Black History – Kindergarden style

My girlfriend Maxine is a teacher at a kindergarden achool in the Portmore area of St Catherine, Jamaica. She is well respected by her colleagues children and the parents.

Maxine and her colleague “Aunty Diana” “has made it her priority to teach their kindergarden children snippets of black history and giveing them homework to research heroes such as Marcus Garvey, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, George Washing Carver and much much more. The feedback from Maxine is that the kids love those black history classes.

That level of black history education is so important to the upliftment and inspiring for those youngsters at the stage in their early childhood development.

I am glad that such history is taught and discussed in Jamaica schools at all levels today. As when I was educated in Jamaica at primary and high school level (1974-1986) we rarely touched on the history of black people. I can recall spend many a time at Glenmuir High have to write about the wonders of jerks like Francis Drake, Jack Hawkins and Queen Elizabeth 1 in some heroic form when in fact they were big players in the downpressing of our ancestors. I could tell you all that there is to know about the European Reformation and Renassiance

Thankfully my parents and siblings were avid readers and they encouraged me to read about the lives of powerful black people in my spare time. Old Harbour Library and the then iconic librarian Linda Spence also gave of her time to ensure that those who came within her radar became well read individuals.

I have always love history and can recall asking my history teacher at Glenmuir why aren’t we doing Marcus Garvey and only to be told Garvey was not on the syllabus. Rubbish!! So many of my fellow students only came to Garvey history in their 20s and beyond.

With the advent of the internet we are lucky to have volumes on black history at our fingertips.

So to Maxine and the other teachers out there making it their goal to educate the young – respect to you. I will make I and many others will also do their to ensure black history is learnt and shared by old and young.

Respect to Maxine Mullings & co

Syd with a Kick

You are the daughter I wish was my DNA own

Sadly fathered by one with no backbone

First met you when aged just eight

Even then one knew you would turn out great

Your drive to succeed knows no bounds

Even when faced against the UKBA hounds

You are the beacon in the eyes of your sis and mum

You have faced your personal battles with dignified aplomb

Your spiritual faith is paramount to your journey

Woe to that man who decides  on holy matrimony

Your thirties are looming but hold no fear

You will achieve ever more for loved ones to cheer.

Budget Heist

Budget just read

Mi wallet pocket start bleed

Finances hit again

Pension get drain

Chancellor go easy with the super rich

While hard core lib dems get in a pitch

Cameron & Clegg both approve with a nod

Ed starts to sharpen his rod

Will the silent working class

Shout, enough of this rass

Or will they give in

To another political mugging.

Keep Going

Do we know where we are going?

Are we on the route of our own choosing.

Is it an area of life that ensures more glowing

Or do we stay still for fear of losing?

 

If we don’t move now when will we ever start?

Acting the part of a risker or that of a pioneer

Pursuing the dreams blossoming from the heart

Living life finally without any doubt or fear.

Block those that say you should hold on

For they can’t help preferring to keep you in check

Stand out avoid being anyone’s pawn

Quash those who would major in being a pain in your neck.

 

Stuck on the Outside

In my mind the success possibilities are endless

But the reality and pressures leaves me helpless

Temptation voice one whispers to stop my dreaml has no hope

It’s partner in mind says I am strong enough to cope

Nights keep me awake with sweat and concern

Wondering if I man dream will rise or just burn

Those twin ghosts keeping arguing between my ears

I wish both would not interfere with my affairs

Repel from Hell

Why your mind games this late in life

Planting possibilities of being my wife

I man steering clear of your indirect suggestions

To avoid those futile list of questions

You know my weak spot to pile on to the full

But I must negate your incessant bull

Cause if I fall under that spell once more

6 months on you will again show me the door

Found today’s first ever trip to the Museum of Docklands, near Canary Wharf, quite an informative and moving experience.

The main purpose of the visit was to see the Slave Trade section. Just been there gave me a sense of calm disbelief and a physical reminder of the whole disturbing period that was the african slave trade.

As I walked around and saw the displays of chains, whips, documentation and paintings of that period I could not help but feel that this happened just over 150 years ago. And yet many of us in the Caribbean community never fully understood the horrors that took place. This exhibition should be a must for every member of our community.

One of the most interesting black person of the 18/19th century was that George Bridgetower. A violinist who was born in what we called today the Ukraine and spent most of his life living in London. I did some further research when I got home and round out that Bridgetower had played with Beethoven and for a short period they were good friends.

The exhibition did briefly highlight a number of other black personalities of the pre Windrush period including the multi talented Ignatius Sancho, composer Samuel Coleridge Taylor, Robert Wedderburn,  writers Claudia Jones &  Una Marson and the actor Ira Aldridge.

Like any public attraction the Museum provides a snapshot of these inspiring black pioneers. All worth researching more and sharing with others as there are many out there who believe black people only started coming to the UK following the arrival of the Windrush in 1948. And that perception must change!

George Bridgetower