Greetings Kristine
I agree that Rastafari livity goes forward further than Jamaica and the Caribbean. Rastafari is a natural livity based on natural laws of Iration. Many people since the beginning of time trodded Rastafari livity. People just called it by different names. In the 20th century, this natural livity was revealed to InI as Rastafari through His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I.

Dreadlocks, ganja, Ital, truths and rights, etc..has been here long before the physical manifestation of Ras Tafari Makennon. Many say Rastafari from Iration, yet have a problem when ones speak of the existance of Rastafari livity prior to His Majesty in flesh.

This to I is like ones who like to say that ancient Christ(ian) livity, which is Rastafari livity began with the dispensation of Iyesus yebranu alem. Meta-physically speaking this is not true in my opinion. Iyesus was a way that the livity was revealed and identified by the people at that time. The same goes for Rastafari Haile Selassie I in this time.

In JA, in the time of colonialism, black people saw Rastafari as a way to shake off the shackles of downpression of Britian (Urope). This was done by denouncing the ways of the downpressors and going back to the natural laws of truths and rights as was done by InI forefathers and foremothers on Mama Afrika and abroad.

It is true that ones want to shape Rastafari to suit their needs. Rastafari is resistance against imperialism and downpression. Who feels it knows it.

It is impossible to denounce the root and be able to bear fruits.

Ones try to 'hijack' Rastafari but they cant because the livity has been here before them and will be here after they are gone.

It is up to InI to maintain the course. "Our liberty is meaningless unless all Afrikans are free."

Peace
selassieilive