#BlackLivesMatter

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.

The Right Excellent Clement Osbourne Payne

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...