A Letter From the Future

Hi Dimitri,

I’m writing to you all the way from Bangkok, Thailand in the 2019. It’s a long ways off for you, but it’s definitely something you can look forward to seeing on day, in the not so distant future. I thought about you today as I looked out at the expanse of this amazing city, and it brought me to tears. Why was I crying you may ask? It’s because as I was sightseeing I thought about the abuse you’re having to endure at the moment, and your sense of hopelessness. I don’t want you to give up. I know it’s easier said than done, but trust me, it gets better.

2017, What a year!!!

As 2017 comes to a close I want to share several pictures that show some of the moments I’m most thankful for this year, and other moments that shaped 2017. It was a year of firsts, I was blessed with the opportunity to visit 7 different countries and over 12 cities.

In Support of Al Miller

Today I embark on the task of telling the world about the man I know as Al Miller; someone who over the years, I have come to call ‘Uncle Al’. He is a man of integrity, passion, and most of all someone who has a love for Jamaica that is beyond any I have ever seen. Over the course of the last several years, I have noticed many who have attempted to tarnish his character, and judge his actions without full knowledge of the issues/circumstances surrounding accusations made against him. I have known Uncle Al enough to say unreservedly that he will always place the national good above self. I have no reason to question his integrity, and I am alarmed by those who remain ignorant of the circumstances concerning the recently concluded trial, but yet choose to condemn him. 

Turning Failure to Triumph – A Cape Verdean Athlete’s Journey to Rio

 

Jordin Andrade

With the Rio Games just weeks away, athletes around the world are gearing up for what will be one of the biggest events of their athletic careers. Thousands of people will gather to watch the world’s best represent their respective countries, taking with them the pride of nations, with the hopes and dreams of generations on their shoulders. They will demonstrate what hard work and perseverance means. As many of these athletes step on the international stage they bring with them untold stories of inspiration. What many of us as spectators will see, is for many reasons a finished product. We will see athletes deliver in sports for which they have worked years to perfect their skills and aim to take home a medal. As a Jamaican, I have always been interested in the Olympics, particularly in the track events. One of the main reasons for such an interest is because I have grown up seeing what a difference the sport makes in the life of not just the athletes, but a nation.

Black Lives Matter, Too

In the last few years I’ve avoided social media and tend not to get into dialogues about race relations, politics or religion. However over the last few weeks I’ve seen how our perceptions as individuals have been skewed by our own experiences and privileges. Being Jamaican, I was fortunate to grow up in a society where I was a part of the racial majority. As such, I never experienced systematic racism as many of my African American brothers and sisters. However I have been careful not to dismiss their experiences because of my failure to fully understand their reality. 

Dr. Dayton Campbell chastises Lisa Hanna – “Dis a PNP, dis a nuh Miss World.”

“Dis a PNP, dis a nuh Miss World,” was the latest soundbite from member of parliament Dr. Dayton Campbell as he addressed attendees at a recent political meeting in Southeast St. Ann. This is not the first time that Dr. Campbell has created a stir by his actions or comments on the political platform.

Instagram Comedian parodies West Indian Culture

Non-stop laughter is what you can expect if you visit the Instagram page @prnc_charming, it is the Instagram account of rising internet sensation Stephen Francis. A New York native, Stephen has been posting short fifteen second comedy clips on his Instagram account since September of 2014. His comedy sketches are usually parodies of West Indian culture which many, especially West Indians within the diaspora can relate to. He has a growing list of fans and his social media reach is expanding with each new post. I wanted to take sometime to focus on the man behind the comedy, his motivations, and where he hopes to take his talent. 

A Model of Success

Seth Sturgill – Photo courtesy of Sergio Garcia – 2014

Working in higher education I get the amazing opportunity to meet students from across the globe. In so doing I come across individuals with varying goals and motivations. A big reason why I started this blog was to provide a means of inspiring others, and in so doing, to help share the story of people I meet.

2014 in review

Below is the annual review of my blog as provided by WordPress.Com

Thanks to everyone who took the time to read, comment and share my posts with others.

Here’s an excerpt:

The concert hall at the Sydney Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 18,000 times in 2014. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 7 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.