For black power to exist, there must be white power in the system existing already.
If one is not white, he is black, plain, simple and straightforward. There is no in-between. Grey is nonexistent.
A stark reality when one ventures abroad.
Do not pappy show yourselves. I hope that clears it up once and for all.
Today marks the 45th anniversary of the State of Emergency declared by former PM Dr Eric Williams as he attempted to quell and suppress the Black Power Revolution. Note I said "attempted." You cannot kill the idea.
Marches were held simultaneously in Port-of-Spain as well as in Canada.
The NJAC originated out of this struggle.
Black conscious youths adopted African names to identify, support and endorse the movement. Makandal Daaga is a prime example.
The heroes of the day included Fidel Castro, Kwame Ture and TUB Butler.
Any literature by Franz Fanon and Che Guevara was banned.
Black consciousness spread rapidly after 1970.
When one looks at the names of individuals the African influence is obvious and pronounced.
The correct meaning of these names must be known.
Our music was also nurtured by the Black Power Movement. Brother Valentino and Brother Resistance come to mind.
NJAC said and still encourages "Africans and Indians to unite."
Let us learn more about each other and be our brothers' keepers. Men like George Weekes, Clive Nunez, Winston Leonard and Basdeo Panday marched and also ran.
They braved licks and jail for the betterment of all of us.
There was an attempted military coup. A state of emergency was declared. Many were arrested.
I remember applying for a job and was told to send a full length colour photograph.
I did what was requested and complied.
I am still waiting; I am a very patient person. I hope that I will not be waiting in vain for that job.
Another time I was asked what religion I was and told that membership in one organisation was too many.
Get the best part: when I returned home there was a rejection letter mailed in my post box that I was unsuccessful.
The postal service can be extremely efficient sometimes.
My fellow Trinbagonians, let us take nothing for granted.
Men and women sacrificed and suffered so some of us could be where we are today.
Do not hide your heads in the sand, we still have a lot to be accomplished. Just look around you.
We need to be progressive so that every creed and race will find an equal place.
Black Power opened the doors of employment.
Those who don't know their history are doomed to repeat it.
If one does not know from where one originates, one cannot know where one is going.
No matter where you come from, once you are a black man, you are an African.
My grandfather had to run.
My father had to run.
I am out of breath.
I am not running any more.
Keep the faith.
Let us emancipate ourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds.
Happy anniversary T&T.
Black is beautiful.
AV Rampersad
?Princes Town