Save the Date: Celebrating Marcus Garvey's Legacy at the 20th Annual Rootz Extravaganza

 

The City of Miramar, Florida, is gearing up for a momentous occasion. On Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 8:00 p.m. to midnight, the Miramar Multipurpose Center will host the 20th Annual Marcus Garvey Rootz Extravaganza. This year's event marks the 137th birthday anniversary of Marcus Garvey, Jamaica's first National Hero, and promises to be a night filled with cultural pride, reflection, and celebration. Entry is free, and the community is invited to join in this commemorative event.

Event Details:

What:20th Annual Marcus Garvey Rootz Extravaganza

When: Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 8:00 p.m. to 12 midnight

Where: Miramar Multipurpose Center, 6700 Miramar Pkwy, Miramar, FL 33023

Entry: Free

Presented by the Rootz Foundation Inc. in association with the City of Miramar, Commissioner Maxwell Chambers

 Streaming Information:

Streaming at:[www.irielivestream.com](http://www.irielivestream.com)

For more info, call:754-264-2205

Facebook:[RootzFoundation](https://www.facebook.com/RootzFoundation)

 Honoring Marcus Garvey's Enduring Legacy

Marcus Mosiah Garvey was a towering figure in the fight for Black empowerment and the promotion of Pan-Africanism. Born on August 17, 1887, in St. Ann's Bay, Jamaica, Garvey's legacy continues to inspire movements for social justice and cultural pride worldwide. His advocacy for economic independence and self-reliance among African descendants has left an indelible mark on history. The 20th Annual Rootz Extravaganza commemorates his birthday and serves as a platform to reflect on his enduring influence.

 The Rootz Extravaganza: A Tradition of Celebration and Reflection

The Rootz Extravaganza has been a cornerstone event for two decades, bringing together community members, activists, and cultural enthusiasts to celebrate Garvey's life and legacy. This year, as we mark his 137th birthday anniversary, the event promises a rich program that includes music, dance, spoken word performances, keynote speeches, and the pre-release of "My Name is Marcus," a graphic novel about the life and legacy of Marcus Garvey.

 What to Expect:

·         Cultural Performances:

·         Enjoy a variety of performances that highlight the richness of African and Caribbean culture. The event will be a feast for the senses, from traditional drumming and dance by the Sasa African Dance Theater and the Drumming Fingers Children’s Ensemble to tenor soloist Steve Higgins and guest vocalist Lady Tiya.

·         Educational Presentations:**

·         Learn about Garvey's life, his impact on the Pan-African movement, and his vision for a unified and empowered Black community. Educational segments will provide deep insights into Garvey's philosophy and achievements.

·         Community Engagement:**

·         Engage with local leaders and activists who continue to champion the causes that Garvey held dear. The event will offer opportunities for networking and community building, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.

·         Special Guest Appearances:**

·         Look forward to the keynote address by Cimarron Reed-Bandele, founder of the Marcus Garvey Society, titled “One God, One Aim, One Destiny: Fulfilling the Vision of the Garvey Movement.” Additionally, prominent figures inspired by Garvey's work will share their perspectives and stories.

·         Pre-release of "My Name is Marcus”

·         Be among the first to experience "My Name is Marcus," a graphic novel that brings to life the extraordinary journey of Marcus Garvey. This pre-release is a special highlight of the event, offering attendees an exclusive look at this significant work.

 Community Service Awards:

The annual Marcus Garvey Community Service Awards will honor:

·         Marlon Hill: Attorney and community organizer

·         Catherine Malcolm: Businesswoman and philanthropist, co-founder of the Jerk Machine franchise

·         Peter Webley: Businessman, publisher of the Caribbean Today newspaper

 Additional Attractions:

·         Marcus Garvey Play: Performed by the Love Our Nation Children’s Theater Group from Dania Beach

·         Multimedia Presentations: Audio-visual presentations celebrating Garvey’s life and legacy

 A Community Effort

The success of the Rootz Extravaganza is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the Rootz Foundation Inc. and the City of Miramar, particularly Commissioner Maxwell Chambers. Their commitment to honoring Marcus Garvey's legacy ensures that his teachings and vision remain a vibrant part of our community's consciousness.

 Join Us in Celebration

Mark your calendars for August 17 and join us at the Miramar Multipurpose Center for an evening of celebration, education, and community. As we gather to honor Marcus Garvey, let us also renew our commitment to his ideals of unity, self-reliance, and empowerment.

For those unable to attend in person, the event will be streamed live at [www.irielivestream.com](http://www.irielivestream.com), ensuring everyone can participate in this significant celebration. For additional information, visit the Rootz Foundation's Facebook page or call 754-264-2205.

Let's come together to celebrate the life and legacy of Marcus Garvey, a true pioneer in the fight for justice and equality. See you there!

 Corporate and Media Partners:

Tomlinson Dental Care, Goldson Spinal Centers, Foundation for Sickle Cell Research, Brayne Concepts Inc., Cooyah Rootzwear, Veeko, Carl’s Seafood, Nature’s Cooler Juices, Herbal Garden, Mr. Internet Systems, A-1 Kitchen & Exhaust Services, Nature Works For You LLC, Sankofa Legacy, PRMG, Love Our Nation, So Real Sorrel, Talawah Roots Tonic, Rootz Magazine, Jah Steve and the Counteract Crew, Irie Times Dot-Com, the Caribbean Today Newspaper, WHQT HOT 105 FM, WDNA 88.9 FM, the Mikey B Radio Show, Island Beat Marketing, and Wild Child Productions.

 

For more information, call 754-264-2205 or email rootzfoundation@gmail.com.

Caribbean Book Blogs: Shining a Light on the Region's Literary Gems

Caribbean literature is a mosaic of stories, histories, and voices that often struggle to gain global recognition. In this challenging landscape, Caribbean book blogs play a crucial role, serving a vital function in bridging the gap between talented authors and potential readers. These blogs go beyond simple book reviews; they create connections, encourage discoveries, and support the growth of both readers and writers, making them essential to the Caribbean's literary ecosystem.

Connecting Readers and Writers

Book blogs in the digital space serve as bridges, connecting Caribbean authors with global audiences. Blogs like Jhohadli (https://jhohadli.wordpress.com/) provide a platform for underrepresented Caribbean writers. One notable example of Jhohadli's commitment to showcasing underrepresented Caribbean voices is its feature of emerging Antiguan and Barbudan poets. Through dedicated poetry showcases, Jhohadli has introduced readers to talents like Brenda Lee Browne, whose poems explore themes of identity, history, and resilience in the Caribbean context. By spotlighting poets like Brenda Lee Browne, Jhohadli provides exposure to individual writers and contributes to the broader representation of Caribbean literary traditions. By fostering a supportive online community around their work, Jhohadli encourages dialogue and engagement, amplifying these voices' impact beyond traditional publishing channels' confines. In doing so, Jhohadli and similar blogs are vital hubs for celebrating and promoting underrepresented Caribbean literature, ensuring its continued vitality and relevance in the global literary conversation.

Discovering New Literary Treasures

For readers exploring Caribbean literature, blogs act as guides, leading them through the diverse range of narratives and styles that characterize the region. The Peepal Tree Press Blog (https://www.peepaltreepress.com/blog) is a notable example of curating an eclectic selection of works across various genres and themes within Caribbean literature. One specific example of the blog's commitment to introducing readers to new authors is its spotlight on emerging Caribbean playwrights. For instance, recent posts have featured playwrights like Natalia Ramanaden, whose provocative dramas challenge conventional narratives and explore pressing social issues in the Caribbean context. By showcasing Ramanaden's work alongside that of established playwrights, the blog provides a platform for emerging talents to gain visibility and recognition.

Supporting Literary Growth

Preelit stands out for its commitment to providing critical analyses, commentaries, and discussions that challenge established perspectives in Caribbean literature. One specific example of this is its series of in-depth book reviews, where contributors offer nuanced insights into works by both established and emerging Caribbean authors. For instance, recent reviews have explored novels like Kei Miller's "Augustown" and Marlon James's "A Brief History of Seven Killings," exploring themes such as colonial legacies, identity, and resistance. Through these reviews, Preelit evaluates individual works and situates them within broader literary, historical, and socio-political contexts, encouraging readers to engage critically with Caribbean literature. Preelit fosters a culture of intellectual inquiry and dialogue within the Caribbean literary community by offering critical analyses, commentaries, and discussions. Also, by creating a platform for dialogue and exchange, Preelit fosters a sense of community among writers, readers, scholars, and critics, facilitating the sharing of ideas and promoting collaboration.

Uniting the Caribbean Literary Community

The combined efforts of these blogs create a network of literary exploration, with each blog representing an island connected by the shared heritage of Caribbean storytelling. Feedspot's curation of top Caribbean book blogs (https://blog.feedspot.com/caribbean_book_blogs/)  is significant in bringing these diverse platforms together, providing readers and writers with a central hub to access the wealth of Caribbean literary content online. This amplifies the reach of Caribbean literature and strengthens the sense of community among those who create and appreciate these stories.

Looking to the Future

Caribbean book blogs are essential in narrating the ongoing story of the region's literary identity. By showcasing the diverse voices of the Caribbean, these blogs ensure that the region's literature thrives in the digital age. As we move forward, the importance of these platforms and the support from aggregators like Feedspot will continue to grow, guaranteeing that the Caribbean's literary heritage will enrich the cultural landscape. Through their collective efforts, we are reminded of the power of stories to connect us, broaden our horizons, and nurture personal and communal growth.

New Book: "I-ROY" by Eric Doumerc

I-Roy

“I Roy” is a tribute to the late great Jamaican deejay, who died in tragic circumstances in November 1999 and is rightfully considered one of the greatest Jamaican deejays and innovators in reggae.

The book delivers a history of the Jamaican toasting tradition, an overview of I-Roy's career, and the different aspects of his artistry.

It also includes chapters by the former Beat journalist and reggae enthusiast Michael Turner analyzing I-Roy's 45 rpm records, by James Danino, a reggae activist and deejay living in France on the Mento and Calypso roots of I-Roy's music, and the bawdy or smutty side of his toasts and by David Bousquet about the musical feud between I-Roy and another well-known 1970s deejay, Prince Jazzbo (Linval Carter).

’I-Roy’ is available in hardcover and paperback from APS Books (www.andrewsparke.com) and in hardcover, paperback, and Kindle editions from Amazon worldwide.

ERIC DOUMERC:

Eric Doumerc teaches English at the University of Toulouse-Jean Jaurès, southwestern France. His research interests include Caribbean poetry, music, and the Caribbean oral tradition. In addition to ‘I-Roy,’ he is the author of ‘Dub Poets In Their Own Words’ (2017), Jamaican Music In England From the 1960s to the 1990s (2018), and ‘The Life And Times Of Joseph Hill and Culture’ (201.9), all published by APS Books.

He is currently working on a critical examination of the recordings of Burning Spear.

For further information, please contact andrewsparkauthore@gmail.com

Why I’m Switching to Vocal

 

I have always been concerned about the erasure of Black memory. That's why I began blogging at Geoffrey Philp's Blog Spot.

In some of my earliest blog posts, "Why I Continue to Write" and “Why I Continue to Blog,” I explained the reasons for starting the blog and what I hoped to achieve. The blog has served as an important platform for Caribbean literature and culture, connecting Caribbean writers, artists, and a wider audience. It has played a significant role in raising awareness of Caribbean literature and culture.

I'm particularly proud of several posts that I have written:

·         Posts About Marcus Garvey: https://geoffreyphilp.blogspot.com/search?q=Marcus+Garvey

·         Posts About Bob Marley: https://geoffreyphilp.blogspot.com/search?q=Bob+Marley

·         Posts From Caribbean and South Florida Writers: https://geoffreyphilp.blogspot.com/search?q=In+My+Own+Words

·         Posts About Caribbean Writers: https://geoffreyphilp.blogspot.com/search?q=Caribbean+Writers

·         Interviews With Caribbean Writers: https://geoffreyphilp.blogspot.com/search?q=Five+Questions+With

·         A Conversation With: https://geoffreyphilp.blogspot.com/search?q=A+Conversation+With

·         Birthday Posts: https://geoffreyphilp.blogspot.com/search/label/Happy%20Birthday

I have also participated in a few podcasts, although some of them have been lost in the ether: https://geoffreyphilp.blogspot.com/search/label/podcast

In the next few days, I will switch many posts to Vocal, where I have written haiku, a short story, and a few bad limericks. I've decided to make this switch for several reasons:

·         Active community:

Vocal has a large and engaged community of writers and readers, meaning others are likelier to see and read my posts. It provides me with a broader reach than I would have on a personal blog.

·         User-friendly interface:

Vocal's interface is designed to be easy to use, making it simple for me to create and publish my content. But most importantly, Vocal compensates writers for their work. For every 1,000 views my posts receive, I will earn $3.80. Additionally, I will earn $0.10 for every share my posts receive. Vocal also offers readers the opportunity to actively support writers by tipping. I plan to use the earnings to help with my travel expenses for research, book promotions, and especially for Archipelagos.

I will continue writing One Minute Book Reviews, announcements about book publications and fairs, and interviews with Caribbean Writers. You can find them on my blog at the following links:

·         One Minute Book Reviews: https://geoffreyphilp.blogspot.com/2023/05/one-minu

·         Book Publications and Fairs: https://geoffreyphilp.blogspot.com/search?q=Book+launch

·         Interviews with Caribbean Writers: https://geoffreyphilp.blogspot.com/search?q=Five+Questions+With

In the meantime, I invite you to visit my page on Vocal. If you enjoy a haiku or story, you can subscribe, share it on social media, or leave a tip.

See you on Vocal!

#BlackMemoryMatters 

#CaribbeanCulture

 #CaribbeanLiterature 

 #VocalPlatform 

#SupportWriters 

#AmplifyBlackVoices

One Minute Book Review: On Poetry

 

What is the name of the Book?
On Poetry

Author: Roger Robinson

Who is Roger Robinson?

Roger Robinson is a writer, musician, and performer who splits his time between England and Trinidad. He won the T. S. Eliot Prize in 2019 for his book A Portable Paradise published by Peepal Tree Press. He is the second Caribbean writer to win this prestigious UK poetry award after Derek Walcott in 2010. In May 2020, A Portable Paradise became only the second poetry book to win the Ondaatje Prize.

Publisher: Roger Robison

What is the book about?

On Poetry focuses on the art of creating poems and presents fresh perspectives on the writing process. Roger provides candid and pragmatic guidance on pursuing poetry as a calling and includes prompts to inspire creativity.

Why am I reading this book?

I am always looking for new ways to think about the craft of poetry, and veteran poet Roger Robinson has a lot to offer, especially in structuring and orchestrating poems.

Favorite quote from On Poetry:

“Poems Are Empathy Machines Poets don’t get into poetry for money, they do it for vocation at least I feel like that anyway. Poets can touch hearts and minds; they can translate trauma into something people can face. Sometimes there’s a cost for the poet to do that as it takes looking at the trauma right in the face and then allowing others to bear the idea of trauma safely. That’s why I write poetry. It is a chance for me to practise being radically vulnerable and as a result poems can become empathy machines. Poetry when it's read is a valuable chance to practise empathy towards the stories, sensation and concerns of the writer and with that practice of empathy hopefully one can go out in the wider world and be more empathetic. Poetry is my serious attempt to create change in the world.”

Where to buy: https://rogerrobinson6.gumroad.com/l/wrbcu or visit his web page: https://rogerrobinsononline.com/