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”
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
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.
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