Merry Christmas Riddymz

A Christmas Lesson

A few weeks ago I took my 4 year old son Christmas shopping. At the church we attend, our family participates in a yearly charity sponsored by Samaritan's Purse called "Operation Christmas Child". We pack a shoe box with a variety of gifts, which is sent to children in "Third World" countries. I pack one for a boy while my wife packs one for a girl.

I took my son to help me pick out the gifts. I want to instil in him the understanding that Christmas isn't about "him" getting gifts from Santa Claus, but that during this time of year it is more important to give to those who don't have as much as we do. So as we shopped, we had a conversation about what Christmas really means and how we celebrate this season as a family.

I went on to explain that Santa Claus isn't a real person but he is "pretend". I impressed upon my son that his mother and I, as well as our friends and family members buy him the gifts... not only during Christmas but all through the year. I further explained that the reason we are buying these gifts for the boys and girls is that their family and friends don't have the extra money to do so and there is really no Santa Claus to bring them presents.

I could see that he was listening intently while his little mind was processing what I was telling him. He understood what I was saying, but he still wanted to believe that Santa Claus must be real. That's what he sees on television. That's what he learns in school. That's what people are always ask him: "what do you want for Christmas from Santa?"

Since that day we have had a number of conversations about the meaning of Christmas. If you ask him now what is Christmas, he answers that it's Jesus' birthday. If you ask, he'll say that Santa Claus is pretend, although it is evident that he still wants to believe that he is real. He'll tell you that his mommy, daddy, friends and family buy him his gifts... that they don't come from Santa. I explained to him that we give each other gifts just like the 3 wise men brought gifts to baby Jesus when he was born and as a way to remember that God gave us the gift of his Son Jesus.

At four, I don't expect him to understand and accept it all. However, we're not allowing him to be conditioned by our society's values into being self absorbed and materialistic. Furthermore, I don't believe it's healthy for black children (especially boys), to be conditioned to believe that all good things come from a white man... a fat old white man with a long white beard at that. I believe it subconsciously undermines their appreciation for the efforts of their parents (especially their fathers), it further undermines their own self esteem and respect for black men as a whole, and it grooms them to be easy prey for that seemingly nice (old) white man.

In his own way, my son does show us that he has an understanding of the true "reason for the season": the celebration of the birth of Christ, the love of God, family and friends, and that it's better to give than receive. So far he hasn't asked us for even one present.

This is the Christmas lesson we want him to learn and incorporate into his life.

Merry Christmas!

sat'day riddymz

Book Review: The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man

"All the while I understood that it was not discouragement or fear or search for a larger field of action and opportunity that was driving me out of the Negro race. I knew that it was shame, unbearable shame. Shame at being identified with a people that could with impunity be treated worse than animals. For certainly the law would restrain and punish the malicious burning alive of  animals."                                                                                                                                                                    This novel by James Weldon Johnson, probably better known for writing the Black National Anthem, "Lift Every Voice and Sing" was first published in 1912. Although it is not actually his autobiography, Johnson lays out the life journey of a man born of a black mother and a white father, but who can pass for white, and the lessons he learns about racial identity in early 20th century America. These life lessons convinces him in the end that it is better to live as an "invisible", ordinary white man in America, than to embrace, nurture and utilize his God given talents and abilities in an effort to contribute to his African-American heritage and it's blossoming and unique culture.

Thought-provoking for sure, the twist and turns in the life of this melodramatic figure, did not lead me to cast a stone of judgement or shake my head in disgust (mixed with pity) towards the character, as much as it led me to understand his surrender to what is easier, rather than to struggle for what is better. He isn't the first... he won't be the last...

"he who is without sin, cast the first stone"...

Book Review: The Sport of the Gods

"This was but for an hour, for even while they exclaimed they knew that there was no way, and that the stream of young negro life would continue to flow up from the South, dashing itself against the hard necessities of the city and breaking like waves against a rock, -- that until the gods grew tired of their cruel sport, there must still be sacrifices to false ideals and unreal ambitions."

The Sport of the Gods is a novel by Paul Laurence Dunbar, better known as an African-American poet. It's an intense story about an African-American family in the post Civil War era, who are unjustly accused and ostracized for a crime they didn't commit. While the father is imprisoned, the mother, son and daughter are forced to travel north to New York, to pick up the pieces of their lives. The hardships they experience and endure causes drastic, as well as dramatic changes in their values and relationships with each other.

Once the truth is revealed, too much time and events have transpired for everything to return to the way it was before... a happier and more innocent existence for the family and those responsible for the injustices they suffered.

This novel was published in 1902 and it is indeed a classic read. It moves rather effortlessly through different situations and locations, bringing a rythmic blend to details to engage the reader as it pushes the story along. It uncovers the life and prejudices of the idyllic Southern life and juxtaposes this with the harsh realities of the urban North, also with it's own dynamics of prejudices.   

sat'day riddymz

The Caine Prize for African Writing 2011

I discovered the competition for The Caine Prize for African Writing 2011 quite by accident a little while ago. I am sure many of you can relate to this. I was surfing the web, reading a variety of posts and articles and stumbled upon it. The Prize is awarded to an African writer of a short story published in English, whether in Africa or elsewhere. The first prize was awarded in 2000 at the Zimbabwe International Book Fair 2000 in Harare and it's usually awarded every July. I read this years' 5 entries, enjoyed them immensely and wanted to share them here:

• David Medalie’s “The Mistress’s Dog” (South Africa)
• Laurie Kubuitsile’s “In the Spirit of McPhineas Lata” (Botswana)
• Timothy Keegan’s “What Molly Knew” (South Africa)
• Beatrice Lamwaka’s “Butterfly Dreams” (Uganda)
• NoViolet Bulawayo’s “Hitting Budapest” (This year's winner from Zimbabwe)

Book Review: Imperium in Imperio: A Study Of The Negro Race Problem

One the the things I did when I got my new Amazon Kindle, was go through the over 5,000 free ebooks which they offered. I found this book among the titles. I had never heard of it before, nor it's authour Sutton E. Griggs. The books description peaked my interest: "Self-published in 1899 and sold door-to-door by the author, this classic African-American novel, a gripping exploration of oppression, miscegenation, exploitation, and black empowerment, was a major bestseller in its day. The dramatic story of a conciliatory black man and a mulatto nationalist who grow up in a racist America and are driven to join a radical movement dedicated to the creation of an all-black nation in Texas, Imperium in Imperio had a profound influence on the development of black nationalism." Further research about the author revealed that he was a Baptist minister as well as a social activist.

This novel is beautifully written and utilizes imagery in a way that brings to life the essence of the characters. It lays out simply and moves easily among a variety of themes, within which a multi-layered influences propels each character towards their fate. I must admit I was astonished that such a novel was written in 1899, one that explores and discusses the issues of race in America, not only among Blacks and Whites, but also the issues around colourism within the Black community, especially in such a dynamic and dramatic way. I did not find the story line predictable and the intrigue of what would happen next fed my interest.  

As someone who reads and has read a lot of books, this novel was indeed a rare gem that I found. It is among the 10 best books I had ever read, fiction or non-fiction.     

Book Review: Where Are You Really From?

One of the blogs I visit from time to time is Afro-Europe International Blog. I am always interested in the lives of our brothers and sisters, whether in the motherland or anywhere throughout the diaspora. I read a review of this book at the site and it peeked my interest. A Black man born and raised in Belfast, Northern Ireland, during the time of "The Troubles".

What fascinated me most was the fact that he was not only the product of an extra-marital affair in the 1960's, between a white Catholic woman and a Black doctor from Ghana, but more that his mother placed him in an orphanage without her family's knowledge and then adopted him.

Tim describes his life growing up as a Black child in a predominately all white neighbourhood, dealing not only with the racist attitudes of the society around him, but also with those of the British soldiers who occupied Northern Ireland at the time. His accounts of the instances where he and his family assist the IRA in their armed struggle and his political involvement in Sinn Fein, leading to his 5 year incarceration as a political prisoner makes for interesting reading.

His volatile and deeply loving relationship with his white mother, in contrast to the rejection from his African father and siblings from that side of the family, stirs up a variety of emotions and leaves one with a few unanswered questions.

Well written, engaging, enlightening with a triumphant spirit throughout. A journey through a unique life that is well worth taking.

9/11: Ten Years After

"Today I do not honor terrorism, reinforce fear or plot revenge. No. I pause today to commit to less violence and more peace. I choose today to be a part of the healing instead of part of the destruction. I remember today that peace begins within and love is an action."

Wayne Hicks

sat'day riddymz

Book Review: Black Rebellion-Five Slave Revolts & The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano

I will review both of these books in this post as they cover similar themes: the continuous struggle for freedom and dignity of African slaves in the Americas.

Black Rebellion-Five Slave Revolts

History is freeing, because knowledge gives one power. Freedom without the power of knowing is an illusion, because slavery is based on ignorance. Hence, I gained much power and became freer from reading this book. The five slave rebellions that were discussed in this text were:

1. The Maroons of Jamaica
2. The Maroons of Surinam
3. Gabriel's Defeat
4. Denmark Vesey
5. Nat Turners Insurrection

Being of Jamaican heritage I was familiar with the story of the Jamaican Maroons, but had no knowledge that there was a similar Maroon insurrection in Surinam. I had also heard about Nat Turner, but didn't know the details of the insurrection he led. There is a blog I frequent with the moniker Denmark Vesey, but I never had any knowledge of the significance of the name. Now that I do, I have a deeper understanding of the relevance of it's content.  

As people of African heritage in the Americas, we have always been people of rebellion. Our history, as told by us, proves this fact. We have never been childishly content with our situation, as our captors would have us believe... even today. We have continuously struggled against all odds, sometimes with success, sometimes with failure and then suffered enormous and inhuman consequences.

For me, this book provided more knowledge and therefore more power to continue with my daily struggle as a Black man in the Americas.

The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano      

I recently watched for the second time the movie Amazing Grace, which chronicles the life long efforts of William Wilberforce to get legislation passed in the British Parliament to end the slave trade. One of the characters, Olaudah Equiano, was played by one of my favourite singers, Senegalese Youssou N'Dour.

When I got my Amazon Kindle, one of the free ebooks offered was his autobiography, published in 1789. His life story and ordeal is a fascinating one. He chronicles his enslavement and journey through Africa to the coast, his experiences on a slave ship where he was brought to America and the circumstances where he was eventually able to purchase his freedom. He documents his travels to various parts of the world (including the Artic) as a sailor and the struggles, as well as the situations he had to endure, not only to survive, but also to keep his freedom throughout his life. He further lays out how his various trials, tribulations and triumphs, nurtured his deep and unwavering faith in God, which lead to his eventual conversion to Christianity.   

The life of this African man would make an inspiring movie of what is possible to achieve in a cruel, oppressive and hostile world, as it was for a Black man then... and now. Amazing Grace indeed.  

Book Review: Diary of A Lost Girl - The Autobiography Of Kola Boof

Truth is stranger than fiction! This is the best way for me to describe this book. From her childhood in Sudan, to the murder of her family, her father's family rejection of her because of her black skin, her adoption by an African-American family to her complicated relationship with Osama bin Laden, as well as her claim that she was a secret agent for the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA), makes this tale appear fantastical to say the least. I understand why there is so much controversy and skeptical unbelief regarding her story.

Her experiences with black African slavery and Arabism in Sudan and in the Arab world is revealing. When it comes to Black people, for Arabs and Muslims, "the enemy of my enemy is not necessarily my friend".

Like all human beings, she is full of contradictions and inconsistencies, but within our personal life experiences this is what makes us "real" and in that light, for Kola Boof as with all of us, it's understandable.

The chapter: "The Authentic Black Man", a letter to her 2 sons, is a treatise built upon harsh subtle realities of Black life, stripping away the niceties and illusions of "can't we all just get along". It's an assault on the ideologies and sensibilities of the politically correct and social assimilationist. Once my son comes of age, this chapter will be required reading!

Overall, an excellent read!

Book Review: Fela - This Bitch of a Life

This is the first book I read on my Amazon Kindle, so I guess you can say this autobiography "broke my ebook cherry"... and what a fitting choice to do so!

The life of "The Black President" in his own words, as well as the words and perspectives of his wives and close friends, weaves an interesting and spellbinding story of this Nigerian revolutionary. Fela's charisma flows from his unrelenting and uncompromising defiance and assault, not only on neo-colonialism in Africa, but more importantly and dangerously, on the corrupt government officials in his home country. In his words and music, he championed the causes for the poor, oppressed and dispossessed of Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

Like Bob Marley, another musical visionary, Fela's weapon for illumination was his music. He went further by naming names and detailing events within his compositions. The more the elites attacked him, the more defiant he became. The depiction of how he took his mother's coffin and drove it through army roadblocks while under gunfire, then dropped it at the front gate of their barracks as a protest for their part in her death, highlights his revolutionary spirit. He composed a song, "Coffin for Head of State" to further condemn the actions of the government.

The portrayal of Fela's sexual flamboyance is also underscored by a certain misogyny, but his attitudes in regards to women, like politics and spirituality, can't be so simply defined. Like all geniuses before and after him, he was a paradoxical figure who saw the simplistic truths of the world he encountered, but had complex ideas which were revolutionary at the time, some of which were also destructive to himself and those around him. These complexities in his relationships are revealed in the first hand accounts of his wives, as they describe the dynamics of their experiences with him.  

Sadly, the book reveals that after years of government attacks and beatings, physical and emotional self abuse, a descent into spiritual absurdity, as well as the ravages of AIDS, Fela died a broken down figure in 1997. However, the impact of his life brought out over a million Nigerians to line the streets of Lagos on the day of his funeral, defying a government ban on public gatherings.

Due to this book, I now have a new found appreciation and insight into his music, as well as a much better understanding and respect for his legacy.             

Book Review: The Book of Negroes

I've been doing a lot of reading lately. I've made the decision to make a significant dent in my ever growing reading list, which means the time I have for blogging is greatly reduced. The trade off is an investment, so I'm fine with that. Reading works of fiction and non-fiction... my interests are a varied and wide-ranged... is the door through which I feed my creativity and imagination. I find lately that I need more substance than I am getting from blogs and magazine articles. My wife recently bought me an Amazon Kindle, which I absolutely love. I can purchase books at a much cheaper price and carry a whole library around with me in that device.

I will do a review of all the books I've been reading and will read in the coming months. The first is the novel by Canadian author Lawrence Hill, The Book of Negroes. Due to political correct based marketing, it is published as "Someone Knows My Name" is U.S.A., Australia and New Zealand. The title caused quite a stir in Holland, where a Dutch based group burned the cover of the book to protest the use of the word "Negroes" in the title (see here).

Hill crafts a fascinating story of Aminata Diallo, an African woman stolen as a child from her village and taken as a slave to America, where is able to travel to Nova Scotia by being a recorder of "The Book of Negroes" for the British after the American Revolutionary War, returns to Africa via Sierra Leone and finally settles in London England, where she becomes a spokeswoman for the abolition movement. Throughout her life journey she endures, survives and overcomes horrific, traumatic as well as heart-breaking experiences. Hill blends this fictional slave narrative with personal, African, US, Canadian and European history in such a way that stirs both our emotions and imagination.

As a person of African heritage living in Canada, this book opened my eyes to the unfortunately familiar harsh realities of the early history of African peoples in Canada. It also pointed me to important and largely unknown and/or forgotten Black Canadian historical references, which I share below:

1. Black Loyalists: Our History, Our People
2. The Book of Negroes
   

sat'day riddymz

Jack Layton: 1950-2011

My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.

Summer Cruising 2011

Ft. Lauderdale, USA

Labadee, Haiti

Falmouth, Jamaica

Cozumel, Mexico

sat'day riddymz

Save The Children East Africa Appeal
Donate here

sat'day riddymz

sat'day riddymz

Caribbean Cruise

The Queen and I are heading on a 7-day western Caribbean cruise on Royal Caribbean's "Oasis of the Seas". We embark at Fort Lauderdale, Florida and visit the ports of Labadee, Haiti; Falmouth, Jamaica; and Cozumel, Mexico.  

We went on our first cruise with the same line 5 years ago for our honeymoon and it was the best vacation we ever had. Last year I watched a documentary about the launch of the "Oasis", the largest cruise ship ever and I excitedly told the Queen to start planning for this trip. 

Living and loving life!  

sat'day riddymz

sat'day riddymz

True Believers

Hugh Masakela at the Ottawa Jazz Festival

sat'day riddymz

Onyx Ashanti and Beat Jazz

Sunday Chat with Dad

Hey Dad, today is the day that has been set aside to honor our earthly fathers. It naturally makes me think about my father who passed away years ago. He was a good man. He provided for his family and loved us in his own way. We weren't close. We never developed an emotional connection. In my adult years I never considered him a "friend". I never seeked his counsel. I don't think about him much. I don't miss him. 

The greatest influence he's had on me is not what to do... not how to be. I don't want to have the same kind of relationship with my son that my father and I had. This isn't a post to criticize or condemn him. He came from a different time where to him, a father provided financially and materially for his family, while the mother did all the nurturing and disciplining. He wasn't abusive or mean. He just didn't take a personal interest in his children... beside making sure we were collectively clothed, fed, housed and educated. I thank him and honor him for that. He did more than some men I know. 

I think about my relationship with my son today. He is my world. I took 4 months parental leave when he was 8 months old. Our bond is solid. We are very close. I enjoy being his father. I feel honored that he is my son. It is said that children are a gift from you, Dad. I appreciate and cherish your gift. However sometimes it scare me. Not the responsibility to nurture and raise him to be the best man he can be. What scares me is the depth of love I have for him. 

I think of the story of Abraham and Isaac.

Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham,"Father?" "Yes, my son?" Abraham replied. "The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering? Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together . When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” "Here I am,” he replied. “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”

I always marvelled at this story... Abraham's complete faith that you, Dad, would provide a sacrifice in place of his only begotten son. I don't have that depth of faith. I couldn't sacrifice my son at your command. I love him that much. Does that mean I don't love or "fear" You as Abraham did? That's what scares me at times. I now understand the love you had for me to sacrifice your only begotten Son on my behalf. I feel guilty and unworthy at times.

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 

However Dad, I take comfort because I know you understand. You are love. You are the strength in my weaknesses. You are the calm in my fears. You teach me about your love for me, in the love I have for my son. You have blessed me once again with the opportunity to be a father. Your perfect love as my heavenly Father is a beacon that I strive towards as an earthly father.

sat'day riddymz

sat'day riddymz

The Struggle For Dignity

One of the most arduous struggle one can go through, is the struggle to safeguard one's human dignity, as well as the right to safeguard the integrity of one's own body. These go hand in hand. This struggle is more intense than the struggle for food, shelter, clothing, political rights, religious rights, civil rights, gay rights, women's rights, etc.

This is not a matter of comparing or ranking the various struggles people are engaged in. In many cases they may intertwine. However, regardless of one's gender, colour, ethnicity, religious or political affiliations, social status, sexual orientation, etc., when one has to engage in a war for their personal dignity and bodily integrity, you are not  just battling against flesh and blood, "but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places".



No clearer is this seen than the treatment of African women and girls... by standards set for the benefit African men! Not all African women, girls and by all African men, but specifically in the exploitation of forced marriages, the denial of education, the brutal use of rape as a weapon of war and the barbarity of female genital mutilation. I saw this documentary on Al Jazeera, "Abandon the Knife" on female circumcision in a rural communitiy of Kenya. My emotions went from astonishment, anger, sadness and empathy and others I can't define. I commend the young women on their courageous stand to fight for their dignity, to protect their integrity, to take control of their future and to dream the impossible dream.

sat'day riddymz

Kola Boof on Bin Laden's Death

Former mistress of Bin Laden article in The Daily Voice.

I just saw myself on the cover of the National Enquirer. It says "Exclusive Interview with Bin Laden's Mistress"--but I've never given an interview to the National Enquirer; I have never in my life spoken to anyone at that magazine. In fact, up to this point, I have not given anyone anywhere an interview regarding my feelings on Osama Bin Laden's death.

A week ago, my favorite television news anchor Rachel Maddow (MSNBC) stated that I was Somi's "ex-wife" (because members of the Sudanese government authored a book claiming this). In Los Angeles, one of the top Black stations reported that because I tweeted about Osama's demise two days before he died; I must be working for the CIA and was aware he was about to be killed. The cover of the National Enquirer claims that I was kept chained in Osama's compound. None of this is true.

At this moment, I am embroiled in a serious matter that includes confrontations with Osama's lead wife Najwa over possible monies that were left to me. I will get to that in a moment, but first to make it clear how I feel about Osama's death and to make it clear why I haven't felt like talking about it yet, here's the Official Statement I gave the night Osama died:

"I rarely ever talk about Somi, but for the last two days on Twitter, somethingcame over me and I did nothing but Tweet about him.
Now I know why.
At last....I forgive Somi for everything he did to me and for all that I witnessed. I set him free and I dream for him to be healed.
My greatest sympathy is with his mother, Hamida, the only person in that family who is willing to hear from me. One mother to another, I close my eyes and embrace her with so much compassion.
I feel that no one has more accurately and fairly characterized her son than I have. I knew him to be a monster, a genius, a poet, a racist woman-basher and a very passionate, deeply sensitive confused being.
Like all of us, he was somebody's child.
I am not God, so I leave him to whatever comes next. I still have his poems and each year they have a different meaning. But now the papers are cool to the touch. I feel many things...things that people would not understand...I look at the gray hair I have...and all I can tell you is this....
Usama, Usama, Usama--Peace."

I think this statement spoken in my own voice reveals a lot for those who have intellect and can understand that the "Monster" Bin Laden was a real multi-dimensional person for those who knew him; not a media contrived cartoon. I have been greatly demeaned and disrespected by the U.S. press regarding my affiliation with him and I would like to say one thing straight out--Ninety percept of the media's problem with me is that I'm a Black Woman who looks Black and not mixed. It has been said to my face. Connie Chung and her producers at CNN asked me point blank, "Why would a man of Bin Laden's wealth and stature have a black mistress?"

Exotic deceitful monikers like 'sex slave' and 'chained woman' are applied to my image but were never applied to Patti Hearst--who was held against her will for more than a year and had sex trains with the nine Black men holding her--yet was not given a single exotic title. And unlike the garden variety White public mistress (Monica Lewinsky, Camilla Parker Bowles, etc.), my word alone nor my stature as a strong African novelist, activist and poet is enough to accrue common respectful treatment towards my person or my image. Extraordinarily literate facts and information I wrote about Osama years ago, things that could have helped them find Osama, are ignored as they focus on tabloid-like single sentences from my memoir (Osama lusted for Whitney Houston!; he was a Pot head). It was me, after all, who said ten years ago that Osama's guards used cell phones (I was crucified by Peter Bergen for that; though they discovered last week that it's true). It was me who reported ten years ago about Osama inventing the "kidney dialysis myth"--me who reported on his marijuana gardens and his obsession with Western culture. It was me who first wrote about his hatred for Sadaam Hussein. 

Male journalists like Morgan Spurlock (who says he laughed about my rape) and supposed Bin Laden expert Peter Bergen (whose published facts have now been proven to be less accurate than mine) discuss me as though I'm a deceased taxi dancer or a maid who stole coins from their nightstand. Sadly, because Black Americans can't decipher anything until White people confirm and approve it for them--I have been just as unfairly treated by Black journalists and so called Black academics and intellectuals. Which makes me shudder to think what would have happened to Thomas Jefferson's slave Sally Hemmings had she dared write in her own words about her affair with the President of the United States. How would her claims of child rape turned to a forced long term relationship to eventual love been received by her own people?

Sally Hemmings was twelve years old when she gave birth to President Thomas Jefferson's son, Thomas Jefferson Jr. He was in his fifties (I've since learned that the majority of Black American slave women got their first rapes between the ages of nine and thirteen and were freely raped by both White masters and fellow Black male slaves). As I well know, and share with Sally Hemmings--just because someone rapes you doesn't mean you don't go on to have a deep relationship with that person.

Osama raped me the first night we met. But out of my fear and determination to survive we became comrades; lovers; we wrote poetry together, I did his hair, I cooked for him, he gave me jewels and money; sent me to Milan on shopping sprees; buried one of his guards that I killed and made it so I only did one night in jail. Living at La Maison Arabe was hardly the life of a slave--I wasn't in chains, honey. I supervised Osama's men despite not being allowed to leave Osama. And let's not forget that half the wives of Arab rich men live that exact same way--many are married against their will, fathers give away daughters, women are snatched off the streets. Women had no rights in the Arab Muslim world when I was there modeling, acting and "hostessing."

It hurts to have so much valuable information; so much intelligence and to be so truthful and articulate--yet have "white powerful news controllers" decide that you're not the right image for what they'd like to promote. Therefore, part of history is always missing.

Osama's wife, Najwa Bin Laden, who wrote so snidely about me in her memoir a few years ago is now forced, at last, to recognize me. I'm sure she'd rather have me killed than see me collect money from her husband. According to her I was Somi's "abeed lan sharmuta" (nigger slave whore). But that's alright. I'm the one he kept for pleasure and not mere Islamic duty--as she well knows and sleeps alone with--and always slept alone with. Pitiful head covered door mat jockey.

The rank ignorant pettiness (well Kola's not pretty enough!) and the treatment my story and my personhood have received shows you exactly why the Americans couldn't find Osama for more than a decade. It shows you why Peter Bergen in all his almighty "million dollar advance" rhetoric could never locate Osama but had to degrade and slander me to protect the credibility of his own toilet-read tomes. And it shows most of all--that you can't keep a good woman down. I was not the one who revealed that I'd been with Somi. The London Guardian newspaper started it all; I originally denied the story out of embarrassment and then the U.S. Homeland Security (more like "Gangland Security") forced me to admit to it. From then on, I was trapped in a maze of defending my reputation and my personhood. And so the tragedy of my life is that I have told nothing but truth...yet the truth did not set me free.

My one revenge is that I'm not going anywhere. I think the Americans have noticed that by now. And I leave you with this bit of common sense and mother wit--"In any mansion...it's the maids and the whores...who know the most." You can't stop what's real.

Kola Boof is an award winning novelist, poet and television writer. Her latest book The Sexy Part of the Bible will be released by Akashic Books in July 2011.

The Man and His Axe

I guess this is what they really mean by "Black Irish"

First Obama had to release his birth certificate to prove that he is an American. Now he has released his ancestoral tree to prove that he is actually Irish:

The President and the First Lady are on a visit today to his Irish ancestoral home of Moneygall. This will of-course greatly improve his re-election bid back home. First time around he bamboozled the African-American community to vote for him en masse, appealing to that part of his Black heritage... until it became a liability in the form of his pastor and friend for over 20 years, Rev. Jeremiah Wright. Now that they are onto his game, he will now attempt to bamboozle 40 million Irish-American voters, to make up for any loses he may suffer from the African-American voters... although I don't expect him to suffer much anyway.

sat'day riddymz

sat'day riddymz

Judgement Day: May 21st, 2011

Harold Camping, a preacher from Oakland California and president of a religious broadcasting network called Family Radio, is guaranteeing based on Bible prophecy, that the Second Coming of Christ will happen next Saturday May 21st. (read here)

Hmmmm... maybe Mr. Camping did not read these words of Christ: "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is." Mark 13: 32-33.

However... just in case he knows something I don't, I'm gonna get my drink and my freak on this weekend... it could be my last! I'll make sure I get to church on Sunday though, both morning and evening services, to ask for forgiveness of all the nastiness I'm gonna do... then I'll be covered!

Bob Marley: 6 February 1945 – 11 May 1981

I can't believe it's been 30 years ago on this date that our musical prophet died. I grew up with his music in my formative years in Jamaica. His music brought pride and clarity to my teenage years. His music brought wisdom and calm to my adult life. I have passed this legacy onto my son.

Never Forget

Jamonghoie by One Moore Book

Jamonghoie from One Moore Book on Vimeo.

mother's day riddymz

Sunday Chat with Dad

And as He sat upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples came unto Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of Thy coming and of the end of the world?"

And Jesus answered and said unto them, "Take heed that no man deceive you; for many shall come in My name, saying, `I am Christ,' and shall deceive many.

    

And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that ye be not troubled, for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

   

For nation shall rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom,

 







 

and there shall be famines



and pestilences 

and earthquakes in divers places.

    

All these are the beginning of sorrows."

sat'day riddymz

African American Arrogance

"Black Americans have long been oppressed, so it was startling to me that they would ever be the source of dismissive attitudes toward another black community. However, what I had completely forgotten is that black Americans are still Americans, a nation firm in its resolve that no person or thing on this planet -- or in the heavens -- matters as much as they do. Undoubtedly, it is that fundamental belief that has led them to be the global force that they are, regardless of how skewed that belief structure may be."

I read this article on theRoot by Alyson Renaldo titled "Black Canadian Like Me". In it she discussed the  influence and importance of her West Indian heritage as she grew up in Canada. I relate to this so well for this is also my story. It reflects my experience and existence here in Canada.

What was also right on point was her experiences in the USA with Black American attitudes. Growing up in Toronto, I made a number of visits to Buffalo, New York and Springfield Mass., to hang out with friends and family. When I lived in Windsor, right across the river from Detroit, I spent a lot more time in the USA. Not only in Detroit, but I visited places in Maryland, Arizona, California, Florida and Nevada. For the most part, I have had positive experiences and made some close African-American friendships.

Interestingly, in the interactions with my Black American brothers and sisters, both real life and online experiences, it is evident that I have a different perspective and attitude towards life. What I have come to clearly realize (and accept) is the fact that, as the authour states above, "Black Americans are still Americans". It was quite revealing reading the comments section of this article. I understand that no-one likes to be criticized (especially Americans), and the reactions to the article by the Black American readers were so... "American". Some people dismissed the authour and the article, claiming that she was jealous of the accomplishments of Black Americans. Some claimed she was just ignorant of America and the article was of no value. Some even implied that Black Canadians and/or those of West Indian heritage didn't comprehend slavery!

I am cognizant of the fact that I am neither American nor "African-American", so my thinking, attitudes and perspectives are not restricted or shaped by their prejudices or world view. We are all products of our environment and African-American attitudes are rooted in American attitudes, which are rooted in a foundation of White/European superiority... hence the truth of the above statement. Needless to say, I have my own prejudices and perspectives shaped by my own experiences, being born in England, growing up in Jamaica, living in Canada and travelling within the Americas, Caribbean and Africa.

One of the primary factors I believe which differentiates those of us from the West Indies (and Africa) from Black Americans, is that being in the majority in our countries, we were able to fight and win political independence from our slave/colonial masters and formed our own governments. From that foundation we have travelled the world as independent minded, culturally and socially conscious people. Jamaicans such as Marcus Garvey to Bob Marley for example, embodied this spirit of independence, as well as cultural and social consciousness. I find in this way we are more similar in attitudes to Africans than African-Americans.

At the end of the day it doesn't make us better or worse, just different... and through our differences, we have much to offer each other... if we care enough to invest in the effort to listen and learn about each others' cultures and perspectives.

easter riddymz

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18

sat'day riddymz

A Rythmic State of Mind

Do not seek to measure me or evaluate me.

I am beyond your understanding.

Sunday Chat with Dad

"Blessed is the one who does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the way that sinners take, nor sit in the company of the scornful, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord and who meditates in his law day and night." 

Hi Dad, I am beginning to really understand why I have to be careful who I take advice from, who I hang with, who I call "friend" and who I invite into my home. My earthly grandfather used to counsel me this saying: "you are known by the friends that you keep". I am learning that your word must be the basis, the foundation... of any advice that I take, where I dare to go, the friendships I make and who I decide to spend my time with. Not only will it lead to positivity within my life, but more importantly, I will be blessed.

Sometime ago I decided that I would make it a priority to support black businesses and professionals. I know of those who make the same commitment when it comes to choosing businesses and professional advisors who are Christians. My mother's doctor is a born-again Christian and after he diagnoses what's ailing her and gives her a prescription, they will pray together that you will heal her.

First and foremost, we need to look to you for guidance. Through you, we can receive counsel, support and friendship in the body of Christ. Through you, we can discern those who are a positive influence on our life,  those who we need to avoid, as well as those we need to resist. 

Like all things with you Dad, it comes down to commitment and faith... based on your love.