CPR Reggae

Jamaica to Strengthen Ties with Overseas Community

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, said that the Government will be strengthening relations with the Diaspora and regional and international partners.
Speaking in the 2012/13 Budget Debate in Gordon House on Tuesday (June 5), Mrs. Simpson Miller informed that an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Diaspora Affairs will be established, involving all relevant ministries and agencies of government. The committee, she said, will work “to ensure that the linkages are in place for fuller participation of our nationals living overseas”. She pointed out that the Jamaican Diaspora contributes “far more than family remittances” and “has the potential to increase investment in our economy”.

The Prime Minister also advised that the administration will seek to contribute to the revitalization of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), “to make it fulfill the promise, which the founding leaders envisaged”. “We strongly believe that CARICOM, working at its best, is an important instrument in the management of our relations (within) the (western) hemisphere and the wider world. This government’s foreign policy will be determined by what is best for Jamaica, what is best for the region, and what we consider to be best for the advancement of humanity,” she contended.

Mrs. Simpson Miller said despite being a small nation, Jamaica will be making every effort to ensure that “our voice and presence continue to be heard and felt in positive and productive ways” in the global community. “We must see ourselves as making a contribution to peace, good order and sustainable development around the globe. We must play our part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race. There can be no doubt that since Jamaica’s interests – economic and otherwise – remain substantially tied-up with those of our traditional partners, a central pillar of our foreign policy must be the continued nurturing and strengthening of these relations,” she argued.
To this end, Mrs. Simpson Miller, disclosed that in addition to the opening of embassies in Brazil and Kuwait, which took place earlier this year, plans are in place to enhance Jamaica’s presence on the African continent, through the accreditation of a special representative to the African Union.

The Crisis of being “Straight’

BY SHARON GORDON

NEW YORK:

THERE IS a crisis afoot, brewing in the pews of churches, boardrooms and bedrooms. There is a
crisis and it has to do with the rights of gays. Many in the United States and around the world see President Obama’s support of same sex marriage as a historic gesture. It was under his presidency that the military did away with a long standing policy of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ where military men and women were encouraged to ‘keep a lid’ on their sexuality. “What we are seeing now is an erosion of Christian values,” says Pastor Monroe, who is based in the Bronx, N.Y. and has a large Jamaican congregation. Like Father Richard Ho Lung, founder of the Missionaries for the Poor, Pastor Monroe, sees this as a ‘moral-ethical problem facing the world.’ In a recent letter to the editor, Father Ho Lung pointed out that ‘The rulers of the world today are obsessed by money, power, popularity and pleasure.  They will do anything to be in positions of power that fill their desire for attention. They will contravene the law of God by feeding the world with what the fleshly world wants: the pride of life, sex, and the adulation of the world. Popularity and acclamation are their deepest desires in life.’

“We see what the gays are doing,” says Michelle Ebony, “They are very steadfast with their agenda.” Ms Ebony says the ‘gay agenda’ is part of a systematic move to destroy the planet. “We cannot speak against them,” she says, “if you believe that what they are engaged in is immoral and dare to say so, you will be condemned.” Michelle Ebony says she is not advocating for violence against ‘gays’ however she feels it is her right to
teach her children what she considers to be ‘right and wrong. “How will the world continue”? she asked,

‘HOMOSEXUALS CAN’T PROCREATE’

As the conversations brew there are signs of a culture war on the horizon. Some would say it has already begun. For example, there are several Jamaican artists who are having to ‘eat their words’ issuing apologies to the gay community in order to get work overseas, the most recent casualty being Beenie Man who is booked for the Rototom Festival in August in Spain. According to promoter Filippo Giunta, CEO of Rototom Sunsplash, Beenie Man was encouraged to put out an apology to the ‘gay community’ in an effort to appease them. “We have received and we are happy to publish a video message of Beenie Man in which he wishes to clear out any doubt about his position concerning homophobic lyrics appearing in some of his old songs. We would like to think that his words can put an end to all the controversies that the subject has generated.”

Once the video was posted on the festival’s website at www.rototomsunsplash.com, it went viral resulting in a mix of emotions and responses from some of Beenie’s fans and even a few colleagues who have spoken out against his ‘flip flopping’ on the issue. “This is our culture,” says one artist who didn’t want to be identified, why are they forcing us to accept their deviant behavior?” Shaking his head, he adds, “We are not advocating violence against anyone, but we should be allowed to live our life in the righteous way that we believe.” “Beenie Man did what he did for his career,” said another industry insider, “He knows he needs the money so he better apologize. Gays run the entertainment business. He better know that.” Such is the conversation taking place across Jamaica and America.

Reprinted with permission from the Jamaica Weekly Gleaner

Published: Friday May 25, 2012 | 11:39 am

By Sharon Gordon

On Tuesday, May 15, the General Assembly Hall at the United Nations Headquarters was filled to capacity as a diverse audience turned out to support the 2012 Annual Gala Concert in support of a permanent memorial to the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade.Under the auspices of Raymond Wolfe, permanent Representative of Jamaica to the United Nations and Chairman of the Permanent Memorial Committee, the evening’s festivities featured a stellar line up of performers who span the globe.The host for the evening was April Sutton of BET.Acting head of the Department of Public Information, Maher Nasser opened the evening and welcomed everyone for coming out in such large numbers to support a very important initiative.He introduced Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, president of the 66th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. President Al-Nasser spoke of the power of music and the importance of the evening’s presentation.He encouraged everyone, those in the audience and those watching around the world via the online feed, to seriously support the effort to erect a permanent memorial to the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade, “as a powerful reminder of the human spirit.” Ban Ki-Moon, secretary general of the United Nations appeared via a special video message where he echoed the sentiments of Al-Nasser and went on to quote Bob Marley imploring that “we must get up and stand up for our rights!” thunderous applause The audience erupted in a thunderous applause which led the way for Raymond Wolfe who said he was “very happy to see that the Secretary General knew the words of Bob Marley’s song.” Wolfe spoke passionately about the project that he spearheads and pointed out that he is, “humbled by this daunting task to be the chairperson of the Slavery Memorial.” However, Wolfe reminded that, “the past is not so far behind us and the permanent memorial should stand as a stark reminder of our history and to ensure that it never happens again.” He received further applause when he proclaimed that, “We must eradicate bigotry and racism we are all one children under GOD.” It was in 2007 that the UN General Secretary marked the bicentennial of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade and created what has become an annual observance which is devoted to remembering slavery and its victims.It has been estimated that over a period of more than 400 years between 15 to 20 million Africans were uprooted from their homes and sold as slaves.It is in honor of this immense tragedy and human suffering that a permanent memorial is being erected.The International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade is observed each year on March 25.This year’s theme is “Honoring the Heroes, Resisters and Survivors.” Various activities are carried out throughout the year to recognise those who resisted against enslavement and to honor those who fought and continue to fight against the lingering consequences of bigotry, racism and prejudice that continue to plague our societies.The 2012 Annual Gala Concert is one such activity.The star-studded evening highlighted performers from across various genres representing a wide crosssection of society from Africa, to Canada to Haiti to Jamaica.The angelic voice of Haitian Rachelle Jeanty, an accomplished singer and backing vocalist for Celine Dion stirred emotions deep within the soul.Her rendition of the Simon and Garfunkel’s 1969 classic, Bridge Over Troubled Waters was apropos as an opening tribute to the spirit of the ancestors.Up next was the dynamic Mbaye Dieye Faye and Sing Sing Rhythm ensemble of Senegal.Mbaye is well known as Yousou N’Dour’s bandleader and is an internationally known singer and musician in his own right.Many hail him as one of the best percussionist in Senegal.He and his group shared an exciting blend of indigenous music from Senegal known as Mbalax which is a combination of traditional group percussion and synchronized dancing.With 11 men on stage using sticks and their hands to beat the drums and three dancers flailing all over the stage, the excitement was infectious.He and his group interacted well with the audience as he engaged in the traditional call and response which caused those in the audience to sing along while clapping and dancing.His was a very energetic and delightful set.workshops When the US-based contemporary hip hop band Chen Lo and the Lo Frequency took the stage, the audience was ready for their unique sound which is a fusion of live instrumentation with electronic hip hop elements.It soon became obvious why the US State Department recently sponsored a 10-country tour where the band performed and conducted workshops.Their set was high energy hip hop, “funkified” with smooth that had a jazzy feel.The audience loved them and showed their appreciation.As the stage was being set up for the final performance by Third World, there was a presentation by Dr.Sheila Walker on Slavery and the Transatlantic SlaveTrade.Dr.Walker, a cultural anthropologist and Executive Director of Afrodiaspora Inc.made a presentation that was quite engaging and informative.She provided a brief history lesson which was supported by video clips shown on the two large over head screens. She told a story of the African resistance to being enslaved telling of revolts at sea and on land and spoke of the Africans who rebelled and set up enclaves in places like Ecuador, Mexico, and Colombia.She spoke of the fighting spirit of the Africans who refused to be enslaved and closed out her presentation by paying homage to Jamaica’s Nanny of the Maroons.Finally it was time for Third World and before they could take the stage, the audience erupted in spontaneous harmony, singing Now That We Found Love to everyone’s delight.Jamaica’s reggae ambassadors did not disappoint.The ten-time Grammy-nominated group opened with Spirit Lives a song which pays homage to the ancestors and heroes like Marcus Garvey.It quickly became a sing-along with the audience and Third World certainly had a good time entertaining.When Cat Coore took his cello and delved into a rendition of Bob Marley’s Redemption Song, the audience began singing along. chorus of voices It was that kind of night.Lead singer, Bunny Rugs introduced the popular 1865 which many refer to as 96 Degrees in the shade.He informed the audience that, “This song is not about the temperature in Jamaica, no, it’s about what happened in 1865 when they hung Paul Bogle.” There was a chorus of voices singing the words of the song and everyone could feel the powerful spirit of the music emanating throughout the General Assembly Hall.People were standing up dancing and singing, clapping and just feeling good about being there.The finale was spectacular.Joining Third World on stage as they sang, the anthemic, Now That We Found Love written by Stevie Wonder, were all the previous performers.It was absolutely an awe-inspiring tribute to the ancestors.Host April Sutton encouraged folks who were watching at home and those in the audience to support the permanent memorial by making a financial contribution.She encouraged them to complete the pledge form and visit the website to make their contributions.The evening titled, “Come Celebrate The Musical Heritage of The Diaspora” was a wonderful tribute to the spirit of the ancestors and a fitting way to mark the occasion of remembering slavery and the need for erecting a permanent memorial.Jamaica’s newly appointed Consul General to New York, Herman Lamont was spotted among the many dignitaries having a good time in the audience.For further information on the permanent memorial visit www.unslaverymemorial.org

Re-printed with kind permission from the Jamaica Gleaner

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/extra/article.php?id=1581

Press Release

Brooklyn, N.Y., April 24^th… The Coalition to Preserve Reggae Music, Inc, has announced today that a panel of four distinguished women will discuss the economics of reggae music at the next Community Conversations forum scheduled for Monday, April 30^th. The forum titled Reggaenomics 101--The Economics of Reggae Music takes place at 310 Bowery (between Bleeker and Houston Streets) from 6:30pm to 10:00pm and will be moderated by Sharon Gordon, chairperson of CPR. On the panel will be academic, Professor Loris Crawford of Monroe College, journalist, Patricia Meschino, of Billboard Biz, and business women Patrice Barnes, artist manager and president of Patrice Concepts and Michelle Athurton, president of E2 Records. The forum will examine the economic capacity of the reggae music industry as well as the economic contribution of the industry to Jamaica.  London based, Kennedy Mensah who specializes in artist royalties will also participate in the forum via SKYPE as a commentator.

 Panelists and commentators will take questions from the audience in what promises to be a far reaching discussion of the economics of reggae music. 

  CPR strives to increase understanding of Reggae’s development, its significance to the social, economic and political development of Jamaica and its influence around the world. Its mission is to raise the bar in the creation, development, promotion and presentation of reggae; to elevate the profile of its purveyors and to research, codify, curate and disseminate information about the genre.

 The forum is free and open to the public but attendees are asked to RSVP by telephone at 718 421-6927 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Take the #6 train to Bleecker Street or the F train to 2nd Avenue.

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About CPR:

The Coalition to Preserve Reggae Music (CPR) is a charitable organization working to raise the bar in the creation, development, promotion and presentation of reggae music. CPR conducts educational forums, presents music events, broadcast progressive programming via CPRLive on www.cprreggae.org and conducts research to codify, curate and disseminate information about reggae music.

Psychologists Urge Comprehensive Investigation of Trayvon Martin Killing / Justice for Trayvon

In a call for a comprehensive investigation of the killing of Trayvon Martin, Psychologists for Social Responsibility has written to Us Attorney General Holder and the Florida Attorney General Bondi as follows:

Dear Attorneys General Holder and Bondi:

Psychologists for Social Responsibility (PsySR) joins other human rights groups in calling for further investigation into the death of Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Florida on February 26, 2012. George Zimmerman, the man who admits to killing Trayvon, remains free almost one month later. We believe the death of Trayvon has not been thoroughly investigated, denying Trayvon's family, the community of Sanford and indeed our entire society a sense of true justice.

As an organization of psychologists and other mental health professionals we are concerned about the loss Trayvon's family and community are enduring and the ways in which the justice system is failing them. We believe the death of Trayvon and the reactions of the Sanford Police Department to this killing have broad psychosocial impacts because they exemplify the terror and trauma that racism inflicts on many Americans today.

According to the FBI, the single largest motivator (nearly 50%) of hate crimes in the United States is racial bias, with anti-black bias accounting for 70% of those offenses (http://www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press-releases/fbi-releases-2010-hate-crime-statistics). On the 911 calls from February 26, 2012 we hear Zimmerman criminalizing Trayvon as a "black" man. These recordings reveal how racism may have played a role in Zimmerman's later actions, motivating Zimmerman to use deadly force despite orders from the 911 police to stand down.

The Sanford police have so far failed to arrest Zimmerman, who claims he shot Trayvon in self-defense, despite evidence in the public domain that Zimmerman pursued Trayvon. The media also reports that other African American crime victims have felt betrayed by the Sanford police, who have been slow to press criminal charges in the past when victims are people of color. It is no wonder that public outrage includes the accusation that racism has been normalized and institutionalized in the Sanford Police Department.

The combined effects of this tragic killing and the failure of the justice system to act swiftly allows for questions regarding the permissibility of violence in our culture. The permission to stalk another human and kill that person because of "suspicions" based, at least in part, on the person's race leaves a chilling effect on those of us who are concerned with human rights for all. Anthony Marsella, past director of the World Health Organization Psychiatric Research Center and past president of PsySR, says, "If there is any meaning to come from the killing of yet one more Black man, one more repetition of a killing that has crossed centuries and place, let it be that this evil is confronted in all its forms across our land." It is time for national dialog on the lingering persistence of racism.

We urge you to ensure a thorough investigation into the killing of Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman. At this point in time, we remain unconvinced that justice has been served, that Trayvon's death was in any way justified, and that racism was not a factor in Trayvon's death.

Sincerely,

by Mandingo

King Stitt was and is my friend, teacher and mentor and I say this because like his soul, his musical contribution will never ever die but will always be present to remind and inspire us who love the music that Africans in Jamaica produced. Winston Sparks is the name on his birth certificate but the name King Stitt is the one that is known internationally.

I remember being a youth attending dances in Spanish Town where King Stitt played Sir Coxson sound. His ability to galvanise the adoring crowds with lyrics as he selected and operated the sound system was unrivalled; he was a master of selection and in any sound clash he was devastating. He knew the records or wax, later called dubplates to ‘draw’ and when to draw or play them. His introduction of what he was about to play each time was peerless.

Count Machukie who recruited and trained King Stitt was of course an inspiration and mentor for me as well. It was at a dance in Central Kingston that Count Machukie, who was playing Sir Coxson's sound saw Stitt who was a legsman, dancing brilliantly to the tunes he was playing and asked Stitt if he wanted to be a deejay. Stitt told the Count that he did not know about being a deejay and Count told him that by the way he was dancing to the music, he was sure he would make an excellent deejay and that he the Count would teach him. The rest is history.

Over the years King Stitt promoted with Sir Coxson's sound music all over Jamaica. I recall a dance at Pieceaman Lawn on the Old Harbour Road in Spanish Town in 1967 when Sir Coxson’s (Owned by Clement “Sir Coxon” Dodd) with King Stitt deejaying, clashed with Stereo (owned by Seymour Williams, the genius sound builder from Spanish Town), with Prince Mango deejaying for Stereo. Stereo was the heavier and cleaner sound by far but Coxson’s had the music and that night King Stitt unleashed numerous brand new biscuits as he called the waxes to counteract Stereo's majestic sound excellence that Stitt gracefully admitted to. That was the night Ernest Wilson of the Clarendonians had his first solo, Undying Love played exclusively on wax of course; that was the night Sitting on The Dock of The Bay by The Heptones was first played exclusively on wax… new tunes like sand and guess what? King Stitt and Prince Mango never ever cursed any bad words, unlike the hurry come down and idiot deejays of now who delight in using bad words and dirtying down the music.

King Stitt was the first deejay to popularise deejaying on records with tunes like Fire Corner, Vigorton 2 and Herbman Shuffle etc yet he has not been given an OD by the authorities in Jamaica for his priceless contributions to Jamaican music nationally and internationally. Neither have Count Machukie or Duke Vin, aka Shine Shoes Vinnie who played Tom the Great Sebastian Sound. Incidentally, it was Vinnie who gave Machukie the chance to be a deejay and who started the first sound in Britain in 1955.

On merit, these three pioneers must be honoured. Artists who began their careers in the 1980's, long after have been given ODs because of political favouritism and corruption. King Stitt, you will always be my beloved friend, elder brother, adviser, mentor and teacher. Until we meet again in the next Sound Dimension with Sir D the greatest producer, long live the king – King Stitt.

The Jamaica Progressive League celebrated Black History Month with their annual Cocktail Sip on Sunday, February 19 at the Elegant Rosehall on White Plains Road in the North East Bronx. The well attended event attracted many long time members and their families. The 76 year old organization which was formed on September 1936 came about as a result of Jamaicans living in the US being concerned and outraged by the injustices being meted out to masses of Jamaicans on the island. This group of progressives led by Rev. Ethelred Brown, W.A. Domingo and W. Adolf Roberts in the face of great opposition and danger to their lives forged ahead and formed the organization that would ultimately change the course of Jamaica’s history. The evening celebrated their work as visionaries along with those others who championed the way for Jamaica’s independence in 1962.

Sadie Campbell, current President of the league, told those gathered that they should assist in lobbying the Jamaican government to ensure that these pioneers are honored as part the Golden Anniversary celebration of Jamaica’s 50th anniversary of Independence from Great Britain. The evening opened with Welcome remarks from 3 year old Dylan Campbell, followed by an awe inspiring dance by 7 year old Douglas Baldeo in tribute to Alvin Ailey’s Revelations. Also bringing greetings was Jose Richards, Vice President of the League, who spoke and quoted from Jamaican National Hero, Marcus Mosiah Garvey. Later, he read from “If We Must Die” by Claude McKay before breaking out in his unique rendition of the Johnny Ace classic, “Forever My Darling. Forensic social worker Carmeta Albrus –Lindo, founder of Family Unification and Resettlement Initiave (FURI) shared with the audience about her work with Jamaican deportees and the challenges of resettlement as well as the injustices of the US Penal System.

Olympian Byron LaBeach, a member of the 1952 Gold Medal winning 4x400 relay team also spoke and advised of his upcoming book Legends of Jamaica Track and Field. Desmond Clarke of the Jamaica National Movement also brought greetings on behalf of his organization. Recognition was made of Mrs. Icy Bloomfield a long time member of the League and a community stalwart who has long been the person tasked with researching where the annual Independence Church Service occurs in New York City.

Mr. Vegas Celebrates Jamaica’s 50^th with Sweet Jamaica release

By Sharon Gordon

It was jammed packed inside New York City’s Miss Lilly’s Variety on Thursday night, February 2^nd. Just one day after celebrating the birthday of reggae icon, Dennis Brown, Mr. Vegas accompanied by guitarist, Tony Bone and two back up singers did not disappoint those who gathered  on a cold night inside the cozy room at Miss Lilly’s to see and hear him in an acoustic performance of some of the tracks from his soon to be released album.  The full length glass windows on the Manhattan location was sweating from the heat that was generated by Mr. Vegas and those in attendance for his exclusive Listening Party.  In anticipation of the release of his double album SWEET JAMAICA, on his own independently owned MV Music imprint.  Mr. Vegas and his team invited the media to experience an  upclose and personal vibe as he took the time to explain his thoughts behind the project as well his thoughts about his homeland, sweet Jamaica as the island celebrates fifty years of independence from Britain.  The album SWEET JAMAICA is set for release on February 21^st right in time for Reggae Month and Black History Month and is already receiving “love” at radio with several of the singles including the title track Sweet Jamaica which features Josey Wales and Shaggy already in heavy rotation on radio stations in the Caribbean, North America and Europe.

Reggae aficionado and long time editor for VIBE Magazine, Rob Kenner was the M.C. for the evening and did a stellar job of not only introducing Mr. Vegas but in also providing historical context for a  several of the songs that were presented. For example, he was able to share the date and the name of the original artists of festival songs Sweet and Dandy and Take It Easy both of which Mr. Vegas performed. He also l informed Mr. Vegas and the audience that Jimmy Cliff performed on the very stage that Mr. Vegas was about to perform on, to which Mr. Vegas, responded, “I only hope I am able to stand in his shoe heel!” A very engaged Mr. Vegas told the audience this album was his way of paying tribute to his homeland and those pioneers who came before him. He was quite at home relating stories about his youth  andwhat drives him to make the music that he has become so popularly known for as an international dancehall/reggae artist.

Says Mr. Vegas passionately, “I remember how sweet Jamaica used to be,” and wants listeners of the album to get a taste of that feeling musically.  “I remember these songs and how they made me feel as a little boy growing up when we would go to the National Arena for festival,” says Mr. Vegas, “we used to have fun.”  Recognizing the need for balance in the music, Mr. Vegas emphasized the need to embrace the foundation music and pay respect to those pioneers who paved the way so that artists like himself can now be touring all over the world. He lamented that fact that many a times, “Jamaican artists like Toots and the Maytals, Jimmy Cliff and others are not celebrated in Jamaica, it’s when they go overseas to places like Spain and Germany that they are celebrated.” That he says is a disappointment. Mr. Vegas also stressed the need to embrace the youth and their music and opined that this album, “which is a double album, has a foundation reggae side and a dancehall side.”  “We need balance,” he said, “I have hope that reggae lovers will embrace this album as well as my core Dancehall fans.”  

Mr. Vegas hopes that 50 years from now, his music will still be playing very much the way, Alton Ellis, Dennis Brown, Bob Marley and so many others are still being embraced. He encouraged selectors to “play some of these foundation tunes in the dance, think outside the box.”  SWEET JAMAICA is certainly poised to do just that with its fusion of Ska, Rocksteady and foundation reggae rhythms.  Producers on the album include Sly and Robbie, Cleveland “Clevie” Brown, Wycliff “Steely” Johnson, Mikey Bennet and Rohan Dwyer all adding their touch to the 30 solid tracks that appear on both cd’s. There are no fillers on the album and Mr. Vegas reveals his versatility not only as a “singjay” but also as a bona fide singer. There is something for everyone on SWEET JAMAICA and music lovers will be pleasantly surprised at his treatment in his remake of Toot’s Hibberts, Sweet and Dandy,  Hopeton Lewis’s Take It Easy and Alton Ellis’s classics You’ve Made Me So Very Happy and A Little Love That’s All I Want From You. His energetic delivery comes across in dancehall tracks like Bruk It Down and the street anthem, Certain Law.  SWEET JAMAICA also includes a live version of his international hit, I Am Blessed.

SWEET JAMAICA features a range of music from the early 1960’s through to today’s contemporary Dancehall sound.  The album which was released on March 6^th is a must have and will certainly become a collectors item. Clifford “Mr. Vegas” Smith has revealed his independence on SWEET JAMAICA. The album will be available in digital and retail outlets.

Coalition to Preserve Reggae Music presents their Annual Reggae Month and Black History Month Reception @310 Lounge in NYC


International Recording Artist, Freddie McGregor

WHO: Coalition to Preserve Reggae Music, Inc., (CPR)

WHAT: 2012 Reggae Month Reception

WHEN: Monday, February 27th, 6:30pm to 10:30pm

WHERE: 310 Lounge, 310 Bowery between Houston and Bleecker Streets, lower Manhattan)

WHY:  Keynote address and conversation on the State of Reggae Music with Freddie McGregor

ADM: Free - please RSVP at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 718-421-6927

Refreshments provided by Tasty Delcious Restaurant in Brooklyn

Brooklyn College Interdisciplinary Colloquium

Friday, March 2, 5:30 – 9 p.m., Student Center;

Saturday, March 3, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Georgian Room

Culture as Site for Contest: Destroyed Past,

Truncated Present, Dubious Future

A collaborative initiative of the departments of Philosophy, Africana Studies, Political Science and Secondary Education, this colloquium will discuss epistemicide – the obliteration of a people’s intellectual consciousness and heritage – in Africa. An array of eminent scholars from

various disciplines will participate and discuss the diverse challenges facing peoples of African descent in the 21st century.

Participants:

Linda M. Alcoff, CUNY Graduate Center

Molefi Asante, Temple University

Lewis R. Gordon, Temple University

Leonard Harris, Purdue University

Charles W. Mills, Northwestern University

Nkiru Nzegwu, Binghamton University

Olefumi Taiwo, Seattle University

Coalition to Preserve Reggae Music, Inc., (CPR) will make a presentation on Philosophizing the Arts on Friday, March 2nd immediately following Dr. Molefi Asante's presentation.

For program details, please visit: www.brooklyn.cuny.edu/web/info/philosophy.php.

For more information, please contact Linda Dwyer at 718.951.5311 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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