Thursday, March 23, 2023

Prescribed Rastafari Literature for New and You Rasta Souljahs


Rastafari is more than just a religion or a way of life – it's a spiritual and cultural movement that has touched the hearts and souls of millions of people around the world. For young Rastafari, navigating the rich and complex world of Rastafarianism can be both exciting and overwhelming. That's why we've put together this reading list – to provide a roadmap for those who are just starting their journey, as well as a resource for those who are seeking to deepen their understanding of this beautiful and inspiring movement. These books are not just academic exercises, but gateways to a deeper spiritual and cultural understanding of Rastafari. We hope that they will inspire and guide you on your path towards a more meaningful and fulfilling life

Here are some books that are often recommended for young Rastafaris who are learning about the faith and coming into the movement:

  1. The Holy Piby: The Blackman's Bible by Robert Athlyi Rogers

    The Blackman's Bible by Robert Athlyi Rogers - The Holy Piby is a foundational text of Rastafarianism that presents a black-centric interpretation of the Bible and provides guidance for living a moral life according to Rastafarian beliefs.
  2. The Kebra Nagast: The Lost Bible of Rastafarian Wisdom and Faith from Ethiopia and Jamaica by Gerald Hausman

    The Lost Bible of Rastafarian Wisdom and Faith from Ethiopia and Jamaica by Gerald Hausman - The Kebra Nagast is a sacred Ethiopian text that is highly revered in Rastafarianism. It tells the story of the Queen of Sheba and her son Menelik, who is believed to be the offspring of her union with King Solomon.
  3. The Promised Key by Leonard P. Howell

    The Promised Key is a collection of essays and speeches by Leonard P. Howell, a pioneering figure in the Rastafarian movement. It provides insight into the early years of Rastafarianism and Howell's vision for a black-led society.
  4. Rastafarianism: A Very Short Introduction by Ennis B. Edmonds

    This book provides an overview of the history, beliefs, and practices of Rastafarianism. It is a useful introduction to the movement for those who are unfamiliar with it.

  5. Marcus Garvey: Life and Lessons by Robert A. Hill

    This biography of Marcus Garvey, a key figure in the Pan-African movement, provides a detailed look at his life and teachings. It highlights his advocacy for black self-reliance and his efforts to unify people of African descent around the world.
  6. The Philosophy and Opinions of Marcus Garvey: Or, Africa for the Africans by Marcus Garvey

    This book is a compilation of speeches and writings by Marcus Garvey. It emphasizes his belief in black self-determination and the importance of African unity.
  7. The Autobiography of Emperor Haile Selassie I: King of Kings of Ethiopia by Haile Selassie I

    This autobiography provides a firsthand account of the life of Haile Selassie I, the former emperor of Ethiopia and a figure revered by Rastafarians. It covers his rise to power, his efforts to modernize Ethiopia, and his experiences during World War II.
  8. Dread, Beat an' Blood: Empress Menen and the Rastafarians by Benjamin Zephaniah

    This book provides an exploration of the role of Empress Menen, the wife of Haile Selassie I, in Rastafarianism. It also examines the impact of the movement on Jamaican culture and society.

These books cover various aspects of Rastafarian beliefs and history, including the role of Haile Selassie I, Marcus Garvey's influence, the importance of Ethiopia, and the cultural and social practices of Rastafarianism. They can provide a foundation for understanding the faith and its practices.

#RastafariReadingList #Spirituality #Philosophy #AfricanDiaspora #Literature #Culture #History #SocialJustice #Empowerment #KnowledgeIsPower #ReadToGrow #PanAfricanism #BlackExcellence #BlackHistory #MentalLiberation

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Jamaica is an African Colony



Jamaica, a small island nation in the Caribbean, is known worldwide for its music, food, and unique culture. Jamaica is a cultural super state But what if Jamaica was actually a colony of Africa? Jamaica should be a colony of Africa. For me Jamaica is a colony of Africa, Afro beats dominating the island is proof of the pudding! It may sound like a far-fetched idea or even a joke, but let's examine why this concept needs to be explored beyond just humor. It is a vision that some may find radical, but it is one that we should consider and work towards making a reality. The idea of Jamaica being a colony of Africa is not about colonization in the traditional sense, but rather a reclamation of our ancestral heritage and a recognition of our place within the African diaspora.

Jamaica has a rich cultural history that is deeply rooted in Africa. Our music, art, language, and spirituality are all reflections of our African ancestry. However, despite this connection, we have been socially and economically marginalized by the Western world, which has led to a sense of displacement and disconnection from our African roots. By becoming a colony of Africa, we can strengthen our ties to the continent and reclaim our place within the global African community.

Africa is the cradle of civilization and the birthplace of humanity. The continent has a rich history and culture that has influenced the world in countless ways. However, the legacy of colonialism and slavery has left Africa and its descendants in the diaspora struggling to regain their identity and place in the world.

By making Jamaica a colony of Africa, we can help re-establish the connection between the continent and its diaspora. This could be done by seeking membership in the African Union, an organization that promotes unity and cooperation among African countries. Other routes could also be explored, such as city twinning or sister city programs for Kingston and Montego Bay with other African cities and second cities.

To make this vision a reality, we must seek membership in the African Union and pursue other routes to making greater links. City twinning or sister city programs between Kingston and Montego Bay with other African cities and second cities could also be both culturally and economically beneficial. We should look to real-world examples of the diaspora or African descendants across the globe making similar initiatives, like Haiti's attempt at AU membership.

Certainly, the idea of making Jamaica a colony of Africa not only has cultural and political implications but also economic ones. Slavery and colonialism have left lasting scars on the African continent and its diaspora, including Jamaica. The exploitation of human labor, the extraction of resources, and the forced removal of people from their homes have had devastating effects on the economies of both Africa and the diaspora.

Reparations, in the form of financial compensation, land, or resources, have been demanded by many in the African diaspora as a way to address the legacy of slavery and colonialism. However, to date, there has been little progress in this area. By making Jamaica a colony of Africa, we can create economic webs that provide the community and diaspora with resilience and security, while also reconnecting and integrating the global family in deep communion.

Through economic integration and cooperation, we can create opportunities for trade, investment, and entrepreneurship. This can help to create jobs, increase wealth, and promote economic development in both Africa and the diaspora. By working together, we can build more sustainable and equitable economies that benefit everyone, rather than just a few.

City twinning and sister city programs can also play a role in creating economic ties between Jamaica and African cities. These programs allow for the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and resources between cities, creating opportunities for collaboration and economic growth. For example, Kingston could twin with cities like Lagos, Nigeria, or Accra, Ghana, to share best practices in areas such as tourism, agriculture, and technology.

In addition to economic benefits, making Jamaica a colony of Africa can also provide a sense of security and resilience for the diaspora. By reconnecting with Africa and its culture, we can create a sense of belonging and community that transcends borders and nationalities. This can help to build resilience in the face of adversity and provide a sense of support and solidarity in times of need.
 

Pan-Africanism, a philosophy that emphasizes the unity and solidarity of Africans and people of African descent worldwide and Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican-born Pan-Africanist leader who founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association, believed in the importance of the African diaspora reconnecting with Africa and its culture. Pan-Africanism and Marcus Garvey's philosophy then, are key components of the African colonization of Jamaica. Garvey believed in the unification of all people of African descent and advocated for a back-to-Africa movement, which encouraged African Americans to return to the continent. He also believed in economic self-reliance, which is still relevant today as we seek to empower ourselves and build sustainable communities.

In the same vein, this vision of Jamaica as a colony of Africa is about creating a self-reliant and sustainable future for ourselves and our children. It is about taking ownership of our cultural identity and creating a new paradigm for the diaspora that embraces our African heritage and culture. This is crucial for the survival of Africa and the diaspora and our place in the future.

Through initiatives like an African colonization of Jamaica (ACOJ, sounds catchy doesn't it), we can manifest Afrofuturism, the cultural movement that combines African mythology, science fiction, and technology to imagine a future where Africans and people of African descent are empowered and represented. Afrofuturism is about imagining a future where African culture is celebrated and integrated into mainstream society. By embracing Afrofuturism, we can manifest a future where Jamaica is recognized as a colony of Africa and our cultural identity is celebrated and respected.

In order to make this concept a reality, we need to approach it with a sense of militancy and firmness, but also with warmth and a conversational tone. This is a petition and motioning for an Africa-Jamaica meeting and family gathering. I pray thee... We need to recognize that this idea is not just about politics or economics, but about our spiritual and cultural connections to Africa.

Ultimately, the idea of making Jamaica a colony of Africa is about creating a more just, equitable, and connected world. It is about acknowledging the legacy of slavery and colonialism, while also creating new possibilities for the future. By working together, we can build a global community that is based on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared values. In the end, the idea of Jamaica being a colony of Africa may seem like a joke, but it is a concept that needs to be examined and explored further. By reconnecting with Africa, we can reclaim our cultural identity, empower our communities, and create a better future for all Africans and people of African descent worldwide.

#Jamaica, #Africa, #PanAfricanism, #Afrofuturism, #culturalidentity, #economicdevelopment, #solidarity, #heritage, #reparations


Wednesday, March 1, 2023

The Health Benefits of Soursop

Looking for a delicious and nutritious way to boost your health? Look no further than soursop! Our new infographic is packed with information on the amazing health benefits of this tropical fruit, from its anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties to its immune system boosting and digestive health benefits. Check out our infographic to learn more about soursop and how you can incorporate it into your diet!


#Soursop #Graviola #TropicalFruit #HealthyEating #Nutrition #AntiCancer #AntiInflammatory #ImmuneSystemBoost #DigestiveHealth #HealthyLiving #HealthyLifestyle #Superfood #HealthyRecipes #FoodAsMedicine #HealthyFruit #HealthySnack #HealthBenefits #NaturalRemedy #HealthyTips #EatClean #WholeFoods #PlantBased #HealthyFoodie #HealthAndWellness
 

Friday, February 24, 2023

Rastafari's Existential Future: Pan-Africanism to Afro-futurism

Rastafari and Afrofuturism: The Evolution of a Movement

Rastafari is a religion, theology, and philosophy that has been historically entwined and infused with Pan-African ethos from Marcus Garvey and Haile Selassie. However, it is also a dynamic, evolving, and growing movement that has strands of Afrofuturism embedded within it. Rasta is not just a religion but a response to slavery, possible annihilation, and colonial European impositions. Rasta has retained the memory of Africa but has also dared to imagine a black man's space in the future when the rest of humanity relegated African people to the trash heap of history.







 

Rastafarianism, which originated in Jamaica in the 1930s, as a religious and cultural movement that drews on the experiences and perspectives of people of African descent. Rastafarians believe in the divinity of Haile Selassie, the former Emperor of Ethiopia, and emphasizes the importance of community and collective action in resisting oppression.



Rastafari for me is an existential philosophy and as such the connections between black existentialism and Rastafarianism are evident in the emphasis on collective action and resistance to oppression. Both philosophies reject the idea that individuals can achieve liberation or meaning in isolation and instead emphasize the need for collective struggle and solidarity. Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual freedom and choice, and the need for individuals to create meaning in their lives. Black and African existentialism is a subfield of existentialism that focuses on the experiences and perspectives of black people and those of African descent. This philosophy emerged as a response to the dominant Eurocentric philosophical traditions that did not adequately address the unique experiences and perspectives of people of color.

One of the key thinkers in the development of black existentialism is Frantz Fanon, a Martinique-born psychiatrist and philosopher who lived and worked in Algeria during its struggle for independence from France. Fanon's work, particularly his books "Black Skin, White Masks" and "The Wretched of the Earth," explores the psychological impact of colonialism and racism on black people and the need for collective action to resist these forces.

Afrofuturism is a literary and cultural aesthetic that combines elements of science fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, Afrocentricity, and magic realism with non-Western cosmologies. First coined by Mark Dery in 1993, Afrofuturism addresses themes and concerns of the African Diaspora through a technoculture and science fiction lens, encompassing a range of media and artists with a shared interest in envisioning black futures that stem from Afrodiasporic experiences. Afrofuturism has four main avenues of expression: art, literature, music, and film.

 

Afrofuturism within music represents a diaspora of music that is non-traditional, focusing around the topic of blackness and space. This includes the work of George Clinton and his bands Parliament and Funkadelic, Jimi Hendrix, Herbie Hancock, and Sun-Ra. In literature, science, technology, art, music, and aesthetics, Afrofuturism has opened an avenue for things/issues that were seen as not so cool to be embraced, making them part and parcel of our lives. Now put in the context of all this... Max Romeo's "Am gonna put on an Ironshirt (spacesuit) and chase Satan out of Earth, Gonna send him to outer space, to find another race!"

Some examples of Afrofuturism in cinema you may have seen are Besouro, Black Panther and Wakanda Forever, Kaena the Prophecy and District 9. Ytasha Womack the author of Afrofuturism: the World of Black Sci-Fi Fantasy and Fantasy Culture, contends that with Afrofuturism “You’re a universal being that’s in a three-dimensional space. Afrofuturism allows black people to see our lives more fully than the present allows – emotionally, technologically, temporally and politically."


 Afrofuturism has had its impact in literature, science and technology, art, music and aesthetics. It has opened an avenue for things/issues that were seen as not so cool to be embraced. They have become part and parcel of our lives. In the 21st century, Afrofuturism continues to evolve and gain momentum. This has been pushed by writers and musicians. Some of the most notable musicians that have been at the forefront include Lupe Fiasco, Erykah Badu, Janelle Monae, Solange, and many more. Afrofuturism is now taking over the media. Young people are being exposed to and technology has allowed black people to explore their own identities. 

Rastafari is Afrofuturistic because it is a movement that has dared to imagine a future beyond the circumstances of the present. Rasta has retained the memory of Africa while also creating a space for black people to envision their place in the future. This is evident in the way that Rastafari has embraced technology and incorporated it into its culture. The use of sound systems, dubbing, and other forms of electronic music has been a staple of Rasta culture since its inception. Rastafari has also embraced the use of media to spread its message, including the use of radio stations, television shows, and social media.


Rastafari is also Afrofuturistic because it has created a space for black people to embrace their identity and culture in a world that has historically rejected them. Rastafari has created a space where black people can come together and celebrate their heritage, culture, and spirituality. This has been achieved through the creation of festivals, gatherings, and other forms of communal celebrations.

Furthermore, Rastafari has been at the forefront of the Pan-African movement, which aims to encourage and strengthen bonds of solidarity between all people of African descent. Rastafari has played an important role in advocating for the rights of black people globally and has been instrumental in promoting the ideas of Pan-Africanism. This is evident in the way that Rastafari has embraced the teachings of Marcus Garvey, who advocated for the unity and empowerment of black people globally.


In conclusion, the connections between black existentialism, Rastafarianism, Pan-Africanism, and Afrofuturism are evident in the emphasis on collective action, resistance to oppression, and the creation of new narratives and representations of black people. These philosophies and movements offer alternative visions of the future that are grounded in the experiences and perspectives of people of African descent and emphasize the importance of cultural and political unity in achieving liberation and meaning. Rastafari is an Afrofuturistic movement because it has dared to imagine a future beyond the circumstances of the present. Rasta has retained the memory of Africa while also creating a space for black people to envision their place in the future. Rastafari is techno-organic and has embraced technology, media, and communal celebrations to create a space where black people can come together and celebrate their heritage, culture, and spirituality. Rastafari has been at the forefront of the Pan-African movement, advocating for the right and rights!!!