Columbus Caribbean Voice - Commentary

Caribbean American Heritage Month Ends

nospam@example.com (columbuscarib) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 21:03:39 -0700

June 30th, 2006 Marked the official end of Caribbean American Heritage month. According to the best estimates there are well over 5 million people who would fall under the category of Caribbean American. These are people from the Caribbean or of Caribbean descent living permanently here in the United States as Citizens or residents . Caribbean American Heritage month began officially June 5th, 2006 upon presidential proclamation by current president George Bush.Congress woman Barbara Lee, originally entered the Bill which was passed by Congress in June 2005. The motivation behind establishing this bill was partially to counter an often skewed view of the people of Caribbean descent.

From the very founding of the United States of America , people of Caribbean descent from all races and creeds have particpated and succeeded in all areas of american life.

Just a few examples include even Founding Father Alexander Hamilton considered of Caribbean descent because he was born in (Nevis) , Social activists: Prince Hall Masonic order founder(Barbados), Malcolm X (African American/Grenedan descent), Kwame Toure aka Stokely Carmichael (Trinidadian Descent), Louis Farrakhan (Jamaican/St Kittian descent) in The Military: Collin Powell (Jamaican descent) ,Education: Ivan Van Sertima (Guyana) read more Politics: Shirley Chisolm ( British Guiana and Barbadian descent), Adam Clayton Powell (Peurto Rican descent),

Numerous Recording Artists : Notorious B.I.G( Jamaica descent ), Doug E Fresh ( Barbados) Hip hop originator Kool Herc (Jamaica) , Harry Belafonte (Jamaican descent ) Wycleff Jean (Haiti) ,Actors and Actresses: Cicely Tyson (Parents from Nevis/St. Kitts ). Derek Luke (Parents from Guyana), Sidney Poitier (Bahamas) Fashion: Tyson Beckford (Jamaican Parents)Sports:

Alex Rodriquez (parents Dominican Republic), Patrick Ewing (Jamaica) the list goes on either citizens Proclamation making it official was signed by President Bush on June 5, 2006.

It is in this spirit of achievement and civic contribution that The Caribbean Association of Columbus was formed. The number of Caribbean and Caribbean American people living in Columbus is unknown, but it is likely that figure is grossly underestimated.

There certainly are many who faithfully attend events that feature the culture of the Caribbean namely music concerts and few social activities but there are many more who are daily involved in their career and work activies without realizing that there are others who share the same cultural heritage.

Next year 2009 we hope to join with many other communities around the country, especially here in the midwest in celebrating the contributions of people of Caribbean/West Indian descent in the United states. It is up to each individual who identifies with the culture to spread the word and encourage this spirit of unity.

The Caribbean and Obama

nospam@example.com (columbuscarib) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 12:28:23 -0700

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There is no doubt that Obama fever is now spreading all over the country. In fact polls from across the globe shows that this presidential candidate is an overwhelming favorite, compared to his rival John McCain and even the current sitting president .The Caribbean has no less been affected. While earlier polls during the democratic primaries suggested that many Caribbean people living in the U.S., as with many African Americans initially, supported Hillary Clinton, this has dramatically changed. In the Caribbean he has been the favorite from day one. Spontaneous praises in songs , like the one from Trinidad's Mighty Sparrow and Jamaica's Coco Tea, are evidence that the excitment is not even yet reached its full peak.

Last month in Chicago, during Caribbean Heritage Month Obama Stated:

"During this Caribbean Heritage Month, we celebrate the many ways that people of Caribbean descent have strengthened this country we love -- from serving brilliantly and bravely in Iraq and Afghanistan to helping grow our economy to enriching our culture. What has drawn so many Caribbean men and women to America is the same idea that drew my own father to America many years ago -- that America is a place where our dreams for ourselves and our families can come true. But too often today, those dreams are slipping out of reach. So let's rededicate ourselves to putting them back within reach for people of Caribbean descent and all Americans. That means fixing our economy so it works for everyone, making universal health care a reality, and giving every child a world-class education so they can compete in our global economy. But it also means supporting a robust partnership between the United States and Caribbean nations -- a partnership that helps strengthen democracy in the region, ensure the security of America’s Third Border, and foster economic development to narrow the gap between rich and poor. Caribbean Heritage Month isn't only about celebrating the common past between the United States and Caribbean nations; it's about securing our common future. " Source: www.barackobama.com

It is not wholly clear what tangible things will happen in regards to the Caribbean during his administration, should he win, however his acknowlegment sends a clear message that he at least knows that the Caribbean diaspora represents and important demographic. This is also is suggestive that there is a good opportunity for much needed American-Caribbean foreign policy issues to be addressed. Issues in his campaign such as free trade, immigration, and criminal justice are key issues for Caribbeans people both back home and abroad.

souce: melafela.com

Disclaimer: This commentary does not reflect the official position of the Caribbean Association of Columbus (CAC) . The Caribbean Association of Columbus as is required, endorse any specific presedential Candidate.

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Columbus Reggae fans are serious about their music

nospam@example.com (columbuscarib) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 20:11:53 -0700

The forecast was daunting in Columbus Ohio terms and most people instinctively decided to stay put. It wasn't quite a level three emergency like anywhere else but it kept most poeple in. No so with the die hard reggae fans who would brave anything to catch the right "vibe". They were not dissapointed. With a record level 12 inches plus of snow on the ground the reggae "massive" headed to Alrosa villa to see a dynamic peformance by Roots undergound Band and found out with Gregory Issacs is still considered "The Cool ruler".

Gregory's voice was in rare finely tuned form and the vibe was strong. .. With the crowd swaying and singing out to tunes such as Tune in.. Cross the Border and of course Night Nurse . gregory had the fans feeling more than rewarded. The in turn showed their approval with a a double encore request.

Roots Records who promoted, the event expressed satisfaction with the turn out, given the fact that nearly every other event was cancelled. It was an event in the spirit of Reggae.. undaunted, steadfast and ever forward.