Post-Racial Rhapsody

I have a story for you, one that you may be familiar with. Most Americans had high praise for the 2009 feel-good movie “The Blind Side” based on the true story of an African-American football player named Michael Oher. In case you haven’t seen it, Oher, aka “Big Mike” starts off as a homeless and distressed teenage boy who is a product of the housing projects, broken family, and then foster homes that he has emerged from.  He is a large young man, hence “Big Mike”, but also a quiet person despite all the trauma of his youth. Eventually, he is discovered for being favorably-sized by a private school’s football team and because of his circumstances Michael is adopted by Sandra Bullock’s character (Leigh Anne Tuohy) and her family. The rest is a great story about overcoming the odds and being included on a team and in a family that would otherwise be alien to him. It is also true as far as I know, since Michael Oher is a real person who is now an NFL offensive left tackle and he has told his own story in an autobiography. Who can show contempt for this true story of showing love and compassion to a kid that many would have just forsaken? Fortunately it all worked out for “Big Mike” and he came across some really cool people that became his adoptive family. Yet, the movie at least, avoided some of the real ugliness that can come from confronting prejudices and blatant racism in society. Perhaps it’s just because it was a PG-13 movie, or perhaps the real ugly possibilities were avoided.

Now, let’s take this story and play with it a bit. What if it didn’t take place in Memphis, Tennessee, but instead, Ferguson Missouri? What if the physically imposing black teenager was not Michael Oher, but instead, Michael Brown? What if “Big Mike” Oher, or Brown, or whatever, was not a gentle giant, but an angry youth with a bad attitude and a propensity for petty theft (like many teenagers)? What if instead of wandering the streets and being found by Sandra Bullock, Michael instead is confronted by a police officer? What if “Big Mike” had a bad day and that bad day turned into bad fortune when an officer probably acting more out of fear than civic responsibility, shot him multiple times? How does that sound for a feel-good movie of the year? Not too good I imagine. The kind rather, that makes you feel rather uncomfortable and disgusted. It’s not the sugary stereotypical, “white savior meets magical negro” one that more people in mainstream America would like to watch. (In saying this, I mean no disrespect toward Mr. Oher or the Tuohy family.) Why do I bring up this alternative story? Because this story is not only in the headlines every minute of the day, but it is also rooted in the unfortunate reality for many black teenagers in America. 

Of course, people have so many things to say about this issue and the Michael Brown case in particular. It is sure to inspire some very confrontational Thanksgiving dinners. In fact, the topic probably cannot be avoided unless it is immediately classified as “too hot for TG” (TG, Thanksgiving… yes, I made it up). One only needs to read statuses on social media or read comments following online news articles to be immersed in a tide of controversy. Some of these comments fall along the lines of “he deserved it”, “he acted like a thug, troublemaker, punk”, “don’t talk back to, or confront cops”, “he was a thief”, and now lately I’ve seen speculations that his parents are affiliated with the Bloods gang. Even if all of the above was true, even if Michael Brown does not deserve the impromptu canonization that he has seemed to receive by many people in the Ferguson community, does that make the police response any less impetuous and the outcome any less tragic? In the end, an unarmed, surly, but probably scared, young black man was gunned down by law enforcement. The particulars right now are unknown, there is much speculation, and other people are more qualified to ask questions and find answers. However, the excuses that are being made for why an officer could shoot this young black teenager are ignorant in the least, and then insensitive and even hateful at their worst. 

I have another story, very brief… it is my own. There was a period of time when I was an acrimonious adolescent male. I was sullen and petulant. Sometimes the slightest thing would put me in a rage. I even had a temper so horrible that my grandmother had warned me with a sincere concern that this behavior could lead me to a path ending in jail. Yes, these are the years before my Rastafari trod! I was self-destructive and I engaged in criminal activities that if I had been caught, I may still be locked in a prison cell. I even had encounters with law enforcement. The difference is that I did not come from a broken family, in fact my family cared for me very much. The difference is that I had education and I did not come from a disenfranchised community. The difference is that if I did things to adjust my behavior or appearance, I could avoid having a target on my back. The difference is… I am white. With a roll of fate’s dice, a change of skin color and circumstances, I too could have been Michael Brown, or Trayvon Martin, or Eric Garner, and it goes on and on. I know all too well the benefit of white privilege in certain situations that I may have shared with these men, or that I did indeed share with friends and acquaintances of mine in my younger days. Whether I liked it or not, that’s how it was. Whether we like it or not, acts of prejudice and even discrimination are practiced by officers of the law, because they are human, and we are often bias creatures. 

There are a few things I just want to set straight before continuing. I know that without police protecting citizens there would be anarchy and chaos in our towns and cities. I know that there are some excellent officers who do all the right things for the right reasons and risk their lives with simple acts of heroism every day.  I applaud these men and women, I thank them, and we should be careful not to paint all police officers or the institution with a broad brush. However, not every person who puts on a uniform, wears a badge, and carries a gun is a fair and tolerant person. There are good cops and there are bad cops. Looking beyond the person, there are cops who do a good job and there are cops who do a poor job. This is plain and simple, and irrefutable. Also, on the other end of the spectrum, the burning and looting of Ferguson and the antagonizing of police is disgraceful. Violence and rioting only perpetuate stereotypes, take attention away from the real issue, and mostly hurt people within the same community. Although the outrage is understandable, the actions are senseless, and adverse to any progress. I condemn this behavior as would most rational people of any background.  It should be noted though that most people protesting in Ferguson and other cities around America are not violent and erratic, they are just practicing their civic right to speak against an injustice. 

So why is all of this still happening in this post-racial America? Why does it seem like we have been “blind-sided” by these heavy racial issues when we thought it was “all good”? Why are the 2010’s looking more and more like the 1960’s? Aren’t we past that? Didn’t we have the Civil Rights Movement, and hey, don’t we have a black president? The problem is that we like to pretend that we are color-blind. It is because we are saturated with pop-culture, television shows and McDonald’s commercials where everyone is mingling and doing just fine and we view it as people just being people; people being treated like they should be, as a good person or a bad person. All the prejudices went out the window a generation ago, all the racialism was “so yesterday”. Yet, even if it is subconscious, or parodied, we still have black men portrayed as the archetypes of strong, super athletic, oversexed, crude, beastly negros and black women as loud, angry and bitchy, and both as ignorant, lazy, and generally unintelligent. It’s there; you just have to a look with a third-eye because it may not be as obvious.

As a Rastaman and as a teacher I am one of the first to tell my students and the people I meet that we are all one and that there is only one human race (a beautiful truth). On the other hand, as a Rastaman and a teacher I am also one of the first to tell them that the social and historical construct of “race” is very real, very complicated, and that injustices, intolerance and preconceptions are still alive and well. In fact, the very reason why so much emphasis is put on “black and white” and not the myriad of other ethnicities and cultures in this country is because of our tumultuous past. Ignoring these facts help no one. There is a more insidious racism in existence now. Old-school bigotry is no longer chic or in many cases even tolerated. To borrow a term from radio talk show host Joe Madison, we no longer have “Jim Crow” but his more sophisticated grandson, “James Crow, Esq.” You can’t just go around saying certain things, but you can absolutely feel them, and you can codify them. For example, President Obama has been one of the most castigated presidents in modern history. Some critics call him everything but the N-Word, and yet they would defend themselves by saying they are simply ideologically opposed to him and don’t think that he is a good leader. What other president has had his birth and American citizenship questioned? What other president has had his religious belief scrutinized as if he was a threat to the American public because he could be a menacing anti-American black nationalist? These examples are not coming from real political concerns or disagreements, they come from irrational fear and mindless rhetoric, aka prejudice. They come from that same little dark place where many Americans have tucked away all of their ugly thoughts… in a vacuum of ignorance where the issue of race has not had to be confronted. Until now… 

That dark place is where, I presume, Officer Wilson went to when Michael Brown confronted him in anger. That dark place is where George Zimmerman went when he killed Trayvon Martin. That dark place is where the team of officers went when they choked the life from Eric Garner, that dark place manifests every time someone crosses the street to avoid a dark person on a dark street in the dark night. That dark place could God forbid one day affect my children if they are perceived a certain way, or my wife, or her siblings and cousins. The dark place instills fear in the hearts of men, on both sides of the color-line. People will say it has nothing to do with color, but it has everything to do with color.

Here we have the repercussion of living in our so-called post-racial America. It is a scary place that looks like something from our history books. We need to have a serious talk and educate ourselves, because history repeats itself. We need to learn from another, we need to take a walk in each other’s shoes; we need to recognize that although we are many colors, we are all one people. This dark place of ignorance, confusion, prejudice, brutality and racial profiling is what we Rastafari people call the Babylon System. It is a system that keeps both black and white, all humanity, in bondage. It needs to be confronted, and turning a color-blind eye to it will not help us. Knowledge is power, Truth is the light… shine it in all of those dark, dark places.

I close with this quote from Dr. King which although spoken in the 1960’s still rings true today: "The majority of white Americans consider themselves sincerely committed to justice for the Negro. They believe that American society is essentially hospitable to fair play and to steady growth torward a middle-class Utopia embodying racial harmony. But unfortunately this is a fantasy of self-deception and comfortable vanity. Overwhelmingly America is still struggling with irresolution and contradictions. It has been sincere and even ardent and welcoming some change. But too quickly apathy and disinterest rise to the surface when the next logical steps are to be taken. Laws are passed in a crisis mood after a Birmingham or Selma, but no substantial fervor survives the formal signing of legislation. The recording of the law in itself is treated as the reality of the reform." - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr

Without Doubt or Apology, 
With Love and Sincerity,
JAHsh

Stop Dreaming, Start Doing

Many great things have taken place in American history thanks to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other civil rights leaders who devoted their lives to overcoming the evils of injustice and hypocrisy. It took a phenomenal amount of courage to lead a revolution against the status quo that dominated American society at the time. It took determination to boldly fight for the transcendental Truth which had been hidden away and ignored since the founding of the United States. It took wisdom and foresight to look for changes and dismantle racist and oppressive institutions but without vengeance, without blood, and without hatred. Finally it took action. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke eloquently and his words will always live on, but he is mostly remembered because he was also a man of action. Rhetoric is not enough to make change occur. Dr. King emerged as a leader during a tumultuous time in the U.S. , as did many other people, mostly nameless, who also dedicated their lives to battling racism and raise awareness of the problems in America. We have examples of Thurgood Marshall fighting against legal segregation, the Little Rock Nine, Jackie Robinson breaking the color line in MLB, the murder of Emitt Till, Rosa Parks and the bus boycotts. We think of the nonviolent protests, sit-in movements, the Freedom Riders, James Meredith, Medgar Evers, and the Dr. King’s March on Washington. The protests and several tragic killings of black Americans brought national attention to the civil rights movement. Without action and without sacrifice, social justice and progress might not have happened.

Since MLK’s time, we live in a free and cosmopolitan society. Whether it is in our own communities or through media and pop-culture, America can be seen as a place where all kinds of different people can hope to live in peace and happiness no matter your race, creed, complexion and now more increasingly, your sexual orientation. Ideally, you can safely walk wherever you want and you can go to any public facility or event. Legally, there is equality in schools, and in the work-place. Generations of American children have grown up with multiethnic friends and heroes. We have even lived to see the election of a black president, President Barack Obama. These achievements have been an inspiration to the world, especially in nations that lived vicariously through the victory African-Americans had won during the civil rights era. The Caribbean and African nations drew on the examples of leadership and struggle found in the U.S., as did all types of people from Asian, Latin American, and European countries. This is why we celebrate Martin Luther King Day in America. Yet, it is also why we are forgetting the true example and legacy of MLK.

Because so much has seemingly changed, and because generations of young Americans grew up in a country that no longer has obvious signs of racism, we often forget that this progress was not an overnight phenomenon. Dr. Martin Luther King did not give his “I Have A Dream Speech” on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and immediately afterward people were overcome with the need to hug each other and apologize for the wrong’s of the past and present. No, MLK was an example of one of those people taking the first steps toward equality. After African-Americans were protected by the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act, resentment against this legislation led to increased racism in some parts of the North with de facto discrimination. Opponents of civil rights became violent, activists were attacked and killed... Dr. King was assassinated. Change did not come right away, in fact, it seemed too slow, which is why many African-American activists like Malcolm X and Stokely Carmichael sought out more militant forms of protest against discrimination and segregation. Much of this frustration and racial tension erupted in the form of violence and riots. Although it may have not have followed suit with MLK’s dream, this part of the civil rights movement ultimately led to cultural pride and political gains that had not existed before. Martin Luther King, Jr. is remembered, but we rarely recall the continuation of the civil rights movement or the transition into our modern identity as America, which is still a mission in progress.

It is great to honor and respect Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the other civil rights leaders and activists... but the greatest honor to him would be to realize that the movement still continues and that we all need to continue to be activists. Too many of us have become comfortable and apathetic. Problems did not end with the civil rights era. Neither black or white, or any other Americans, are living in a utopian society. Unemployment, urban poverty, and homelessness have been in the rise for several decades, and because of the current economic and social challenges that we are facing, these problems only continue to grow. Furthermore, these issues are magnified in the African-American and other “minority” communities because of their historical situations and years of discrimination. It is not enough to depend on historical legacy or our government to make the change. We have to initiate it with direct action, and we must fight against the enemies of our advancement.

MLK’s mission in life was for people everywhere to have dignity, equality, and justice... especially within the disadvantaged black community. This has not yet happened, and there are still plenty of roadblocks in the way. Racism and discrimination still exists in America. It would be foolish to believe that it all just disappeared after the civil rights era. It is alive and well, but not blatantly obvious. Instead, it is hidden in conservative political rhetoric, disguised as concerned radio talk-show hosts, and in agendas that in reality negatively affect the black community. Educational and social challenges remain. An achievement gap exists between white and black students (I see this first-hand as a high school teacher). Black students have higher dropout rates, lower test scores, and fewer enrollments in colleges. Many schoolchildren are increasingly separated by race in resegrated schools because of middle class families moving into suburbs. The increase in single-parent families has resulted in a struggle with providing education and health opportunities for the youths. The cost of living is high and many black communities are still plagued with crime and inequality and job and educational opportunities. These have been on-going problems and all too often they are blamed on the victims instead of the powers-that-be.

It is hard times in America, for everyone, but disproportionately for minorities and the working poor despite the progress that civil rights have made. People have a right to question things, people have a right to have opportunities available to them... yet there are some that would like to reverse many of the advances we have made in regard to social equality and justice. It is the same sentiments that existed before the civil rights but now in the angry voices of movements like the Tea Party which speak of “taking America back”. Yet I have questions to ask, and questions which must be answered honestly. Taking America back to what... back to when? When the whole nation wasn’t feeling what African-Americans and others have been feeling for centuries? Back when there was no political participation voice for these people? Back when there was no government assistance or political progress for these people? Back to when black people were 3/5ths of a person in our original Constitution? Dare I say, back to slavery days?... Many conservatives and concerned citizens are blaming President Barack Obama, a black president, for these problems, but if you are a student of American history, you would know that these economic and social problems have been in the black community all along. Is this all political rhetoric against “liberalism” and “socialism” or are some Caucasian people afraid of losing power in a time of black leadership? Some of these same people pretend they love Dr. King and even “March on Washington”, but they really do not agree that political and economic progress must be shared by all, for the benefit of all. They are afraid of change... They refuse to give up a little power after cheating millions of people for centuries with inferior education, poor housing, unemployment, and inadequate health care. To try and repeal the Health Care Bill that President Obama passed is just one example of this disguised attack against social and racial justice.

We have the responsibility and privilege to work together and improve the quality of life for our generation and generations to come. We need to continue a legacy of progress that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spearheaded. We need to stay focused and work toward the goals of racial equality for all persons, no matter race, color or creed. We need to take an active role in our communities and in local and national politics. We need to fight against ignorance and poverty until we can stand together as one solid foundation and to once again be an inspiration to rest of the world.

It is easier to praise a man or woman and venerate them than it is to follow in his or her footsteps and continue to do their life’s work. Instead of taking the message and actively applying it to the world, the person becomes idolized and even worshipped. It has happened all throughout history with all kinds of people, the greatest example being Jesus Christ (theology aside). It only took a few centuries before the early Christians became less concerned about fulfilling Christ’s way of life and more focused on the worship of Him. It only took a few more centuries before His followers argued over His divinity and waged wars and killed in His name, instead of remembering His teachings and His life. It is happening more and more with the name, “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr”. We are becoming dependent on him as an icon. We are idolizing him and saying that the work is done. We speak of MLK, the name of our hero, but barely know the sacrifice and the struggle, or respect the fact that we are now the torch-bearers.

Most of us have become stuck in between the lines of “I Have A Dream”, and we are still dreaming. We have not woken up to reality. We have not done enough to continue his legacy. No matter who you are, no matter where you come from, you can do something to fight for social justice... you can do something to improve the lives of the human race. Why not remember Dr. King in an active way, instead of a day off from school or work? We should follow the example of President Obama and others who ask us to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a day of service and demonstrate our hope and faith in the future. H.I.M. Haile Selassie I once said that, “he who is worthy of praise amongst men is the man who, animated by sentiments of justice, perseveres in the way of equity...”. Dr. King was certainly a man worthy of praise. Let us also be men and women worthy of praise. Let us keep striving in order to grow as a nation and as a people.

Stop dreaming and start doing! Rastafari!,
JAHsh

“Justice for black people will not flow into society merely from court decisions nor from fountains of political oratory. Nor will a few token changes quell all the tempestuous yearnings of millions of disadvantaged black people. White America must recognize that justice for black people cannot be achieved without radical changes in the structure of our society. The comfortable, the entrenched, the privileged cannot continue to tremble at the prospect of change in the status quo...” – Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Elect Of JAH

Today is Election Day in the United States. This year, it happens to fall on Coronation Day, marking the 80th Anniversary of the crowning of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Haile Selassie I. The occasion offers an interesting contrast to behold. On one end, you have the game of politics. Although the idea and practice of democracy is something that the United States upholds, promotes, and has shared with the world, it is an imperfect system and has lost much of its splendor especially during the past decades. Dirty campaigning, unfulfilled promises, the shameless spending of millions of dollars, and the partisan political rhetoric have all contributed to the tainted image of American government and free elections. Even President Barack Obama, who was swept into office on a tide of hope, is not without criticism from some of his original followers, whether it is warranted or not. Ultimately the political system seems to consume all good intentions. On the other end, you have the coronation of a king from an ancient lineage, a theocratic monarchy inherited from King David and his son King Solomon. According to Scripture, this monarchy was established by the Most High Himself. However, the lineage of kings has not been a perfect one either. In fact, one only needs to read the accounts of David and Solomon in the Bible and Kebra Nagast to see contradictions between their conduct and their role as anointed kings of Israel, the nation of JAH’s chosen people. Yet, an everlasting covenant was given to David, an eternal promise to his seed that they would be the Kings of Israel and the custodians of God’s Throne as long as there is a sun and moon in the sky (Psalms 89). This is what is called the Davidic Covenant: that promise that the seed of David would endure through every generation, and that the sovereign tribe of Israel would be Judah. H.I.M. Haile Selassie I was crowned on this day 80 years ago as the 225th royal descendant in the line of Solomon. So today, these lines converge to a point where the democratic system of government, originated in ancient Athens, adopted and improved throughout time up to the present United States is juxtaposed with the crowning of King Selassie of the Ethiopian Royal Family, the Davidic monarchy of the Tribe of Judah. We have the meeting of the elect of the people versus the Elect of JAH. As for me... I choose the Elect of JAH.

I make a bold statement here, but it is a statement of Faith. Some may ask me why in this day and age would I support and follow a monarchy that claims to be the rightful rulers of Earth. After all, many kingdoms throughout history have done the same, like Britain and France, holding to the concept of divine right. However, the Ethiopian Royal Family is the only set of people on Earth capable of tracing their lineage to Solomon and David. Others have tried to make that connection, especially after adopting Judeo-Christendom. Yet, the ancient tradition and record that Ethiopia and the text of the Kebra Nagast speaks of manifests this Truth. Even so, some may then ask why the Solomonic lineage of Ethiopian kings should be significant even if it is true. However, if it was not important, then why in the Bible did the gospels of Matthew and Luke go through the lineage and genealogy of Jesus Christ up until David just to prove that Yeshua (Jesus) was of King David’s seed? If this lineage indicated that part of the Scriptures were fulfilled in the birth, death and resurrection of Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, the “Son of David”, then this lineage is also important to continue through Solomon, his son Menelik I or Bayna-Lehkem (by Makeda, the Queen of Sheba) up to Haile Selassie I and even to his grandson, H.I.H. Zere Yacob, because of the Davidic Covenant which did not end after Christ’s coming... since its promise was eternal. In a mystical and spiritual sense, Jesus Christ was king on David’s throne, but not physically, not until “he whose right it is” or “Shiloh”, or in other words the Second-Advent of Christ shall receive the throne after the kingdom governed by one of David’s seed is no more. Even traditional Christians uphold this belief that Jesus Christ will return and sit on Israel’s throne in the judgment. So if the descendants of David are still present in the Royal Family of Ethiopia, and the sun still shines and the moon still glows, and Iyesus Kristos has not yet come again in His Second Advent to judge the wickedness and evil of this world in the Armageddon, then that means the Davidic Covenant still exists... and King Selassie I’s coronation represented the modern continuation of that promise and the foreshadowing of Christ’s return through the works and divinity of His Majesty. I also believe that Selassie I was not just another Davidic/Solominic king, but also truly fulfilled his role as Israel’s King and manifested the Spirit of Christ. H.I.M.’s kingship was the restoration of light and overstanding from the House of David, he was the Elect of JAH to represent Him to all of humanity and he loosed the Seven Seals.

Just yesterday I wrote a reasoning on Dr. Vernon Carrington, the Prophet Gad, who’s Earthstrong comes the day right before Coronation Day. Brother Gad’s testimony is symbolic in a similar way to how Marcus Garvey’s prophetic declaration of an African sovereign before Selassie I’s coronation had called ones to Rastafari. Gadman had aligned Rastafari doctrine with his Orthodox teachings supported by the Scriptures and with what H.I.M. Haile Selassie Himself declared. Rather than one of the traditional Rastafarian beliefs that His Majesty was the Second-Advent of Christ, Bro. Gad said that Selassie I was “the same Spirit but different flesh” and mentioned that King Selassie was the “man of the hour” in this time. He shared insight into the importance of the Davidic Throne, which many Rastas at the time did not fully overstand, and most Christians neglected. Gadman even made many of his teachings public during a radio interview in which he distinguished between Haile Selassie I and Jesus Christ. The Prophet Gad was a vital component to the Rastafari philosophy, especially after H.I.M. was withdrawn from us in his physical manifestation. In overstanding the fullness of Selassie I, one can realize that the Solominic Dynasty continues and with it the hope of restoration of the Ethiopian Monarchy and JAH Kingdom on Earth. Leaders within the Twelve Tribes of Israel such as Karl Phillpotts Naphtali have continued to carry on the Orthodox teachings, especially that of the Davidic Covenant. Selassie was the 225th descendant of Solomon, but it continues... Amha Selassie, the 226th, Zere Yacob... 227th... until Shiloh come, Rastafari can’t done.

Ultimately human government will fail, because we as humans fail. Just look at all the dirty corrupt politicians looking for a vote to get into office. Even many of the kings of Israel and Judah after the death of Solomon and the division of his kingdom practiced idolatry and did not serve JAH faithfully, particularly those that were not of the Ethiopian line of Menelik I. It goes to show that mankind may fail, but JAH will never fail, and neither will His plan. He will always fulfill His promise, and that was seen in the divine Messianic Personage of His Imperial Majesty when he was crowned as the Elect of JAH in Addis Ababa, November 2, 1930. So, on this Election Day I give thanks for the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Elect of God, Defender of the Faith, and Light of the World... Emperor Haile Selassie I! I vote for Earth’s Rightful Ruler! JAH lives through the personality of His Imperial Majesty and the descendants of the Ethiopian Royal Family. The Lion of the Tribe of Judah hath prevailed.

“I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David, my servant: Thy seed will I establish forever, and build my throne to all generations. Selah” – Psalms 89: 3-4

“The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gather of the people be” – Genesis 49: 10

Long Live the King of Kings!,
JAHsh

Things & Time

Greetings! It is amazing how quickly time flies by. Seasons come and go, and the next thing you know it has become almost a year. I realized this and decided that it was time for me to get back on track with a few things. I figured a great way to start this would be to write about some of the changes that have happened within this past year...

Looking backward, the last time I actually took a little time to post something was after the results of last year’s presidential election. Well, needless to say much has happened since that time. Obviously, we have our first African-American president, which is a really great thing. I had so many things that I had wanted to write about and share during that time, but the pace of life was a bit overwhelming. In any case, it has been a refreshing six months with Mr. Obama in office. What astonishes me though is how many haters there are already. Have Americans forgotten the amount of rubbish Obama has inherited as President? Are people that scared of reform, change, and sacrifice? Are people impatient and expecting too much? I’m not sure what the general public believes, but I for one still have faith in the man. I know full well that I will not be pleased by everything that he does, but being a president involves having to make compromises and different choices sometimes in order to establish something greater. We shall see what comes down the road.

Besides the new presidency, I was in the midst of completing CT’s notorious BEST Portfolio in order to keep my job as a teacher. If there was one reason why a barren wasteland replaced my field of thoughts and poems, this was it. Teaching alone is a very intense job, you are always creating, thinking, and making decisions, so it is exhausting at times. Well, keeping that in mind, imagine having to do a huge amount of tedious planning, reflecting, and paperwork in addition to the usual job requirements and what you get is a stressed-out mess. I am so thankful that that arduous task is over. I believe I did a good job, but my results are still forthcoming. I’m not worried though... so BEST, get thee behind!

This year I had decided to finally dreadlock my hair. As a Rastaman, this is something that I’ve wanted to do for a long time, but circumstances didn’t always allow for it. There is still a stigma about having locks in society, let alone as a teacher and public servant. I wanted to wait until I had established myself and let people know me from the heart. In fact, being a baldheaded Rasta during the past 7 years or so has given me the ability to mature in that heartical sense, so that by the time I decided to lock, it was merely a visible affirmation of what’s been within for a long time. In all honesty, I was also motivated to dread by the fact that if I waited too long, I may not have any hair left! This doesn’t mean that locking my hair wasn’t met by opposition, strange looks, and criticism, especially during the first awkward stages. Yet, enduring that with patience has brought me to really be happy with my dreads. They still have a long way to go, but the progress has been amazing. Since I’ve begun my dreadlocks I also feel fulfilled in a way that I couldn’t quite feel before... something almost mystical. I will definitely share more vibes about my dread journey in due time.

This past year has also been eventful because I finally reached Jamaica, which has an obvious influence on me in a variety of ways. Travelling has been something that I’ve not been able to do on my own up until recently. Once again, circumstances. So, I am so thankful for the journey I was able to take. I was able to see many parts of the country and reason with fellow Rastafari people. I also made a trip to the Twelve Tribes of Israel headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica. I am a member of that particular organization in America, so it was a real blessing to go where it all started and meet some of the elders. I already had know so much about the culture, the history, the people, and the music of Jamaica… but there is nothing like stepping foot there and experiencing it, especially from a natural point of view. I hope to reach Ethiopia someday and have a similar type of experience! There are many places in this world where I must trod and behold.

As it shows, this year has been a blessing in many ways, and I give thanks for that! It has also been a very busy time, and some of the changes have not always been as positive. The stress and pace work, the blows dealt to the heart by failed romance, the lack of creativity, and the failure to keep healthy routines have all taken a toll on me. That is why I’ve decided to make a few changes to strengthen up the livity and make things a little bit easier and satisfying. I will definitely share more about that as progress is made. One thing this year has taught me is that life can go in so many directions, heights and depths… but I must always remember myself and take care of myself in order to sustain that journey. There comes a time to revitalize and reevaluate, and that time has come for me. Give thanks for life, and hold a meditation!

JAH Bless,
JAHsh

JAH Bless President-elect Barack Obama!

It is the early morning hours on the night after Election Day and I just had to express a few thoughts. I am overwhelmed with joy, and with hope. Barack Obama has been elected as the 44th president of the United States! It is hard for me to even articulate my feelings at this time but I am so very proud to be an American and to have witnessed this important moment in U.S. and World history. My confidence was not in vain… I knew in my heart that American voters could not pass up such an opportunity for change and progression. I was moved to tears by the speech that President-elect Barack Obama gave tonight because I have never experienced having a leader that inspires and gives hope to the country in the way that he does... it is simply contagious. I also thought I would never live to see a black president... before now, America didn't even have a president or vice-president outside of an Anglo-American background. This is truly epic. I can only envision a positive and bright future ahead of us. That being said, fyah pon all of those weakhearts and doubters who even now continue to discredit the achievement and potential of Mr. Obama... if ones cannot come together and unite with a common interest in this crucial time, then they are working to destroy the will of the people and the works of the Most High. Peace-loving people will not tolerate any more fear mongering or foolish talk; it is a new age and a new season. JAH Bless the new President of the United States and guide him in all his endeavors! This is a wonderful time to be alive, and I am glad to share this experience with my students as their teacher. I will be celebrating this event for a long time and I anxiously await Inauguration Day. If you believe, then you can achieve! Yes we can!

Bless Up Obama!,
JAHsh

The Eve of Hope

78 years ago today, Ras Tafari Makonnen was crowned Emperor Haile Selassie I alongside his wife Empress Menen in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Ever since that time "King Alpha" and "Queen Omega" have been righteous examples for humanity, inspiring the Rastafari movement and all of the great freedom fighters, singers, musicians, and humble servants of the Most High that have united underneath the red, gold and green banner during the last century.

I can only imagine the enthusiasm felt by the Garveyites and the first Rastas like Leonard Howell during the time of Selassie's coronation in 1930. Marcus Garvey's prophecy that said to look toward Africa for a black king came to fruition. Finally Africans at home and abroad had a king of their own that they could acknowledge. Yet this joy wasn't exclusive to Africans alone, people and leaders from nations all around the world knew that this was no ordinary secular king who was crowned (they only had to read the Scriptures and ancient tomes of history). There is no doubt that the life, wisdom and teachings of His Imperial Majesty have continued to inspire generation after generation of people from all colors and creeds, regardless of how they sight up his character.

Now, I don't intend to compare Barack Obama to the personality of H.I.M. Haile Selassie I, but I can't help but feel an excitement in this time and recognize this same feeling of excitement in millions of others who share it with me. This "Eve of Hope" as I call it must be something like that moment 78 years ago. However, this time we have the power to elect our leader, we have the opportunity to make a right and proper choice.

I am not one to invest myself in what I&I call "politricks" and I have no faith in politricksters. However, something truly seems different about Barack Obama. It is not because of his racial background and the significance behind that, those are not the measurements of a good leader… it is because for the first time, this man, a regular man with a true, fair, and accessible vision is offering something new to the American people and ultimately to people from all around the world as well. From the very first time I heard Mr. Obama speak, I was moved in such a deep way that I knew this man was an exceptional person and that he could be the answer to America's problems. His intelligence, integrity and determination are a breath of fresh air in the stale room of politics. Obama's leadership and philosophy is what this country needs and I believe in the change that he offers.

It is hard to believe that in only two days from now, we will elect a new president of the United States. I am confident that Americans will make the right choice and I am confident that things in America will begin to change for the better once Barack Obama and his wife Michelle occupy the White House. There are so many naysayers and hatemongers spreading propaganda in order to try and stop this from happening, but the voice of the people is the voice of JAH. Opposition is nothing new, Mussolini had his eyes on Ethiopia even as His Majesty was crowned, and every good and decent leader throughout history has had to fight against evil. But the age of fear is over and hope is on the horizon ready to chase the wicked back into darkness. It is amazing to see the possibility of a black president only a few decades after the Civil Rights Movement and less than 150 years after slavery in America was abolished. It goes to show that good will always prevail and that for the most part Americans are progressive and altruistic people. Imagine now having a leader who can foster those same ideals and restore America's reputation as a beacon of freedom and equality to the world.

Haile Selassie I's titles were King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Elect of God and Defender of the Faith. I hope that on Tuesday night we can dub Mr. Barack Obama as President of the United States, Leader of the Free World, the Elect of the American People, and Defender of the American Dream. Perhaps King Selassie's Coronation on a Sunday, November 2, 1930 is a sign of the future and a benediction for Obama on this Sunday today, November 2, 2008.

Vote on Election Day, Nov. 4th!... JAH Rastafari!

JAHsh