How the people of Dangriga, Belize found pride in this language not only spoken but written.
The meetings and workshops fed our intellectual spirit. You gather new creative ways to do the work with Black women. How the program POWA, which Michele is very involved in, distributes condoms in the community. How generations pass down the language, dance of the Garifuna and Kriol community.
It also feeds your spiritual soul. You feel at peace with yourself, your purpose in life and your direction.
We did not spend time on why we are connected, what we gain from being a part of the Red. This goes beyond any material gain. It all makes sense because we are Black women and that is our common thread. As I shared in the Diaspora presentation, Black women are under attack now and have always been. When we are articulate, intelligent and strong we get categorized as aggressive and hard. In these meetings, we take care of each other and empower each other to be true to self.
The workshops were highlighted with such issues as HIV/AIDS, sex education, reproductive justice, identity, leadership development , politics and cultural awareness. The presenter for Belize was Ms Flores who is a legend in Dandriga and Belize for her work in the community and the empowerment of women. She moves with such wisdom and knowledge. When she began to speak the room became silent as we all took in her every word. She spoke of the importance of getting the youth involved, the need for women to work together and the ups and downs of getting involved in politics. Ms. Flores spoke of her spiritual work. She shared,” We are spiritual beings, we cannot divorce ourselves from the spirit. We need to exhibit selflessness for the well being of our organizations. We need to be enlightened to get clarity in seeking something deeper.”
Ingrid from Costa Rica shared how the organization Projecto Caribe gets people from Limon involved in land and rights issues. One historical point that she shared was there was a time when people from Limon who are predominantly Black, could not travel outside of this area.
Zada did the Nicaraguan presentation. She spoke of the fairly new project she directs called OMAN in the Coastal community of Bluefields. Areas of focus are poverty and marginalization. Trainings and presentations are done on history, identity and gender. They currently have a girl’s project that has a weekly radio program.
The meeting/workshops ended with songs and dances from a Local Garifuna group and some songs and storytelling of the Kriol culture from Ms. Mryna. I asked Ms. Phyllis to share the name and history of these dances. The first dance was the ‘Hungu-hungu’ - semi-sacred, used in rituals and semi-formal occasions, memorials for the ancestors. The second one was the 'Combination' - using the 'hungu-hungu' along with the 'punta' which is a type of courtship dance sensuous, fast paced and very energetic. They also did the Chumba - a mime dance in which they depicted the every daily activities of our people such as fishing, farming, pain. The big item was the Juanaragua / John Kunu which is a dance done mainly during the Xmas season and which depicts the strides and struts of the 'Master' as he ruled on the plantation. This dance is done by males only though of late a few young women have been getting in to it as well. The pink and green ribbons are used for Xmas Day but on New Year's Day they use black ribbons.
The Kriol celebration of the evening came from Ms Mryna who told Caribbean tales through song. She is a member of the Kriol Council who works to retain the Kriol culture in Belize. One night at dinner, Ms. Myrna began singing Caribbean songs. One of the songs she sang we all knew and I loved when I was young girl in Rainbow city. It went, brown girl in the ring cha la la la la, brown girl in the ring cha la la lal la,she look like a sugar in a plum.
We took a trip to Hopkins, a Garifuna community known for its fishing and citrus landscape. Our host was Ms. Phyllis’s brother and sister-in-law. The meal was cooked by Terese one of the women from the Belfuna Project. Belfuna is a group that brings together women who are Belizian and Garifuna to create economic opportunities and empower women in the community. They have been around for fifteen years.They recently received funding to build a space where they will cook and do cultural activities.
We made another stop while on a driving deeper into Hopkins to look at items being sold by a group of Mayan women. They spoke Kriol were from Big Falls. This was another high point of education because I expected them to speak Spanish and they only spoke Mayan and Kriol.
I had the opportunity to engage in a longer conversation with Mr. Roy who is considered an expert of Garifuna culture but also has extensive knowledge of the Kriol culture and issues of race and identity for Afrodescendents.
Our last evening in Dandriga, was spent at the Cultural Sunday celebration. It is a way for the community to celebrate through dance, spoken work, Punta Rock and empower young people to get involved in the arts.
Before arriving to Belize, I had already felt a connection through the sounds of Andy Palacio. Now I was given the opportunity to see this community and I have fallen in love with the beauty of the Belizian people. Since returning, I find myself moving to the silence of the early morning.
I hope you all take the time to learn more about Belize and that we use not only this month but every chance we get to share and celebrate our rich history.
Peace
Yvette
Learn more about the Network/Red de Mujeres Afrolatinoamericanas, Afrocaribenas y de la Diaspora at www.mujeresafro.org
Learn more about Encuentro Diaspora Afro at http:// www.northnode.org/encuentro.htm and coming soon www.diasporaafro.org.
September 2008
To my Jamaican grandfather
Se Alaafia ni,
In continuing the Encuentro Diaspora Afro and Network of Afro descendent Women/Red de Mujeres Afro tradition, I share with you our most recent trip to Belize. These Reflections are written in the spirit of sharing and bridging. This one comes to you during the month of Hispanic Heritage Month where the Afro-Latino voice is greatly excluded in this society. As Christopher Rodriguez wrote recently, “I want to encourage Afro-Latinos to think about what will be your contribution to the education of our people, and serve as a bridge to Latinos and African Americans and highlight the commonalities of our legacies in the US and the rest of the Americas.”
Belize is the Central American country with a Caribbean twist!!It may sound cliché to say this again but Belize felt like home. It is so amazing even to me, to see how we truly are connected. I arrived to the International Airport and had to take a small charter to my final destination, Dandriga. I felt everything on this small charter. I thought I was brave at the beginning in enjoying the scenery then I found myself closing my eyes and chanting to Yemaya as we flew over this open space of beautiful ocean water.
Dandriga is the district capital and the cultural center of the Garifuna people (of Ameridian and African ancestry).The population is mostly a mixture of Garifuna and Kriol. The Kriol/Caribbean presence is seen and strongly felt in the sound of the people.
We were welcomed by our wonderful host and a woman I truly admire. Ms.Phyllis Cayetano is a vision of strength, grace and commitment. To be around her is to feel empowered and at peace. There is such clarity in her purpose. This trip was to bring more women from Belize into the Network/Red de Mujeres Afro. It was an opportunity for the women from Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and the Diaspora to share their common Caribbean roots. This was the first meeting/workshops held completely in English or I will also add, Kriol, in Central America.
The Pelican Beach Resort was nature’s full expression of LOVE. The landscape made everything fall together. The palm trees move in a dance. The trees and the water made us feel that all our troubles and worries were going to be lifted by the natural blessings of this land.
When the meeting began, I reached over to Dorotea the Netwok/Red General Coordinator to say, we may need to do an ice breaker. I then caught myself and said I am among Caribbean women, the love comes out of our pores. There was never discomfort in the air. Once we shared our work the connection was made deeper than any ice breaker. Dorotea then said the energy around us is doing the work. We all looked over to the elegant movement of the waters.
As I do in any place I travel, I went for a run. This makes others nervous but I always feel safe, at times, safer than I do running in Boston Streets. Everyone greeted me with “good morning maam”. How loving, how comforting to know that there is still genuine love and respect among our people. These gestures reminded me of my own upbringing. I was not allowed to call anyone outside of my immediate friends, by their first name, it was either auntie or Ms or Mr.
After my run, I found some of the women in the waters for a morning dip. We did not worry about fancy bathing suits, or anything that would get in the way. It was about the pure pleasure of soaking in this warm refreshing water. What better cleansing of the spirit and the soul than this. I found myself going in fully clothed. We sat for an hour sharing stories about home and our Caribbean upbringing. This would then become our morning ritual. Our rooms were no more than 20 feet from the ocean. So with no hesitation, I fell asleep and woke up daily to the sounds and depth of Olokun.
The first day began with breakfast at Ms.Phyllis’s and Mr. Roy’s home. It was a true Kriol, Garifuna breakfast. Fish, casaba bread and the best mango juice, EVER! Belize was hot, that Caribbean heat where every takes its own form including my “fro”.
I found myself finding a comfort both inside and out. The Kriol words made me feel grounded. I did not have to pretend to “yank” as we called it at home because my tongue was a sound of pride. This brought back memories of being told, we need to speak proper English when the gringo was around. This was a point of fascination and education. How the people of Dangriga, Belize found pride in this language not only spoken but written.
The meetings and workshops fed our intellectual spirit. You gather new creative ways to do the work with Black women. How the program POWA, which Michele is very involved in, distributes condoms in the community. How generations pass down the language, dance of the Garifuna and Kriol community.
It also feeds your spiritual soul. You feel at peace with yourself, your purpose in life and your direction.
We did not spend time on why we are connected, what we gain from being a part of the Red. This goes beyond any material gain. It all makes sense because we are Black women and that is our common thread. As I shared in the Diaspora presentation, Black women are under attack now and have always been. When we are articulate, intelligent and strong we get categorized as aggressive and hard. In these meetings, we take care of each other and empower each other to be true to self.
The workshops were highlighted with such issues as HIV/AIDS, sex education, reproductive justice, identity, leadership development , politics and cultural awareness. The presenter for Belize was Ms Flores who is a legend in Dandriga and Belize for her work in the community and the empowerment of women. She moves with such wisdom and knowledge. When she began to speak the room became silent as we all took in her every word. She spoke of the importance of getting the youth involved, the need for women to work together and the ups and downs of getting involved in politics. Ms. Flores spoke of her spiritual work. She shared,” We are spiritual beings, we cannot divorce ourselves from the spirit. We need to exhibit selflessness for the well being of our organizations. We need to be enlightened to get clarity in seeking something deeper.”
Ingrid from Costa Rica shared how the organization Projecto Caribe gets people from Limon involved in land and rights issues. One historical point that she shared was there was a time when people from Limon who are predominantly Black, could not travel outside of this area.
Zada did the Nicaraguan presentation. She spoke of the fairly new project she directs called OMAN in the Coastal community of Bluefields. Areas of focus are poverty and marginalization. Trainings and presentations are done on history, identity and gender. They currently have a girl’s project that has a weekly radio program.
The meeting/workshops ended with songs and dances from a Local Garifuna group and some songs and storytelling of the Kriol culture from Ms. Mryna. I asked Ms. Phyllis to share the name and history of these dances. The first dance was the ‘Hungu-hungu’ - semi-sacred, used in rituals and semi-formal occasions, memorials for the ancestors. The second one was the 'Combination' - using the 'hungu-hungu' along with the 'punta' which is a type of courtship dance sensuous, fast paced and very energetic. They also did the Chumba - a mime dance in which they depicted the every daily activities of our people such as fishing, farming, pain. The big item was the Juanaragua / John Kunu which is a dance done mainly during the Xmas season and which depicts the strides and struts of the 'Master' as he ruled on the plantation. This dance is done by males only though of late a few young women have been getting in to it as well. The pink and green ribbons are used for Xmas Day but on New Year's Day they use black ribbons.
The Kriol celebration of the evening came from Ms Mryna who told Caribbean tales through song. She is a member of the Kriol Council who works to retain the Kriol culture in Belize. One night at dinner, Ms. Myrna began singing Caribbean songs. One of the songs she sang we all knew and I loved when I was young girl in Rainbow city. It went, brown girl in the ring cha la la la la, brown girl in the ring cha la la lal la,she look like a sugar in a plum.
We took a trip to Hopkins, a Garifuna community known for its fishing and citrus landscape. Our host was Ms. Phyllis’s brother and sister-in-law. The meal was cooked by Terese one of the women from the Belfuna Project. Belfuna is a group that brings together women who are Belizian and Garifuna to create economic opportunities and empower women in the community. They have been around for fifteen years.They recently received funding to build a space where they will cook and do cultural activities.
We made another stop while on a driving deeper into Hopkins to look at items being sold by a group of Mayan women. They spoke Kriol were from Big Falls. This was another high point of education because I expected them to speak Spanish and they only spoke Mayan and Kriol.
I had the opportunity to engage in a longer conversation with Mr. Roy who is considered an expert of Garifuna culture but also has extensive knowledge of the Kriol culture and issues of race and identity for Afrodescendents.
Our last evening in Dandriga, was spent at the Cultural Sunday celebration. It is a way for the community to celebrate through dance, spoken work, Punta Rock and empower young people to get involved in the arts.
Before arriving to Belize, I had already felt a connection through the sounds of Andy Palacio. Now I was given the opportunity to see this community and I have fallen in love with the beauty of the Belizian people. Since returning, I find myself moving to the silence of the early morning.
I hope you all take the time to learn more about Belize and that we use not only this month but every chance we get to share and celebrate our rich history.
Peace
Yvette
Learn more about the Network/Red de Mujeres Afrolatinoamericanas, Afrocaribenas y de la Diaspora at www.mujeresafro.org
Learn more about Encuentro Diaspora Afro at http:// www.northnode.org/encuentro.htm and coming soon www.diasporaafro.org.
Reflexiones acerca del tour de Liderazgo de Afro-Latina
Reflexiones acerca del Tour de Liderazgo de Afro-Latina
Marzo 2008
Saludos a todos, E Kaabo,
Escribo estas reflexiones con el deseo de compartir este viaje con la comunidad, con familia y amigos; para poder así llamar su atención hacia el trabajo realizado por las líderes Afro-Latinas y para enfatizar las semejanzas con las personas de descendencia africana.
Este fue el tercer año de las “Mujeres de Poder” –una serie sobre liderazgo de Afro-Latina dirigida por el Caribbean Cultural Center y GALCI. El tour empezó con las mujeres en Nueva York y luego se encaminó a Boston en donde Encuentro Diáspora Afro fue el anfitrión del evento en colaboración con AFAB que ofreció un almuerzo y, con El Instituto de Liderazgo y Cambio de Simmons College que realizó un evento tipo panel. La familia de Encuentro se conmovió al escuchar las palabras y la dedicación de Sonia Pierre de la República Dominicana y Maricruz Rivera Clemente de Puerto Rico.
Aunque este fue un tour centrado en Afro-Latina, me gustaría dedicar esta reflexión tanto a los hombres como a las mujeres que continúan apoyándome y guiándome y también a aquellas personas que conocí durante este viaje. Para los hombres Afro que se atreven a pararse junto con nosotras, mucho amor.
Mi primera parte del tour empezó con un e-mail de un amigo, mentor y hermano en la lucha; él me escribió diciéndome que en hacer este viaje, hacer un par de amigos y hablar con una voz de amor para nuestra gente. Al regresar de el viaje, recibí un e-mail del Sr. Claral Richards, quien es una inspiración para mí. Él me mando este proverbio, “Cuando alguien comparte algo de valor contigo y tu te beneficias, tienes la obligación moral de compartirlo con otras personas” (Proverbio Chino). Lo que ellos dos me dijeron llevó a que mis sentimientos retornaran a un punto de partida y me llevaron a embarcarme en otro peregrinaje sobre de la realidad de ser afro en el mundo.
Somos UNO.
Este año durante el tour, pude recordarme del peso que cargamos como gente afro y como mujeres. ¿Cómo remendamos nuestro mundo roto?
El fin de semana anterior al tour había asistido a una conferencia Ifa Divination. Había salido de allí sintiendo la importancia de aceptar, abrazar todo lo que somos. Para nosotros es importante aprender sobre nosotros mismos y hablar por nosotros mismos. Al hacer esto honramos a nuestros ancestros.
Estas mujeres no hacen este trabajo para que las celebren. De muchas maneras el poder interno que arde dentro de ellas es más fuerte que el poder externo de las posiciones y títulos que puedan llevar. Ese fuego interior es la base del porqué ellas, y yo, hacemos lo que hacemos. En este tour compartimos el trabajo que hacemos en nuestras comunidades. Hablé sobre el trabajo que hago en Boston, de cómo veo a mi propia patria de Panamá y resalté el trabajo de la Red de Mujeres Afrolatinoamericans, Afrocaribeñas y de la Diaspora.
Empicio diciéndole a todos, que necesitamos involucrarnos en lo que le está pasando a los Haitianos en la República Dominicana. Lo que está sucediendo allí no se trata solamente de Haitianos o de Dominicanos, se trata de gente Afro. Sonia Pierre con su humilde presencia confirmó que amar a nuestra gente es luchar por nuestra gente. “Esto se trata de derechos humanos”, fue lo que repitió en cada presentación. El negar cuidado médico, educación, el ser eliminado de archivos como si nunca hubieses nacido, el ser negado ciudadanía basándose en el color de tu piel, son cosas que no debieran de estar pasando en el siglo XXI.
La primera parada para nosotros tres fue Chicago. La presentación de Chicago se llevó a cabo en el Southwest Youth Collaborative en colaboración con el Egan Urban Center en Depaul University. Este evento tuvo una presencia juvenil fuerte. Después de escuchar a algunos de ellos y mirarles a los ojos, salimos de allí sintiéndonos muy confiados en su habilidad para llevar esta información a la comunidad. Un joven despertó a la vida cuando habló Sonia. Él también era de ascendencia Haitiana. Al final del panel se acercó a nosotros y nos abrazó. Fue un tipo de abrazo que dijo, “gracias por ver mi humanidad”.
Muchos de nosotros hemos oído algo sobre Sonia Pierre pero lo que muchos de nosotros no hemos escuchado es que su trabajo viene con todo y amenazas hacia ella y hacia su familia. En su lenguaje corporal se puede ver cómo estas preguntas la impulsan y mueven. ¿Cómo no vas a pararte y decir, ¡SUFICIENTE!? ¿Qué haces después de escuchar que jóvenes mueren sofocados al ser traficados para trabajar en los campos? Una pregunta que le hicieron a Sonia en todas las presentaciones fue referente a la Responsabilidad de los Dominicanos que están tanto adentro como fuera del país, de dirigirse a este tema. ¿Debieran David Ortiz, Sammy Sosa, por nombrar unos cuantos, hablar de lo que está pasando? Sonia respondió que sí, entendiendo el riesgo pero yendo más allá y diciendo, “Derechos Humanos”.
Política, economía, preservación de la tierra, fueron incluidos en el mensaje de Maricruz Rivera Clemente de Loiza, Piñones en Puerto Rico. El mensaje de Maricruz se refirió a la importancia de nuestra participación en la política, sobre la necesidad de apoyar el crecimiento económico en nuestras comunidades y sobre la necesidad de proteger la riqueza de nuestra tierra. Su mensaje hizo eco para muchos. ¿Qué pasa cuando la urbanización en nuestras comunidades comienza con nosotros y termina con desplazamiento? Esto es lo que llamamos gentrificación.
Sonia no pudo unirse a nosotros en el viaje a Nueva Orleáns. Sonia, muchas gracias por tu firme compromiso con nuestra gente.
Maricruz y yo nos quedamos varadas en el aeropuerto de Chicago casi todo el jueves, fue frustrante y agotador. Finalmente a media noche llegamos a Nueva Orleáns. Nos recibió una joven Afro que nos registró fácilmente después de escuchar el día que habíamos tenido. Luego fui a preguntarle cómo estaban las cosas allí, refiriéndome a Katrina. Ella nos compartió que no sólo sobrevivió, sino que sigue sobreviviendo a Katrina. Nos habló abiertamente de la lucha con las compañías de seguros, la depresión y su retorno a Nueva Orleáns. Ella nos dijo que volvió “con fortaleza para mis tres hijos”. Su esposo y ella siguen arreglando su casa. Tienen sólo media cocina que resulta lo suficientemente buena para poder alimentar a sus hijos y un baño que funciona para poder mantenerlos limpios.
Después de escucharla, mi frustración y agotamiento se disiparon. Todo lo que quería hacer era pasar más tiempo con ella. Ella me preguntó qué sabía sobre Katrina. Esta fue una pregunta recurrente que empezó en Nueva Orleáns. Les conté sobre el trabajo en Boston con Rosa Parks Human Rights Committee y Green Ribbon Coalition. Le comenté que no solo se trataba de gente afro en los Estados Unidos pero que también era posible hablar en Latinoamérica. Le conté acerca de la Declaración de la Reunión de la Red en Nicaragua en el 2006 y cómo habíamos mencionado a las víctimas de Katrina. Ella se conmovió y dijo que no tenía idea que la gente estaba poniendo atención.
Al siguiente día me reuní con Shantrelle Lewis quien fue nuestra anfitriona en Nueva Orleáns. Shantrelle es la esencia de lo que es ser de Nueva Orleáns. Shantrelle nos llevó a ver el “Lower 9 Ward” (el área al sur de la ciudad, cerca del río Missisipi, que fue arrasada por Katrina). Al ver los efectos directos de Katrina después de tres años se me abrieron los ojos de tantas formas. Sentí emerger a la superficie un nivel de enojo y dolor que no puedo explicar con palabras.
Nuestra primera reunión en Nueva Orleáns fue en el Ache Cultural Arts Center. Esta fue una reunión con activistas comunitarios, artistas, escritores y cineastas. El hermano Kalamu abrió la discusión preguntándonos cuánto sabíamos acerca de las personas en el salón y cómo podíamos saber a lo que se dedicaban. Había pioneros, reinas y estudiantes en el salón. Esto nos ayudó a recordar que no podemos asumir y juzgar solamente por el color de nuestra piel, clara u oscura. La primera pregunta dirigida hacia nosotros se refirió a qué sabíamos acerca de Katrina. Maricruz habló de la importancia que jugó en su comunidad con respecto a temas de urbanización y protección de tierras. Continuó diciendo que algo así hubiera podido suceder en Piñones.
Hablamos largamente sobre las luchas individuales de cada quién y hablamos sobre conexiones históricas y actuales. En esta reunión también tuvimos a un hermano de Venezuela quien trajo un nuevo entendimiento sobre lo que está sucediendo en su país. ¿Sabían que el billete de cinco bolívares tiene una imagen de un hombre Afro, “Negro Primero”? Todos salimos de allí habiendo hecho un nuevo compromiso para educar a los dos lados, Afro-Americanos y Latinos.
El segundo día tuvimos un panel en el Museo de Arte Africano de George Y Leah Mckenna donde Shantrelle es la Directora. Una vez más, se hicieron conexiones naturalmente y se resaltaron similitudes. Seguidamente, el hermano Kalamu nos llevó en un tour al este de Nueva Orleáns, Little Woods y Gentilly. La cantidad de terreno destruido es indescriptible, eran millas y millas. Durante el tour decidí concentrarme en ver cuánto tiempo me tomaba ver un supermercado y pasó un tiempo muy largo. La razón de esto es que mucha gente aún no ha regresado. Entendí que no era que no quisieran regresar sino, ¿a qué regresarían?
La mayoría del tiempo que estuve en Nueva Orleáns me distrajo el peso que sentía en mi corazón pero también tuve unos pocos momentos de consuelo puro. Cada bocado que di en Nueva Orleáns fue como comer de la comida de mi Tía Jeanne. La parte francesa de mí estaba contenta. El beignet, el maíz en el pan de maíz, los mariscos. Vi a gente comiendo pez gato de la misma manera en que nosotros comíamos los cangrejos que traía mi Tío Tete los fines de semana, detrás de la casa en Rainbow City, en el piso, sin preocuparnos por ensuciarnos. ¡Que delicia!
Toda la gente a la que conocimos quería contar su historia. Estas personas fueron bondadosas y amigables. Sus voces estaban llenas de tristeza pero su fortaleza era indestructible.
Cualquiera que sea tu posición o tu punto de entrada, Africano en Américas, Diáspora, Pan-africano, perspectiva espiritual, es hora de tener un espacio revolucionario, un espacio común, que nos pertenezca, que nosotros definamos, protejamos y hable de cómo somos UNO.
Vi a Panamá, a Colón en todas partes. Lo vi, no solamente en los Panameños que conocí en Chicago pero en las historias y en la comida. Recordé algo más que el Sr. Richards había compartido conmigo, el me dijo que cuando veo a un hombre o mujer Afro, veo a un hermano y a una hermana.
Marta Moreno Vega empezó con esta idea que ha ido más allá del intercambio entre mujeres Afro-Latinas, también es un intercambio entre nuestra gente. Una vez mas, no podía dejar de llorar en mi viaje de regreso a Boston. No solo lloraba por la tristeza que sentía sino por el nuevo entendimiento, la revelación del dolor y la lucha de nuestra gente.
Durante mi viaje me fui leyendo el libro Kinky Gizpacho de Lori Tharps y encontré una una cita de Bell Hooks, “Para poder viajar siempre he de moverme a través del miedo, enfrentar el terror. Ayuda poder conectar esta experiencia individual con los viajes colectivos de los africanos por el Pasaje Intermedio”.
Quiero terminar volviendo a pasar por una pregunta que hice al principio. ¿Cómo remendamos nuestro mundo roto? Puede que todos tengamos muchas respuestas pero por ahora y después de haber regresado de este viaje puedo decirles que se hace construyendo nuestra comunidad utilizando nuestras propias experiencias.
Marzo 2008
Saludos a todos, E Kaabo,
Escribo estas reflexiones con el deseo de compartir este viaje con la comunidad, con familia y amigos; para poder así llamar su atención hacia el trabajo realizado por las líderes Afro-Latinas y para enfatizar las semejanzas con las personas de descendencia africana.
Este fue el tercer año de las “Mujeres de Poder” –una serie sobre liderazgo de Afro-Latina dirigida por el Caribbean Cultural Center y GALCI. El tour empezó con las mujeres en Nueva York y luego se encaminó a Boston en donde Encuentro Diáspora Afro fue el anfitrión del evento en colaboración con AFAB que ofreció un almuerzo y, con El Instituto de Liderazgo y Cambio de Simmons College que realizó un evento tipo panel. La familia de Encuentro se conmovió al escuchar las palabras y la dedicación de Sonia Pierre de la República Dominicana y Maricruz Rivera Clemente de Puerto Rico.
Aunque este fue un tour centrado en Afro-Latina, me gustaría dedicar esta reflexión tanto a los hombres como a las mujeres que continúan apoyándome y guiándome y también a aquellas personas que conocí durante este viaje. Para los hombres Afro que se atreven a pararse junto con nosotras, mucho amor.
Mi primera parte del tour empezó con un e-mail de un amigo, mentor y hermano en la lucha; él me escribió diciéndome que en hacer este viaje, hacer un par de amigos y hablar con una voz de amor para nuestra gente. Al regresar de el viaje, recibí un e-mail del Sr. Claral Richards, quien es una inspiración para mí. Él me mando este proverbio, “Cuando alguien comparte algo de valor contigo y tu te beneficias, tienes la obligación moral de compartirlo con otras personas” (Proverbio Chino). Lo que ellos dos me dijeron llevó a que mis sentimientos retornaran a un punto de partida y me llevaron a embarcarme en otro peregrinaje sobre de la realidad de ser afro en el mundo.
Somos UNO.
Este año durante el tour, pude recordarme del peso que cargamos como gente afro y como mujeres. ¿Cómo remendamos nuestro mundo roto?
El fin de semana anterior al tour había asistido a una conferencia Ifa Divination. Había salido de allí sintiendo la importancia de aceptar, abrazar todo lo que somos. Para nosotros es importante aprender sobre nosotros mismos y hablar por nosotros mismos. Al hacer esto honramos a nuestros ancestros.
Estas mujeres no hacen este trabajo para que las celebren. De muchas maneras el poder interno que arde dentro de ellas es más fuerte que el poder externo de las posiciones y títulos que puedan llevar. Ese fuego interior es la base del porqué ellas, y yo, hacemos lo que hacemos. En este tour compartimos el trabajo que hacemos en nuestras comunidades. Hablé sobre el trabajo que hago en Boston, de cómo veo a mi propia patria de Panamá y resalté el trabajo de la Red de Mujeres Afrolatinoamericans, Afrocaribeñas y de la Diaspora.
Empicio diciéndole a todos, que necesitamos involucrarnos en lo que le está pasando a los Haitianos en la República Dominicana. Lo que está sucediendo allí no se trata solamente de Haitianos o de Dominicanos, se trata de gente Afro. Sonia Pierre con su humilde presencia confirmó que amar a nuestra gente es luchar por nuestra gente. “Esto se trata de derechos humanos”, fue lo que repitió en cada presentación. El negar cuidado médico, educación, el ser eliminado de archivos como si nunca hubieses nacido, el ser negado ciudadanía basándose en el color de tu piel, son cosas que no debieran de estar pasando en el siglo XXI.
La primera parada para nosotros tres fue Chicago. La presentación de Chicago se llevó a cabo en el Southwest Youth Collaborative en colaboración con el Egan Urban Center en Depaul University. Este evento tuvo una presencia juvenil fuerte. Después de escuchar a algunos de ellos y mirarles a los ojos, salimos de allí sintiéndonos muy confiados en su habilidad para llevar esta información a la comunidad. Un joven despertó a la vida cuando habló Sonia. Él también era de ascendencia Haitiana. Al final del panel se acercó a nosotros y nos abrazó. Fue un tipo de abrazo que dijo, “gracias por ver mi humanidad”.
Muchos de nosotros hemos oído algo sobre Sonia Pierre pero lo que muchos de nosotros no hemos escuchado es que su trabajo viene con todo y amenazas hacia ella y hacia su familia. En su lenguaje corporal se puede ver cómo estas preguntas la impulsan y mueven. ¿Cómo no vas a pararte y decir, ¡SUFICIENTE!? ¿Qué haces después de escuchar que jóvenes mueren sofocados al ser traficados para trabajar en los campos? Una pregunta que le hicieron a Sonia en todas las presentaciones fue referente a la Responsabilidad de los Dominicanos que están tanto adentro como fuera del país, de dirigirse a este tema. ¿Debieran David Ortiz, Sammy Sosa, por nombrar unos cuantos, hablar de lo que está pasando? Sonia respondió que sí, entendiendo el riesgo pero yendo más allá y diciendo, “Derechos Humanos”.
Política, economía, preservación de la tierra, fueron incluidos en el mensaje de Maricruz Rivera Clemente de Loiza, Piñones en Puerto Rico. El mensaje de Maricruz se refirió a la importancia de nuestra participación en la política, sobre la necesidad de apoyar el crecimiento económico en nuestras comunidades y sobre la necesidad de proteger la riqueza de nuestra tierra. Su mensaje hizo eco para muchos. ¿Qué pasa cuando la urbanización en nuestras comunidades comienza con nosotros y termina con desplazamiento? Esto es lo que llamamos gentrificación.
Sonia no pudo unirse a nosotros en el viaje a Nueva Orleáns. Sonia, muchas gracias por tu firme compromiso con nuestra gente.
Maricruz y yo nos quedamos varadas en el aeropuerto de Chicago casi todo el jueves, fue frustrante y agotador. Finalmente a media noche llegamos a Nueva Orleáns. Nos recibió una joven Afro que nos registró fácilmente después de escuchar el día que habíamos tenido. Luego fui a preguntarle cómo estaban las cosas allí, refiriéndome a Katrina. Ella nos compartió que no sólo sobrevivió, sino que sigue sobreviviendo a Katrina. Nos habló abiertamente de la lucha con las compañías de seguros, la depresión y su retorno a Nueva Orleáns. Ella nos dijo que volvió “con fortaleza para mis tres hijos”. Su esposo y ella siguen arreglando su casa. Tienen sólo media cocina que resulta lo suficientemente buena para poder alimentar a sus hijos y un baño que funciona para poder mantenerlos limpios.
Después de escucharla, mi frustración y agotamiento se disiparon. Todo lo que quería hacer era pasar más tiempo con ella. Ella me preguntó qué sabía sobre Katrina. Esta fue una pregunta recurrente que empezó en Nueva Orleáns. Les conté sobre el trabajo en Boston con Rosa Parks Human Rights Committee y Green Ribbon Coalition. Le comenté que no solo se trataba de gente afro en los Estados Unidos pero que también era posible hablar en Latinoamérica. Le conté acerca de la Declaración de la Reunión de la Red en Nicaragua en el 2006 y cómo habíamos mencionado a las víctimas de Katrina. Ella se conmovió y dijo que no tenía idea que la gente estaba poniendo atención.
Al siguiente día me reuní con Shantrelle Lewis quien fue nuestra anfitriona en Nueva Orleáns. Shantrelle es la esencia de lo que es ser de Nueva Orleáns. Shantrelle nos llevó a ver el “Lower 9 Ward” (el área al sur de la ciudad, cerca del río Missisipi, que fue arrasada por Katrina). Al ver los efectos directos de Katrina después de tres años se me abrieron los ojos de tantas formas. Sentí emerger a la superficie un nivel de enojo y dolor que no puedo explicar con palabras.
Nuestra primera reunión en Nueva Orleáns fue en el Ache Cultural Arts Center. Esta fue una reunión con activistas comunitarios, artistas, escritores y cineastas. El hermano Kalamu abrió la discusión preguntándonos cuánto sabíamos acerca de las personas en el salón y cómo podíamos saber a lo que se dedicaban. Había pioneros, reinas y estudiantes en el salón. Esto nos ayudó a recordar que no podemos asumir y juzgar solamente por el color de nuestra piel, clara u oscura. La primera pregunta dirigida hacia nosotros se refirió a qué sabíamos acerca de Katrina. Maricruz habló de la importancia que jugó en su comunidad con respecto a temas de urbanización y protección de tierras. Continuó diciendo que algo así hubiera podido suceder en Piñones.
Hablamos largamente sobre las luchas individuales de cada quién y hablamos sobre conexiones históricas y actuales. En esta reunión también tuvimos a un hermano de Venezuela quien trajo un nuevo entendimiento sobre lo que está sucediendo en su país. ¿Sabían que el billete de cinco bolívares tiene una imagen de un hombre Afro, “Negro Primero”? Todos salimos de allí habiendo hecho un nuevo compromiso para educar a los dos lados, Afro-Americanos y Latinos.
El segundo día tuvimos un panel en el Museo de Arte Africano de George Y Leah Mckenna donde Shantrelle es la Directora. Una vez más, se hicieron conexiones naturalmente y se resaltaron similitudes. Seguidamente, el hermano Kalamu nos llevó en un tour al este de Nueva Orleáns, Little Woods y Gentilly. La cantidad de terreno destruido es indescriptible, eran millas y millas. Durante el tour decidí concentrarme en ver cuánto tiempo me tomaba ver un supermercado y pasó un tiempo muy largo. La razón de esto es que mucha gente aún no ha regresado. Entendí que no era que no quisieran regresar sino, ¿a qué regresarían?
La mayoría del tiempo que estuve en Nueva Orleáns me distrajo el peso que sentía en mi corazón pero también tuve unos pocos momentos de consuelo puro. Cada bocado que di en Nueva Orleáns fue como comer de la comida de mi Tía Jeanne. La parte francesa de mí estaba contenta. El beignet, el maíz en el pan de maíz, los mariscos. Vi a gente comiendo pez gato de la misma manera en que nosotros comíamos los cangrejos que traía mi Tío Tete los fines de semana, detrás de la casa en Rainbow City, en el piso, sin preocuparnos por ensuciarnos. ¡Que delicia!
Toda la gente a la que conocimos quería contar su historia. Estas personas fueron bondadosas y amigables. Sus voces estaban llenas de tristeza pero su fortaleza era indestructible.
Cualquiera que sea tu posición o tu punto de entrada, Africano en Américas, Diáspora, Pan-africano, perspectiva espiritual, es hora de tener un espacio revolucionario, un espacio común, que nos pertenezca, que nosotros definamos, protejamos y hable de cómo somos UNO.
Vi a Panamá, a Colón en todas partes. Lo vi, no solamente en los Panameños que conocí en Chicago pero en las historias y en la comida. Recordé algo más que el Sr. Richards había compartido conmigo, el me dijo que cuando veo a un hombre o mujer Afro, veo a un hermano y a una hermana.
Marta Moreno Vega empezó con esta idea que ha ido más allá del intercambio entre mujeres Afro-Latinas, también es un intercambio entre nuestra gente. Una vez mas, no podía dejar de llorar en mi viaje de regreso a Boston. No solo lloraba por la tristeza que sentía sino por el nuevo entendimiento, la revelación del dolor y la lucha de nuestra gente.
Durante mi viaje me fui leyendo el libro Kinky Gizpacho de Lori Tharps y encontré una una cita de Bell Hooks, “Para poder viajar siempre he de moverme a través del miedo, enfrentar el terror. Ayuda poder conectar esta experiencia individual con los viajes colectivos de los africanos por el Pasaje Intermedio”.
Quiero terminar volviendo a pasar por una pregunta que hice al principio. ¿Cómo remendamos nuestro mundo roto? Puede que todos tengamos muchas respuestas pero por ahora y después de haber regresado de este viaje puedo decirles que se hace construyendo nuestra comunidad utilizando nuestras propias experiencias.
Reflections of Afro-Latina Leadership tour
Reflections of Afro-Latina Leadership Tour
March 2008
Greetings to All, E Kaabo,
My intent of writting these Reflections is to share this journey with the community,family and friends.It is to bring attention to the work of Afro-Latina leaders and to highlight the commonalities of people of African descent.
This was the third year of the Women of Power- Afro-Latina Leadership series that was led by the Caribbean Cultural Center and GALCI.The tour began for the women in New York. They then came to Boston were Encuentro Diaspora Afro hosted the event in collaboration with a luncheon by AFAB and a panel event at Simmons College Institute for Leadership and Change. The Encuentro family was moved by the words and the dedication of Sonia Pierre from the Dominican Republic and Maricruz Rivera Clemente of Puerto Rico.
Although this was a Afro-Latina focused tour, I would like to dedicate my reflection to both the men and women who continue to support and guide me and to the ones I met on this trip. To the Black men who dare to stand with us, much love.
I began my leg of the tour with an email from a friend, mentor and brother in the struggle. He wrote to me, go on this trip, make one or two friends and speak with a voice of love for our people. I returned from my trip and received and email from Mr. Claral Richards who is an inspiration to me,. He sent this quote, "When someone shares something of value with you, and you benefit from it,You have a moral obligation to share it with others". ---Chinese Proverb--Both these statements brought my emotions full circle after another pilgrimage of the reality of being black in the world.
We are ONE- Somos UNO
During the tour this year, I was reminded of the weight we carry as Black people and as women. How do we mend OUR broken World?
I attended an Ifa Divination conference the weekend prior to the tour. I walked away feeling the importance of embracing all of who are. It is important for us to learn about ourselves and speak for ourselves.In doing this, we honor our ancestors.
These women are not doing this work for the glory. In many ways the internal power that burns within exceeds the external power of position and title that they carry. That internal fire, is the base of why they, I, do what we do. On this tour we shared the work in our communities. I shared the work in Boston, how I see my own country, Panama and highlighted the work of the Red de mujeres AfroLatinoamericanas, Afrocaribeñas y de la Diaspora.
I begin by saying to all-We need to get involved in what is happening to Haitians in the Dominican Republic. What is happening there is not just about Haitians or Dominicans, it is about Black people.Sonia Pierre in her humble presence confirmed, to love our people is to fight for our people. "This is about human rights" is the statement she repeated in every presentation. To be denied health care, education, to be removed from records as if though you were never born, to be denied citizenship based on the color of your skin should not be happening in the 21st Century.
The first stop for the three of us was Chicago. The Chicago presentation was held at the at the Southwest Youth Collaborative in collaboration with the Egan Urban Center at Depaul University. This event had a strong youth presence. After listening to some of them and looking into their eyes, we walked away feeling very confident in their ability to take this information out to the community. One young man came alive when Sonia spoke. He was also of Hatian descent. At the end of the panel he approached us and gave us hugs. His hug was the kind of hug that said, Thank you for seeing my humanity.
Many of us have heard of Sonia Pierre. What many of us do not hear is that her work comes with threats of self and family. She moves with these questions in her body language,How can you not stand up and say, ENOUGH!! what do you do after hearing that young men are dying of suffocation while being trafficked to work in the fields.A question that was posed to Sonia at each presentation was the Responsibility of Dominicans both in and out of the country to address these issue. Should David Ortiz, Sammy Sosa, to name a few, speak on what is happening. Sonia's response was, YES, understanding the risk but going beyond and saying, HUMAN RIGHTS.
Politics, economics. land preservation was the message of Maricruz Rivera Clemente of Loiza,Piñones in Puerto Rico. Maricruz's message was the importance of our involvement in politics, the need to support our communities economic growth and the need to protect the richness of our land. her message resonated to many.What happens when developments in our communities begins with us and ends with displacement. This is what we call, gentrification.
Sonia could not join us on the New Orleans trip.Sonia, thank you for your unwavering committment to your people. Maricruz and I were stuck in the Chicago airport for most of the day on Thursday. It was frustrating and exhausting. We finally arrived in New Orleans at midnight.
We were greeted by this very kind young Black woman. She made our registration easy after hearing about our day. I then went on to ask her how things are around here, referring to KATRINA. She shared that she survived and that she is still surviving Katrina. She was open about the struggles with the insurance companies, the depression, and the coming back.She came back, as she said with firmness, for my three children. She and her husband are still working on their house. She has a half of kitchen, good enough to feed her kids and one functioning bathroom, to keep them clean.
After listening to her all the frustration and exhaustion I felt was lifted. All I wanted to do was spend time with her.Her question to me was, what did I know about Katrina? That was a recurring question while begin in New Orleans. I shared the work in Boston by the Rosa Parks Human Rights day Committee and the Green Ribbon Coaltion. I shared with her that it was not only Black people in the US but I could speak to Latin America. I told her about the Declaration from the Red meeting in Nicaragua in 2006 and how we mentioned the victims of Katrina. She was moved and said she had no idea that people were paying attention.
The next day I met Shantrelle Lewis who was our host in New Orleans. Shantrelle is the essence of what it is to be from New Orleans.Shantrelle took us to see the lower 9 Ward. Seeing the direct effects of Katrina after 3 years was an eye opener, on many levels. It brought to the surface a level of anger and pain that I cannot find the words to fully describe, what I was feeling.
Our first gathering in New Orleans was at the Ache Cultural Arts Center.This was a gathering with community activist, artist, writers and filmakers. Brother Kalamu opened the discussion by asking how much do we know about the people in the room and how can we tell what they do. We had pioneers, queens and students in the room.This is a reminder that we cannot assume and judge only by the color of our skin, light or dark. The first question posed to us was, What do we know about Katrina? Maricruz spoke of the importance it played in her community around issues of development and land protection. She went on to say that something like this could also happen in Piñones.
We spoke at length about the individaul struggles and shared the historical and present connections. At this gathering we also had a Brother from Venezuela who gave some insight on what is happening in his country. Did you know the 5 dollar bill of Venezuela has a picture of a Black Man, "Negro Primero." We all walked away with a new found committment to educate on both sides, African American and Latino.
The second day we had a panel at the George and Leah Mackenna Museum of African American Art of which Shantrelle is the Director and Curator. Once again natural connections were made, commonalities were highlighted. Brother Kalamu then took us on a tour of New Orleans East,Little Woods and Gentilly. The amount of territoty that was destroyed is undescribable.It was miles and miles. During the tour I decided to focus on how long it took before I saw a supermarket. It was very long. This is because many people are not back.I learned that it is not that they dont want to come back but what are they coming back to?
Most of the time in New Orleans I was distracted by this weight in my heart but I had a few moments of pure comfort . Every bite I took in New Orleans was like eating my Aunti Jeannes cooking. The French side of me was content. The beignet's, the corn in the cornbread, the seafood. I saw people eating catfish the way we ate crabs on the weekend, that my Uncle Tete brought us, in the back of the house in Rainbow City, on the floor,with no worry of getting dirty. What a delight!!!
Everyone in New Orleans we met wanted to tell their story. The people were kind and friendly.Their voices were filled with sadness but their strength was unbreakable.
Whatever your position may be or point of entry, African in the Americas, Diaspora,PanAfrican,Latino, spiritual perspective, it is time for a revolutionary space a common space, that we own,we define, we protect and speaks to our ONENESS.
I saw Panama, Colon everywhere. I saw it, not only in the Panamanians I met in Chicago but in the stories and in the food. I remembered something else Mr. Richards had shared with me. He said, when I see a black man or woman, I see a brother and a sister.
Marta Moreno Vega began this idea and it has gone beyond the exchange of Afro-Latina women to an exchange of our people. Once again, I could not stop crying on my way back to Boston. I was not only crying about the sadness I felt but of the new understanding, revelation of the depth of pain and struggle of our people.
While traveling I was reading the book Kinky Gizpacho by Lori l. Tharps. In it she has a quote by bell hooks."To travel, I must always move through fear,confront terror. It helps to be able to link this individual experience to the collective journeying of black people, to the Middle Passage. "
I end by revisiting a question I posed at the begining, How do we mend OUR broken World? We may all have many answers but for now and after this trip, I say, by building our community from our own experiences.
March 2008
Greetings to All, E Kaabo,
My intent of writting these Reflections is to share this journey with the community,family and friends.It is to bring attention to the work of Afro-Latina leaders and to highlight the commonalities of people of African descent.
This was the third year of the Women of Power- Afro-Latina Leadership series that was led by the Caribbean Cultural Center and GALCI.The tour began for the women in New York. They then came to Boston were Encuentro Diaspora Afro hosted the event in collaboration with a luncheon by AFAB and a panel event at Simmons College Institute for Leadership and Change. The Encuentro family was moved by the words and the dedication of Sonia Pierre from the Dominican Republic and Maricruz Rivera Clemente of Puerto Rico.
Although this was a Afro-Latina focused tour, I would like to dedicate my reflection to both the men and women who continue to support and guide me and to the ones I met on this trip. To the Black men who dare to stand with us, much love.
I began my leg of the tour with an email from a friend, mentor and brother in the struggle. He wrote to me, go on this trip, make one or two friends and speak with a voice of love for our people. I returned from my trip and received and email from Mr. Claral Richards who is an inspiration to me,. He sent this quote, "When someone shares something of value with you, and you benefit from it,You have a moral obligation to share it with others". ---Chinese Proverb--Both these statements brought my emotions full circle after another pilgrimage of the reality of being black in the world.
We are ONE- Somos UNO
During the tour this year, I was reminded of the weight we carry as Black people and as women. How do we mend OUR broken World?
I attended an Ifa Divination conference the weekend prior to the tour. I walked away feeling the importance of embracing all of who are. It is important for us to learn about ourselves and speak for ourselves.In doing this, we honor our ancestors.
These women are not doing this work for the glory. In many ways the internal power that burns within exceeds the external power of position and title that they carry. That internal fire, is the base of why they, I, do what we do. On this tour we shared the work in our communities. I shared the work in Boston, how I see my own country, Panama and highlighted the work of the Red de mujeres AfroLatinoamericanas, Afrocaribeñas y de la Diaspora.
I begin by saying to all-We need to get involved in what is happening to Haitians in the Dominican Republic. What is happening there is not just about Haitians or Dominicans, it is about Black people.Sonia Pierre in her humble presence confirmed, to love our people is to fight for our people. "This is about human rights" is the statement she repeated in every presentation. To be denied health care, education, to be removed from records as if though you were never born, to be denied citizenship based on the color of your skin should not be happening in the 21st Century.
The first stop for the three of us was Chicago. The Chicago presentation was held at the at the Southwest Youth Collaborative in collaboration with the Egan Urban Center at Depaul University. This event had a strong youth presence. After listening to some of them and looking into their eyes, we walked away feeling very confident in their ability to take this information out to the community. One young man came alive when Sonia spoke. He was also of Hatian descent. At the end of the panel he approached us and gave us hugs. His hug was the kind of hug that said, Thank you for seeing my humanity.
Many of us have heard of Sonia Pierre. What many of us do not hear is that her work comes with threats of self and family. She moves with these questions in her body language,How can you not stand up and say, ENOUGH!! what do you do after hearing that young men are dying of suffocation while being trafficked to work in the fields.A question that was posed to Sonia at each presentation was the Responsibility of Dominicans both in and out of the country to address these issue. Should David Ortiz, Sammy Sosa, to name a few, speak on what is happening. Sonia's response was, YES, understanding the risk but going beyond and saying, HUMAN RIGHTS.
Politics, economics. land preservation was the message of Maricruz Rivera Clemente of Loiza,Piñones in Puerto Rico. Maricruz's message was the importance of our involvement in politics, the need to support our communities economic growth and the need to protect the richness of our land. her message resonated to many.What happens when developments in our communities begins with us and ends with displacement. This is what we call, gentrification.
Sonia could not join us on the New Orleans trip.Sonia, thank you for your unwavering committment to your people. Maricruz and I were stuck in the Chicago airport for most of the day on Thursday. It was frustrating and exhausting. We finally arrived in New Orleans at midnight.
We were greeted by this very kind young Black woman. She made our registration easy after hearing about our day. I then went on to ask her how things are around here, referring to KATRINA. She shared that she survived and that she is still surviving Katrina. She was open about the struggles with the insurance companies, the depression, and the coming back.She came back, as she said with firmness, for my three children. She and her husband are still working on their house. She has a half of kitchen, good enough to feed her kids and one functioning bathroom, to keep them clean.
After listening to her all the frustration and exhaustion I felt was lifted. All I wanted to do was spend time with her.Her question to me was, what did I know about Katrina? That was a recurring question while begin in New Orleans. I shared the work in Boston by the Rosa Parks Human Rights day Committee and the Green Ribbon Coaltion. I shared with her that it was not only Black people in the US but I could speak to Latin America. I told her about the Declaration from the Red meeting in Nicaragua in 2006 and how we mentioned the victims of Katrina. She was moved and said she had no idea that people were paying attention.
The next day I met Shantrelle Lewis who was our host in New Orleans. Shantrelle is the essence of what it is to be from New Orleans.Shantrelle took us to see the lower 9 Ward. Seeing the direct effects of Katrina after 3 years was an eye opener, on many levels. It brought to the surface a level of anger and pain that I cannot find the words to fully describe, what I was feeling.
Our first gathering in New Orleans was at the Ache Cultural Arts Center.This was a gathering with community activist, artist, writers and filmakers. Brother Kalamu opened the discussion by asking how much do we know about the people in the room and how can we tell what they do. We had pioneers, queens and students in the room.This is a reminder that we cannot assume and judge only by the color of our skin, light or dark. The first question posed to us was, What do we know about Katrina? Maricruz spoke of the importance it played in her community around issues of development and land protection. She went on to say that something like this could also happen in Piñones.
We spoke at length about the individaul struggles and shared the historical and present connections. At this gathering we also had a Brother from Venezuela who gave some insight on what is happening in his country. Did you know the 5 dollar bill of Venezuela has a picture of a Black Man, "Negro Primero." We all walked away with a new found committment to educate on both sides, African American and Latino.
The second day we had a panel at the George and Leah Mackenna Museum of African American Art of which Shantrelle is the Director and Curator. Once again natural connections were made, commonalities were highlighted. Brother Kalamu then took us on a tour of New Orleans East,Little Woods and Gentilly. The amount of territoty that was destroyed is undescribable.It was miles and miles. During the tour I decided to focus on how long it took before I saw a supermarket. It was very long. This is because many people are not back.I learned that it is not that they dont want to come back but what are they coming back to?
Most of the time in New Orleans I was distracted by this weight in my heart but I had a few moments of pure comfort . Every bite I took in New Orleans was like eating my Aunti Jeannes cooking. The French side of me was content. The beignet's, the corn in the cornbread, the seafood. I saw people eating catfish the way we ate crabs on the weekend, that my Uncle Tete brought us, in the back of the house in Rainbow City, on the floor,with no worry of getting dirty. What a delight!!!
Everyone in New Orleans we met wanted to tell their story. The people were kind and friendly.Their voices were filled with sadness but their strength was unbreakable.
Whatever your position may be or point of entry, African in the Americas, Diaspora,PanAfrican,Latino, spiritual perspective, it is time for a revolutionary space a common space, that we own,we define, we protect and speaks to our ONENESS.
I saw Panama, Colon everywhere. I saw it, not only in the Panamanians I met in Chicago but in the stories and in the food. I remembered something else Mr. Richards had shared with me. He said, when I see a black man or woman, I see a brother and a sister.
Marta Moreno Vega began this idea and it has gone beyond the exchange of Afro-Latina women to an exchange of our people. Once again, I could not stop crying on my way back to Boston. I was not only crying about the sadness I felt but of the new understanding, revelation of the depth of pain and struggle of our people.
While traveling I was reading the book Kinky Gizpacho by Lori l. Tharps. In it she has a quote by bell hooks."To travel, I must always move through fear,confront terror. It helps to be able to link this individual experience to the collective journeying of black people, to the Middle Passage. "
I end by revisiting a question I posed at the begining, How do we mend OUR broken World? We may all have many answers but for now and after this trip, I say, by building our community from our own experiences.
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