jamaican american club

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The Jamaican Diaspora is a publication of JK Productions – Chicago, Illinois AN INTERVIEW WITH SISTER CAROL AN INTERVIEW WITH SHINEHEAD Sister Carol is a Kingston native, who has succeeded in a musical genre that is wildly dominated my male performers. Such paths lead her to a Grammy nomination for the 1996 release Lyrical Potent. This multi-talented artist has also appeared in two of Jonathan Demme movies Something Wild and Married to the mob. She has toured the world several times over and was the familiar voice behind Night Music with David Sandborn as the mc. In 1999, Tuff Gong, The label started by Jamaica’s very own Bob Marley released Isis-the Original Womb-man. JD: In a lot of your songs, you talk about female empowerment. Who are some of your musical influences? SC: I’m influenced by a lot of artist but I really like Nina Simone, I-trees and Artan Ellis. JD: Jamaica is the birthplace of reggae but it is now an international phenomena. How do you feel about being an ambassador for the music? SC: I am very proud of my heritage. JD: The style of reggae has made numerous transitions i.e. 70’s classic to modern dancehall. How do you feel about these transitions? SC: Change is a must. I don’t mind dancehall as long as the lyrics are conscious, uplift and educate not denigrate. Dancehall is more popular among the youth, so it’s is very important to promote positive vibes, while entertaining. JD: Many people wear dreads but do not practice the Rastafarian faith, are you a Rasta? SC: I am a true Rasta to the bone; Rasta is about peace and love. JD: What style of reggae do you prefer? SC: Roots music Sister Carol’s latest release is Empr essive. V isit her web site at www.sistacarol.com. Add this release to her eight albums, dozens of singles and it is clear that this Sista is an artist to contend with now and for the future. Shinehead began his artistic career via dance hall sound systems of New York. Whether Shinehead is toasting, crooning or flat-out rapping, he always balanced his material between the positive and socially conscious with more lighthearted sentiments. His songs and live performances are generously seasoned with high energy, humor, common sense, harsh reality, socio- economic commentary and matters of the heart. Add in Shinehead’s stage presence and this is a memorable act to watch. JD: In what way do you feel that you have made an impact in your profession? SH: When an entire family can tell me they drove from Chicago IL to Tallahassee FL looking for Shinehead material that says it all. JD: Where do you find inspiration fro your lyrics? SH: I find them from my own life, other people’s life. JD: In the documentary “The history of reggae”, you stated that your style was a fusion of hip-hop and reggae. Do you find that to be the trend for Jamaican artist living outside “yard”? SH: Not necessarily. Yuh fin seh yardies been doing it before meh born. Meh jus duh it betta ... Ha Ha JD: Why do you feel Jamaican culture is so popular at this particular time? SH: Well, the only thing can come mind is the reggae music. It’s like the music of King David, which is like songs of Psalms. Winter 2004 Sister Carol . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Shinehead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Third World . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2003 Carifete . . . . . . . . . . 2 Mi Luv Patios . . . . . . . . . . 2 Dispelling Myths . . . . . . . .3 Author Interview . . . . . . . . 4 Make a Difference . . . . . . .5 TRB Awards . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Yardie Deh ‘Bout . . . . . . . 6 Recipe Corner . . . . . . . . . . .6 Back a Yard . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Community Remembers . . 8 Community Organizations 8 SPECIAL ‘NUFF REGGAE ISSUE! THREE BIG INTERVIEWS!

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Page 1: Jamaican American Club

The Jamaican Diaspora is a publication of JK Productions – Chicago, Illinois

AN INTERVIEW WITH SISTER CAROL

AN INTERVIEW WITH SHINEHEAD

Sister Carol is a Kingstonnative, who has succeeded ina musical genre that is wildlydominated my maleperformers. Such paths leadher to a Grammy nominationfor the 1996 release LyricalPotent. This multi-talented

artist has also appeared in two of Jonathan Demmemovies Something Wild and Married to the mob.She has toured the world several times over and wasthe familiar voice behind Night Music with DavidSandborn as the mc. In 1999, Tuff Gong, The labelstarted by Jamaica’s very own Bob Marley releasedIsis-the Original Womb-man.

JD: In a lot of your songs, you talk about femaleempowerment. Who are some of your musicalinfluences?

SC: I’m influenced by a lot of artist but I reallylike Nina Simone, I-trees and Artan Ellis.

JD: Jamaica is the birthplace of reggae but it is nowan international phenomena. How do you feel about

being an ambassador for the music?

SC: I am very proud of my heritage.

JD: The style of reggae has made numeroustransitions i.e. 70’s classic to modern dancehall.How do you feel about these transitions?

SC: Change is a must. I don’t mind dancehall aslong as the lyrics are conscious, uplift andeducate not denigrate. Dancehall is morepopular among the youth, so it’s is veryimportant to promote positive vibes, whileentertaining.

JD: Many people wear dreads but do not practicethe Rastafarian faith, are you a Rasta?

SC: I am a true Rasta to the bone; Rasta is aboutpeace and love.

JD: What style of reggae do you prefer?

SC: Roots music

Sister Carol’s latest release is Empressive.Visit her website at www.sistacarol.com. Add this release to hereight albums, dozens of singles and it is clear that thisSista is an artist to contend with now and for the future.

Shinehead began hisartistic career viadance hall soundsystems of New York.Whether Shinehead istoasting, crooning orflat-out rapping, healways balanced hismaterial between thepositive and sociallyconscious with more

lighthearted sentiments. His songs and liveperformances are generously seasoned with highenergy, humor, common sense, harsh reality, socio-economic commentary and matters of the heart.Add in Shinehead’s stage presence and this is amemorable act to watch.

JD: In what way do you feel that you have made animpact in your profession?

SH: When an entire family can tell me theydrove from Chicago IL to Tallahassee FLlooking for Shinehead material that says it all.

JD: Where do you find inspiration fro your lyrics?

SH: I find them from my own life, other people’slife.

JD: In the documentary “The history of reggae”,you stated that your style was a fusion of hip-hopand reggae. Do you find that to be the trend forJamaican artist living outside “yard”?

SH: Not necessarily. Yuh fin seh yardies beendoing it before meh born. Meh jus duh it betta ...Ha Ha

JD: Why do you feel Jamaican culture is so popularat this particular time?

SH: Well, the only thing can come mind is thereggae music. It’s like the music of King David,which is like songs of Psalms.

Winter2004

Sister Carol . . . . . . . . . . . . .1Shinehead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Third World . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2003 Carifete . . . . . . . . . . 2Mi Luv Patios . . . . . . . . . . 2

Dispelling Myths . . . . . . . .3Author Interview . . . . . . . . 4Make a Difference . . . . . . .5TRB Awards . . . . . . . . . . . 5Yardie Deh ‘Bout . . . . . . . 6

Recipe Corner . . . . . . . . . . .6Back a Yard . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Community Remembers . . 8Community Organizations 8

S P E C I A L ‘ N U F F R E G G A E I S S U E ! T H R E E B I G I N T E RV I E W S !

Page 2: Jamaican American Club

The Jamaican Diaspora is a publication of JK Productions – Chicago, Illinois

INTERVIEW WITH THIRD WORLDThird World is more than areggae band it is aninstitution. This institutionstands for producing andperforming music that,while holding firm to thecultural and ancestral rootsof its’ members, still

pushes forward the cutting edge of reggae. It is a group whosethemes are positive, progressive and internationally relevant.Jamaican Diaspora had a chance to speak to Bunny Rugs, who isthe lead vocal for the group.

JD: One of the group’s trademark songs is “Reggae ambassador”.Being a reggae artist, what do you think should be yourresponsibility?

BR: To take Jamaican music and its message of peace, love,harmony around the world.

JD: Reggae had made many changes in style. I.e. 70’s classic tocurrent Dancehall How would you categorize the Third World’smusic?

BR: We have the Third World style. Every group has theirown way of sending out their message. Our music is a fusionof African and Caribbean sounds.

JD: How long have you been with the band?

BR: 28 of the 30 years

JD: Who are your musical influences?

BR: Nat King Cole Gregory Isaacs and many more

JD: How many albums have the group produced?

BR: 20 albums and our latest is “Ain’t Giving Up”

To learn more about the band, visit their web page atwww.thirdworldband.com

di •a s •po • r a : n . 1 . D i spe r s ion o f peop l e f r om the i r o r i g ina l home land 2 . The commun i ty fo rmed by such a peop l e

CHICAGO CAR FETE 2003On behalf of the Jamaican car fête group, I would like to thankeverybody for their support, donations and time to make ourendeavor a success.

We look forward to the year 2004 when the Car Fête group will dothis again in a better and bigger way. We truly appreciate yourcontinued support.

To contact us, please send correspondence to:Jamaican Car Fête Group, P.O. Box 283, Dolton, IL 60419, USA

Errol Willock, President of the Jamaican car fête Group

Things my mother taught me that only a yardy canunderstand:• My mother taught the VALUE OF EDUCATION. “If yuh

no go a school, yuh a go tun tief or walk an’ pick upbottle”.

• My mother taught me HUMOR. “If yuh nuh eat food,breeze a go blow yuh wa”

• My mother taught me JUSTICE. “One day when yuh havepickney an dem treat yuh same way.

Why Jamaican people are different ...

Mi deh yah ah tink and realize seh, dere are sometings yuhwoulda neva see we a do, hear we ah seh or even attempt fitry. Tek fir instance...

• Yuh eva see Jamaicans a climb mountain wid flag andclaim victory when dem reach di top? Yuh ever see weh ahhang out inna di miggle of di Amazon jungle? Fi wareason?

• Yuh ever see weh a jump outta plane wid one parachute ora boast seh we going bungee jumping next Sunday?

• Yuh eva see weh inna sea bout we looking fi di great whitesharks? No sah, we wi watch it pon TV.

• Yuh eva hear weh in ah search & rescue pan mountain? Ami sen dem up mountain? If dem find dem way up, demfe find dem way dung again. Idiat dem! A nature way fefeed de weak and any hungry animal up deh!

• Yuh eva see a Jamaican man acting pon big screen goinginna haunted house and asking..."Trevah yuh in deh?" Ifhim foolish enuf fi go ina di haunted house him an diduppy dem caang fight it out in deh.

• Yuh eva hear a Jamaican man seh.."no honey...no need fecook rice and peas wid oxtail and a little chicken pon aSunday ... mek we order in a pizza nuh?" Try yu best ... notpon yuh life.

MI LUV DE PATIOS YUH SI

Special thanks to the following:Beulah HenryBill HarveyBlossomCalvin BoswellDesmond and Joy PompiDonna 1 and Donna 2

Fred BakerJamaica Tourist BoardMusiciansSolomon FlowersValerie Richards

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RASTAFARI: FULFILLING THE MISSION, DISPELLING THE MYTHSAre you one among many who have biasedopinions about Rastafarians? Do you think theyare a are a “drug cult” or a group of ganja smokingdreadlocks without a theology who either love to

listen to reggae music or who are reggae musicians. If you feelthat Rastafarians are a cultural rather than a spiritual group,you’re not alone, many people who see us through the eyes ofEuropean or western media along with members from theworld’s established religions are biased towards Rastafarians,because we embrace an African-centered, rather than Euro-centered view of spirituality or religion.

Many people are unaware of Rastafarian history; they knowabout Bob Marley, but nothing about the God that Marleyembraced as his religious way of life and worshiped in his music.Just as many are unaware that in the beginning of the RastafarianMovement (early 1930’s), Rastafarians were brutally persecutedand imprisoned and many also lost their lives for daring toproclaim the Divinity of His Imperial Majesty, not for farming,selling or smoking ganja.

In all due respect, true-to-form- Rastafarians are to be consideredthe same as other spiritually enlighten traditional peoplethroughout the world, such as the Yogi’s, Rabbi’s, Imam’s, Priestsand Ministers…to say anything about us (Rastafarians) isnothing less but religious discrimination -- the only differencebetween African-centered Rastafarians and Euro-centricChristians, is that Rastafarians embrace the Black EthiopianMessiah, while they embrace the European Messiah. WhileEurope and the west are waiting for their Messiah to return, wesay “He came, but you missed H.I.M.” We know that if EmperorHaile Selassie I was born in England with blond hair and blueeyes, and had he inherited the Throne of David and the DivineTitles (King of Kings, Lord of Lords) and was from theSolomonic bloodline, there would have been no doubt who He Is.

Those Who Wear the Crown

We wear our Crown (locks) embrace the doctrine of theEthiopian Monophysite (God-Manifest-in-flesh) because weknow that His Majesty was the spiritual embodiment of the manthey call Christ in this time. We know this because His Majestyfulfilled Revelations from 1935-1941 (Rev 19:11), and he is adescent of King David, King Solomon, the Queen of Sheba andthe man they call Christ, all are in His Majesty’s family tree. HisMajesty also inherited the throne of King David on November 2,1930, along with the divine titles “King of King, Lord of Lords,”in accordance with bible prophecy (Acts 2:13; andRev19:11)..these are facts, not mere conjecture by Rastafarians.Locks were worn by Ethiopian-Egyptian God-Kings and Priest-Kings thousands of years before the bible was written. In biblicaltimes, locks were worn by those who had taken the Oath of theNazarite (Hebrews 7). Today this timeless tradition is maintainedby Ethiopian monks and Rastafarians.

The Light in Marley’s Eyes

Emperor Haile Selassie I, the 225th King of Kings and Lord ofLords was the Light in Marley’s eyes and the heartbeat inMarley’s music. Though millions in the world love and admiredMarley, they knew nothing about the God-King that Marleyworshiped. As a musical prophet, Marley an instrument used byJAH (God) to plant the Seed of Rastafari in the hearts and mindsof millions of people throughout the world.

The Mystic Path of Rastafari

As for our spiritual way of life: We affirm (know) that theMessiah’s Home is in Judah (Ethiopia), and that Ethiopia/Judah-Kush is the geographical location of the Garden of Eden in theBible. We affirm that there is Only One God and One TruthSpoken in Many Different Languages … and that God Lives andLife is Eternal

In My Father’s House There are Many Mansions

Lastly, there are many Houses/Mansions of Rastafari…thougheach House differs slightly in ritual, all Houses embrace theMonophysite Doctrine (God-Manifest-in-flesh). The mainHouses are Nyabinghi, Twelve Tribes and Bubba Dread -- and ofcourse there are many of us who do not belong to any House, butwe respect Nyabinghi, which is the strict Orthodox Order ofRastafari. Due to the spiritual work of musical prophet BobNesta Marley, members of the Spiritual Movement of Rastafariare found in every corner of the globe, from Africa to Europe andfrom the Americas to the Caribbean and the South PacificIslands.

Rastafari – The African-centered Religion/Way of Life

The seed was planted long ago and today, the people are ripe forwhat of knowledge. Today, educational television programs,such as Discovery Channel and PBS are reporting how Christ andEve of the Bible were Black. If we take away the issue of ganjafrom the Rastafarian Movement, one can see that the only issuethat Europe and the west have with Rastafarians is that weembrace the Black Ethiopian Messiah, rather than the whiteEuropean Messiah, in accordance with the Bible that states thatthe Messiah had hair like lambs wool and feet the color of brass,which point to a man of African, rather than European descent..

Hopefully, the above information will at the very least help todispel some of the myths and misconceptions associated toRastafari, and in so doing, foster a greater appreciation andrespect for knowledge and our Spiritual Way of Life.

Imani Kali-Nyah is a writer, author, investigative-researcher,historian, lecturer and television produce; she is recognizedinternationally for resurrecting the issue of The EthiopianHolocaust 1935-1941. She has a BA in Mass Communicationsfrom Chicago State University and is Chair & CEO of ROOTSInternational Arts Alliance, The Ethiopian HolocaustRemembrance Committee and the Association of RastafarianTheologians. For more information call 312-225-6000.

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Anthony Winkler has captured the essence ofJamaican culture in his books and films. “GoingHome To Teach” is an autobiographical body ofwork, which flashes back to the Jamaica of theauthors childhood, recounts incidents andvignettes that sheds light on the ever changingpolitical climate of the island.

What inspired you to write, "Going Home to Teach"?

There was no particular moment of inspiration. I began thebook sometime after I had finished The Lunatic. At that timerather than an inspiration I was driven by an ambition—totell the story of the year 1975-1976 I had spent in Jamaicateaching at Moneague Teachers College during a tumultuoustime in Jamaican history. I thought I knew something aboutus and the forces that had made us what we had become, andI wanted to share my vision with other Jamaicans. I alsowanted to explain what I was and how I had gotten to be thatway. As a white Jamaican I felt I had a unique perspective tocontribute to a discussion of our identity, and I started out tounravel the separate strands of history—family, personal,and national—and show how together they entwined tocreate the individual soul that I am. This explanation soundsterribly anthropological and makes me seem morecalculating than I really am. But in fact when I begin a bookwhat I have in mind is little more than a smudge, a vaguespeck on the horizon, and the finished product is more due tomy blundering back-and-forth rather than to anypreconceived idea of where I'm going. I almost never knowthat. Often, I'm as surprised as the reader by the twists andturns a book might take, especially fiction; in Going Home toTeach, because it is a true story, I was surprised not by itsoutcome, but by the sociological and historical explanations Istumbled upon as I wrote it. Writing is for me an exercise ofthe subconscious, and I always write better if I don't knowwhat I'm trying to say until I've actually said it.

Maya Angelou has written several autobiographical books. Ineach book, it depicts a significant era that changed her life as wellas what was happening at that period in time. Should your fansanticipate other autobiographical pieces? Was writing thisparticular piece cathartic for you?

My editor has always encouraged me to write myautobiography, particularly the story of my family, which hasmore than its share of eccentrics. An autobiographypresumes that one has led an interesting life that people wantto hear about, and every now and again I'm dogged by thefeeling that that does not apply to me. Interestingly enough,when I wrote Going Home to Teach I had samesqueamishness that I was presuming and had no authenticreason for writing that book. I do not know whether the actof writing Going Home to Teach was cathartic. If it was, thecatharsis probably arrived via a dripping faucet rather than

in a climactic cloudburst. Every book I'vewritten, I believe, is based on my love forJamaica and Jamaicans, and if there was adeparture from this principle in Going Hometo Teach, it was a result of the bitter anger Ifelt then about the racial chauvinism of the1970s that rejected me because I'm white.

Now that I am older (but no wiser), I no longer feel thatbitterness: I say to myself, I am white and Jamaican, and he(or she) who doesn't like that can stick it where the monkeystuck the ...

By the end of the book, we learn how the headmaster’sgatekeeper attitude impacted you and the students in a brashmanner. People want to help their fellow man but bad mindedsouls are often a road block to progress. Do you think that’s whyindividuals who are altruistic are hard to find?

I don't know. I've always had the feeling that the philosopherwho said, "No man does evil knowingly"—I believe it wasPlato—might actually be right. I do not believe anyoneconsciously starts out to commit wickedness without havingsome self-justifying motive. What is much more probable isthat the evil -doer thinks his wickedness is a good even if hisreasons are selfish. It is also my conviction that selfishness isthe one primal sin in the world and that all other sins aretributaries of it. As for being altruistic, one man's altruism isanother man's egotism. After 61 years of life, what I'velearned about this world is that things are seldom as simpleas they seem.

In your book, we learned that because of the political climate ofthe 70’s, the landowner Mr. Jameson decided to sell out and leaveJamaica but eventually he wanted to come back. You left andcame back as well. What is the magic about Jamaica that createsthis bond to the island?

It's home—that's all the magic there is. It is where we drewour first breath, spoke our first word, felt the first pin prickof love. Old-time Jamaicans say you always yearn to go backto the place where your navel string is buried. They may wellbe right.

Do you have any upcoming works?

Sometime this fall MacMillan of England is releasing TheAnnihilation of Fish and Other Short Stories. I also have twocompleted novels that are scheduled to go into productionsoon. What is most wonderful about what I do for living isthat it is what I would be doing anyway even if I were notbeing paid for doing it.

BOOKS – A REFLECTION

Anthony Winkler’s Lunatic can be purchased at:

Roadmaster International Records629 1/2 Howard Street Evanston, IL • Jamaican movies in VHS and DVD format

• Caribbean, R&B and Hip-Hop music

Small enough to know you and large enough to serve you.

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d i • a s •po • r a : n . 1 . D i spe r s ion o f peop l e f r om the i r o r i g ina l home land 2 . The commun i ty fo rmed by such a peop l e

American African Caribbean Foundation The American African CaribbeanFoundation (AACF) was founded byPresident Nicole Peden. Marlin E. Kirbyis on the Board of Directors and acts aslegal counsel for the charitable

corporation. AACF is a charitable, patriotic, educational andcivic corporation and its mission is to encourage and bringawareness to Caribbean and Americans on issues that affectcitizenship for Black Caribbeans. AACF's mission is to offereducational and financial assistance to Black Caribbeans whoseek United States Citizenship. AACF will work withcorporations and sponsors to find recipients job placement in theUnited States of America. AACF will assist in the collegescholarship process for Caribbeans who have acquired theircitizenship or who are hindered from gaining citizenship becauseof their lack of education. For information call: 708-717-5498.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

The 2003 recipient ofthe Chicago MusicAward for “Best MusicVideo Show” isTropical Riddims andBeats. It airs everyTuesday at 11:00 pm on

channel 19, CAN-TV, Chicago’s cable access station. TRBbrings you the best in reggae, soca, calypso, compa, zoukous andother “tropical rhythms” from around the globe. It includes a mixof music videos, live performance, and interviews.

Tropical Riddims and Beats features artists from different partsof the tropical world including Sean Paul, (Jamaica), Beenie Man(Jamaica), Capleton (Jamaica), Burning Spear (Jamaica), HughMasekala (South Africa), Fantcha (Cape Verde), Zenglen (Haiti),Adina (Comoros Islands) Byron Lee (Jamaica). TRB has alsofeatured Grammy award winners Shaggy and Damian Marley.

The show also highlights local Chicago artists including RastaKelly, Dub Dis featuring Devon Brown, George from Yard, andAswah Greggori. Tropical Riddims and Beats is led by producerCharif Hachim, and hosted by personalities Randolph Coleman,Dahtah, Petina Dixon and Halcyone Hoagland. All of the hostshave roots in West Indian music and culture. TRB takes you on aone-hour trip to the tropics every Tuesday night. Sit back, relax,and enjoy!

MORE INFO

Tropical Riddims and Beats: www.trbtv.com Chicago Music Awards: www.chicagomusicawards.com/cma Photos and biographies: http://www.trbtv.com/crew.html

TRB CREWCharif Hachim, TRB ProducerM.B.A Finance | Co-Producer Caribbean Soul TV

Randolph Coleman, TRB Host B.A.Communications| Host/Producer of Reggae & World Groove (WKKC)

Dahtah, TRB Host B.A. in Liberal Studies | Event Coordinator for Martin’s Interculture

Petina Dixon, TRB Host B.S. in Journalism | Producer/DJ of Reggae Vibrations (WNUR)

Halcyone Hoagland, TRB HostB.A. Arts Administration | Performing Artist/Dancer (W.I. Folk Dance Co.)

TROPICAL RHYTHM & BEATS WINS AWARD

(773) 761-4823 • 7366 N Clark St, Chicago

11a.m-9p.m. M-T 11a.m-10p.m. Fri-Sun

The best of Jamaican home style cooking right here in Chicago!

Linnette's Jamaican Kitchen

PH: 773-761-0700 | FX: 773-761-0764 / 0710

• Jerk Pork & Chicken• Jamaican-style Beef Patties

• Hardough Bread• Assorted Pastries• Spice Buns• Jamaican-style Veggie Patties

Caribbean American Baking Company

1539 W. Howard St., Chicago, Il 60626

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The Jamaican Diaspora is a publication of JK Productions – Chicago, Illinois

d i • a s •po • r a : n . 1 . D i spe r s ion o f peop l e f r om the i r o r i g ina l home land 2 . The commun i ty fo rmed by such a peop l e

Someone You Should Know Marlin Kirby is a lawyer specializing inBankruptcy and Immigration. Hisgrandfather migrated from Ghana (thencalled the Gold Coast) to Kingston,Jamaica and it was in Kingston MarlinKirby was born. After receiving this lawdegree from the University of Iowa, he

practiced law in Tennessee and is currently practicing in OakPark IL. Marlin also taught law at the John Marshal Law Schoolin Chicago IL.

About 70 percent of Marlin’s cases are bankruptcy filings.However, one of the more interesting aspects of his practice is theimmigration law portion. In addition to helping those wanting tobring their family members into this country, he often recruitshealth care workers into the United States. He integrates hisknowledge of the law to assist in bringing skilled health careworkers into this country. About one-third of Mr. Kirby's clientsare from Jamaica or other parts of the Caribbean. He delights inrepresenting the Caribbean community and remembering thatspecial island where it all began. We salute Marlin Kirby for hisentrepreneurship, charitable donations and for being a positiverole model for the community. For more information, you maycall 708-848-9279 or email [email protected].

Software SolutionsRobert Jackson Microsoft Certified Programmer

• MIS trainer • PC instructor• Author of The Talking Bible

7516 Ridge Blvd #3e, Chicago, IL 60645 • PH: 773-412-4102

e-mail: [email protected] • www.HearJesus.com

YARDIE DEH 'BOUT

1100 West Lake Street Suite LL 38 Oak Park, IL 60601 PH: 708-848-9279 • 708-275-4111FX: 708 848 0613 • e-mail: [email protected]

Marlin E. KirbyAttorney at Law

2053-55 W. Howard StreetChicago, IL 60645773 262 7096

Menu varies daily

• Showers • Banquet Hall • Parties

Spice Garden CafeAuthentic Jamaican Cooking

RECIPE CORNERMango Nectar (Sunsplash)

3 ripe medium-sized mangos

Juice of 1 lime

1 1/2 pt (550 ml) water

Raw cane sugar

Method

Peel the mangos, cut the flesh from the central stone and eitherrub through a fine sieve or liquidize in an electric blender. Add tothe mango puree, the lime juice and water. Add sufficient rawcane sugar to sweeten, stirring the mixture until the sugar hasdissolved. Chill and serve.

Serves 3-4

A tropical flavored drink, fresh orange or pineapple can be addedfor a more exotic blend of flavors.

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d i • a s •po • r a : n . 1 . D i spe r s ion o f peop l e f r om the i r o r i g ina l home land 2 . The commun i ty fo rmed by such a peop l e

IBI

MARKLAND TAYLOR’S ESSAYPhysics has always been an import and part ofscience from the early centuries. Galileo Galilei,Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein are just a few ofthe great minds that have contributed help to carvethe pathway for modern science and itsapplications. Electronics, which is a branch of this

field, has clearly transformed our lives in every area. These twobranches of science are the gateway I have chosen; hence, theynow constitute my major.

All training that I have received towards my major can be passedto my fellow Jamaicans. I could become a teacher I my field,thereby aiding the development of the science inclined minds onthe island or partake in various research projects. Mycontribution along with others in this area will foster thedevelopment of a Jamaican Albert Einstein. Someday, this canhappen. My major is in the field of electronics, which hascontributed significantly in the communication sector. Forexample, mobile communication has increased exponentially theisland.

Electronics has brought everyone closer in the world. We can bein our homes and network with Jamaicans worldwide.Information technology plays an important role in every countrybecause a significant amount of foreign exchange can beobtained utilizing this medium. Jamaica is now makingprovisions to branch out in this sector and reap the benefits.Physics and electronics knowledge are beneficial to thecommunity.

Electronics has no boundaries. How could one forget theconveniences this major has brought to our homes? It isconstantly evolving and producing new ideas; therefore, new andimproved gadgets will be developed and introduced for publicconsumption, hence making our lives easier. Overall, my majorplays an important role in every sector of a modern andprogressive Jamaica.

BACK A YARDCongratulations to Kerri Ann Palmer and Markland Taylor. Bothare students at the University of West Indies in Kingston Jamaica,who entered the Jamaican American Club’s essay contest entitled“My major at the university benefits the Jamaican communityby…” They both got prize money, a Jamaican American Club’st-shirt and Robert Jackson’s Talking Bible CD. Here are thewinning essays:

KERRI –ANN PALMER’S ESSAYAll academic pursuits are important and vital to the developmentof the individual studying and benefit the Jamaican society, if

what is learn is applied effectively in relevantforms to the Jamaican community. In my quest forknowledge, I was lead to read for a degree in mymajor, English. This major is sometimes regardedas being not so challenging-as not really being

scholarly. In spite of this perception, the positive impact it willhave on the nation are numerous. My major benefits theJamaican community by promoting social cooperation.

It gives allowances for creative expression, critical analysis andenables the impartation of positive values and attitudes. Some ofthe professional arenas open to me by pursuing English areHuman Resource, Advertising and Teaching. Literary works arerepresentative of the society in which we live. Through books,we travel globally and enter the minds and lives of the characters.

Such intimacy with these personalities helps in giving me a betterunderstanding of human nature. I can enter the Human Resourcefield where I would respect the diversity of people with whom Iassociate and try to come up with strategies where we betterwork with each other, thereby improving worker productivity andthe competitiveness of the organization. Whose success willimpact positively on the social and economic life of the Jamaicancommunity. Such insight on human behavior would help me as ateacher to mediate and effectively manage classroom conflicts,and help each child to be the best s/he can be based on theirunique strengths. Also, studying English can create distinctlyJamaican imaginative and critical works that reflect the Jamaicanexperience, giving the people scope to express their concerns,and educate each other about their situations rather than resort toviolent means. Through the advertising medium, positivemessages can be transmitted to impact on the populace to changenegative behaviors and show alternatives to such. Indeed, mymajor is vitally important to the Jamaican community.

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Trivia! ??Who is John Russwurm and why is he important to print media?

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Page 8: Jamaican American Club

THE COMMUNITY REMEMBERSJune Jordan

June Jordan was born in Harlem NYJuly 9, 1936 to Jamaicanimmigrants. She was a professor ofAfrican Studies at the University ofCalifornia at Berkley campus, authorof 28 books, numerous essays and arecipient of many literary awards.Sadly, on June 14, 2002, thisremarkable woman lost her 10 yearbattle to breast cancer. Through herliterary works and positivecontributions, we will remember her.

Unfortunately this dreaded disease ranks second among thecause of caner deaths in Black women, according to ACS(American Cancer Society). For more information on breastcancer prevention, call toll free 800 ACS 2345 or visitwww.cancer.org.

EditorJanice K. Maxwell

Creative DirectionBreadfruit Productions

PhotographyErrol WillockJanice K. Maxwell

Contributing WritersCherif HachimImani NyahJanice K. Maxwell

PublisherJK Productions

6

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

Jamaican Diaspora is a free forum newsletter and is dedicated to Jamaicans, the Caribbean community andto all positive progressive people around the world. We cover issues concerning health, education,environment and cultural pride. Please contact us and say hello. We will advertise your affairs. Knowingwho you are and what you are planning prevents us from scheduling events on the same date as yours.Remember: unity is strength – knowledge is power. If you have a business, creative ideas or anything vitalto the community well-being, please contact us.

e-mail: [email protected] Address: P.O. box 62 Elk Grove, Il 60009-0062 USA Phone: 847-663-1598

One love and may peace be with you always.

Out of many, one people.

Jamaican Diaspora: Editor: Janice Kaye Maxwell | Art Direction: Karen Straka, Breadfruit Productions © JK Productions 2003

Answer to trivia question:John Brown Russwaurm was born a slave in Jamaica in 1799. After receiving a college degree from Bowdoin in the US in 1826,he and SamuelCornish founded the 1st African American newspaper called Freedom’s Journal. The 1st issue appeared on March 16,1827. ??

Arnold Brackenridge and the Redemption BandwagonArnold Brackenridge has played with many ofthe legends such as Bob Marley and the wailers,Peter Tosh, Fred McGregor. He has formed acurrent band called Arnold Brackenridge and TheRedemption Bandwagon. To learn more aboutthis phenomenal artist, visit www.allmusic.com,email [email protected] or call 773 2627096. $2.00 of every CD purchased will go toOakton Jr. High PTA in Evanston, IL

CR

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ITS

The Ethiopian HolocaustP.O. Box 6515Chicago, IL 60680-6515312 225 6000www.rootsinternational.net

America African Caribbean foundation708 717 5498708 403 5498 - fax

Jamaican American ClubP.O. Box 62Elk Grove, IL 60009-0062www.geocities.com/jamaicanamericanclub/island.html

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