Shout out to readers from Brazil, Estonia,
Romania, Mexico, Ukraine, France, Japan and the faithful following in Belgium. 👋
I realize my regular readers have been
checking in only to find there is nothing new, so I apologize for not having an
entry in June.
I was preoccupied with Korean dramas and my
first foray into viewing a Chinese drama. I considered sharing some thoughts with you on my viewings, but is that your Interest? Or are you checking for things Bajan?
July 26, is recognized in Barbados as a Day of National Significance. On that day Barbadians commemorate the 1937 riots when working-class Barbadians chose to take a stand against the European hegemony of the island. At some point in our lives, we have to stand for something...
Audra Day - Stand Up for Something feat. Common (Official Music Video)
[Credit: Audra Day, 2017]
Check this dance interpretation of the 1937 unrest:
NCF summer dance interns at the 2013 Crop Over Heritage Walk [Credits: NCF Barbados, 2013]
The young people are dancing to Riots in The Land by the national cultural ambassador, Dr. Anthony "Gabby" Carter.
This year the National Cultural Foundation featured a radio drama: How Hard The Times. Click on the link below the image of national hero, the Right Excellent Clement Payne to listen to the radio drama. It's quite good.
It was a turning point in our history. Bajans are
known across the Caribbean as being passive – what took place in 1937 shows
what happens when a hungry (i.e. oppressed) man becomes an angry man.
There is an accompanying comic strip as well that is also well done. It's not a pretty picture of Barbados' race relations but it is the truth of perceptions in that era. It would do us well as a people to never forget but not to hold a grudge over it as it is what led us to develop into the nation we are today.
[credit: Comic Adaptation – Nigel Lynch, Story – Michelle Cox, Art – Tristan Roach, Colour – Edward “King” Bola, Editor – Kamaria Connell, Inspired by poetry of Anthony Hinkson]
In a former blog in 2017 on some of Barbados' national heroes, I featured a dramatized interview of the Right Excellent Clement Payne - a very good production of the Government Information Service. So I will not repeat myself. You can follow the link highlighted to view afresh
The fact is: We All Bleed the Same!
Mandisa - We All Bleed the Same (Official Music Video) ft. Toby Mac, Kirk Franklin
[Credit: MandisaOfficial 2018]
'Til next time...
