Tag: Black History Month

African Caribbean Institute Focuses on Storytelling for Black History Month

February 2, 2021

We are aware of the legacy of the oral tradition that Jamaica inherited from West Africa. Unfortunately, the storytelling tradition is often only wheeled out on special occasions and for cultural events, with only a handful of practitioners keeping the tradition alive. I recently heard renowned actor Oliver Samuels talking about his childhood in St. … More African Caribbean Institute Focuses on Storytelling for Black History Month

The Weeping Time: Memory and the Largest Slave Auction in American History, by Anne C. Bailey

June 15, 2017

Dr. Anne C. Bailey is a Jamaican-born academic – an author, writer and historian. She is Professor of History and Africana Studies at the State University of New York (SUNY) Binghamton. She still maintains close links with Jamaica; we first met when she visited Jamaica during Black History Month. I had the honour of organising her visit … More The Weeping Time: Memory and the Largest Slave Auction in American History, by Anne C. Bailey

Anansesem: Storytelling and the True Purpose of Motherhood

February 28, 2016

“Motherhood has been downgraded to…a chore,” mused Judith Wedderburn, a member of the 51% Coalition. She was speaking at the launch of Anansesem: Telling Stories and Storytelling African Maternal Pedagogies, by Dr. Adwoa Ntozake Onuora, presented by the Institute of Gender and Development Studies at the University of the West Indies (UWI) on February 19 Some might say … More Anansesem: Storytelling and the True Purpose of Motherhood

Running a World Away

March 3, 2012

The Petchary was recently kindly invited to a film show at the Canadian High Commission.  The film was called “The Mighty Jerome,” and was selected to recognize Black History Month.  (Now, Jamaicans too recognize – or half-recognize – this month.  Paying lip service to the need to understand one’s roots.  Commenting sourly, “But it’s an American … More Running a World Away

President Obama Belts Out The Blues With B.B. King, Jagger And Buddy Guy (VIDEO) | Roland Martin Reports

February 22, 2012

After that all-too-short snippet from Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” recently, President Obama has now moved on, rather tentatively, from soul to the blues. Here he is with BB singing “Sweet Home Chicago.” This man has class, style… Looking like a winner to me! PS THIS BRINGS ME ON TO A SHAMELESS PLUG FOR THE … More President Obama Belts Out The Blues With B.B. King, Jagger And Buddy Guy (VIDEO) | Roland Martin Reports

Teachers

March 15, 2011

This blog is in praise of teachers.  This time, teachers of the musical kind. Here is one teacher, quietly nurturing his students.  He has a childlike smile, an easy-going nature. But by his example – his sparkling guitar solos and his complete immersion in the music – he inspires his students.  For a music teacher … More Teachers