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