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. 

White Cop, Bad Cop – Racial Tension Following the Grand Jury Decision in both the Eric Garner and Michael Brown Case

Protestor Boss Bastain of St. Louis locks arms with others as they confront Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers in front of the Ferguson police station on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014. Marchers are entering a third day of protests against Sunday’s police shooting of Michael Brown. (AP Photo/St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Robert Cohen)

Emotions are raw as we bear evidence to police brutality and continued racial tensions in the United States. For decades we have understood that racism is real and it is a threat to our society. This year we have had a number of incidents that have brought the issue of racial profiling to the forefront of everyday dialogue. In guiding this discourse I believe the media plays a very important role which at times seem destructive.