UPDATE: Local Rastafarians against same-sex marriage in VI
The celebration was held at Festival Grounds on February 16, 2013 and though there was space for a lot more persons, the few who attended went home with a sense of satisfaction that they would have had a moment to come closer to embracing their culture.
There were no special guest speakers or persons giving remarks but the message of embracing who you are as a black person with a rich history was delivered in the strongest of way through elocutions, songs and snippets of motivational remarks, which were periodically made by the Master of Ceremony (MC), Brother Zulu, of Rastafari Progressive Inity.
MC Zulu told Virgin Islands News Online that though the attendance fell below expectation, he was convinced that the message did reach home to those who were present and others within the reaches of the sound of the public address system. He said it was time that the black people of the Virgin Islands realise that they are a strong people that do not need to sit under the rules of the white colony. “Our forefathers and mother fought long and hard to take us out the rule of the white but yet we choose to place ourselves right back into their hands and it is time that changes."
He further condemned the act of bleaching of the skin by women and even some men. “Why would a sister want to change her identify like that, black is beautify, black is wealth, black is strength, so the sisters have to stop this thing of bleaching their skin.” He was also very strong in his condemnation of same-sex marriages.
Nothing that the act is an "abomination", he said should the authorities attempt to have the Virgin Islands embrace such legislation as is being done in the United Kingdom, they would be prepared for a serious opposition. “That will not happen here; we will not sit and let them bring that to us here. So let it be known now we aint accepting it here, keep it so side, don’t even think about bringing that to us because it would be asking for a lot of trouble,” he stated emphatically.
Referring to the theme of Black History Month this year, “A people without knowledge of their past history are like a tree without root”, he called on the leaders of the country to place more emphasis on celebrating and embracing the history of the Virgin Islands, which he said has a sound connection with the fight for revolution.
The observance of Black History Month this year was organized, in collaboration with Rastafari Progressive Inity, by Menen-I Designs, a local African oriented business which was established in 2009 by Markita “Rasess Ty” Turnbull- Smith with just a crochet needle.
Yesterday, February 16, 2013 was the staging of their second annual Know Thyself Fashion and Craft show at the Festival grounds, Tortola.
The day featured cultural performances, fashion show, craft display, the sale of cultural food and one of the main features was the teaching of the art of quilting.
The organising committee has already had activities in observance of Black History Month, including a wreath laying ceremony, a poetry night, and is hoping to pull off at least one other event by the end of the month's observance of Black History.
History of the Celebration World Wide
Black History Month, also known as African-American History Month in America, is an annual observance in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom for remembrance of important people and events in the history of the African diaspora. It is celebrated annually in the United States and Canada in February and the United Kingdom in October.
According to Wikipedia, Black History Month had its beginnings in 1926 in the United States, when historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History announced the second week of February to be "Negro History Week". This week was chosen because it marked the birthday of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Woodson created the holiday with the hope that it eventually be eliminated when black history became fundamental to American history, Negro History Week was met with enthusiastic response; it prompted the creation of black history clubs, an increase in interest among teachers, and interest from progressive whites. Negro History Week grew in popularity throughout the following decades, with mayors across the United States endorsing it as a holiday.
In 1976, the federal government acknowledged the expansion of Black History Week to Black History Month by the leaders of the Black United Students at Kent State University in February of 1969. The first celebration of Black History Month occurred at Kent State in February of 1970. Six years later during the bicentennial, the expansion of Negro History Week to Black History Month was recognized by the U.S. government. Gerald Ford spoke in regards to this, urging Americans to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history."
Black History Month was first celebrated in the United Kingdom in 1987. This establishment of Black History Month is generally attributed to the work of Ghanaian analyst Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, as well as the Greater London Council.
See previous article posted on February 16, 2013
'Know Thyself Fashion & Craft show' on today Feb. 16
- Activity in observance of Black History month
“A people without knowledge of their past history are like a treewithout root.” This is the keynote message which surrounds the observance of Black History Month celebrations in the Virgin Islands.
Leading the cause this year in collaboration with Rastafari Progressive Inity is Menen-I Designs, a local African oriented business which was established in 2009 by Markita “Rasess Ty” Turnbull- Smith with just a crochet needle. Although the activities are said to have been less than celebrated in previous years, the organisers said that what is being done is of great significance to the people of the country.
Today, February 16, 2013 they will be staging their second annual Know Thyself Fashion and Craft show at the Festival grounds, Tortola. Speaking briefly to Virgin Islands News Online, one of the active members of the organising committee, Ms Markita T. Smith, said there is a wealth of experience to be had at the activity, which is suited for the entire family.
The day will feature cultural performances, fashion show, craft display, the sale of cultural food and one of the main features will be the teaching of the art of quilting. Virgin Islands News Online was told that the committee is expecting maximum support as participants from other sister islands are expected. “We have, along with me, another fashion designer from Anegada that will be come out with her pieces so it’s going to be a wonderful day for the family.”
“We want everybody to come out for the live entertainment by Empress Ruth, Capable, Shine-I, Meeshach and much more, live craft demonstrations, African dance, ital food, fun activities for the youths, and a must see fashion show featuring local designs from yours truly Menen I designs and Karasi Krafts straight out of Anegada,” said Ms Smith.
She encouraged patrons to "go green" at 2 P.M. sharp, and said admission is free. “So bring yourself and your families and come out and celebrate with us.”
The organising committee has already had activities in observance of Black History Month, including a wreath laying ceremony, a poetry night, and is hoping to pull off at least one other event by the end of the month's observance of Black History.
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26 Responses to “UPDATE: Local Rastafarians against same-sex marriage in VI”
Also the young ladies hair was not being locked but combed and twisted. Maybe VINO should have asked what was being done before posting their comment.
It was a poor turn out, people need to support locals...because it have alot of good talented people out there that can bring a good event..... its one thing when we want tht support and to let people see it is right here in the bvi.... Boy as i can see A. you breed again girl what are you a breeding pig.. lol have fun onle love
Finally freed from the burden of b..t... man business
Too bad, skin bleaching and the need to change spiralled hair to every other texture is still so prevalent.
When will our black woman learn to love the skin that they're in-beautiful melanated skin-, it's relationship with the outer planets and enhance it's beauty through proper diet and inner cleansing?
When will our women learn to love the hair that God gave them by learning the reasons WHY their hair is tightly spiralled, it's relationship to the outer planets and use products that enhance it's beauty and growth?
Spiralled hair will grow if given the correct diet, and products neccesary for it's growth.
( I will admit, however, that finding beauty products in the Virgin Islands (British) that enhance melanated skin and spiral hair is non-existent. I know-I checked. Go on the websites: www.cornrowsandco.com ,carolsdaughter.com and queenafua.com and find products for black skin and hair FORMULATED and CREATED by Black Women for Black Women and everyone else.)
I think more of these forums are vitally needed to continually uplift our people to realize the beauty in skin melanation and spiralled hair , it's usages, it's neccesity on the planet and the blessings that can be realized once these qualities are enhanced.
committing crimes randomly.