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Re: Specific Project!
Posted By: Ras C. Liontree In Response To: Re: Specific Project! (Bantu-Kelani)
Date: Wednesday, 14 December 2005, at 3:17 a.m.
Greetings,
I accept the work given me daily to challenge white supremacy in myself and my community. This past sabbath a reasoning was called for Rastafari people who live in the mountains of N.C. Most were white and we got into reasoning on white priveledge and the need for ones gathered to be conscious of how we perpetuate the system of priveledge by not deconstructing the layers and years of white supremacy culture we consciously and unconsciously benefit from.
My answer to how to deconstruct the levels of dis-ease that white supremacy has covered me and society in is to be active in serving my local and international community and consciecioustize through word sound, music, and works those who are stuck in their priveledge, unaware of their priveledge, and seeking to atone for their privelege.The different works I am involved in provide opporutnities for me personally to unpeel the white supremist layers I've inherited and to challenge others to experience and meditate and burn out their priveledge and non action.
Programs/Projects I am involved in are also about providing bridges so ones can experience Africa physically, mentally, and spiritually as a source for deconstructing our systematically created realities.
I will list some of the works:
1)Using the radio during my three hour show to bring Rastafari word sound from interviews I have held from Jamaica to Ghana to Ethiopia that delve into white supremacy as well as positive black supremacy. Choosing to speak over the airwaves deliberately about the white supremacy and the legacy inherited by those who do not challenge the power dynamic.
2)From hearing the radio show local prison inmates wanted me to come in during their "guaranteed" 2 hours of Rastafari Faith Service. I accepted the invitation and go into the maximum security local prisons to better learn how to be an advocate for these incarcerated brothers and how to support them in getting the resources they need. Bringing other volunteers in to prison has served as a wake up call for these individuals in putting their "faith" into action. Though many burn fire on a white man chanting Niyabinghi Ises the need was expressed from the inmates for me to organize Ises which I have done and its been powerful to chant down the walls of babylon in the belly of the beast and strengthened the bredren, many of whom are young in the faith and have no experience in the chanting of Ises to His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I.
This work in the prisons has recently brought a new opportunity to serve on the Religious Advisory Committee of N.C where I would meet with Prison Chaplains across the state as an advocate for those Rastafari incarcerated. This is in process and feels dubious as I know the system is a graveyard and these prisons especially distain black men finding their root...Africa...H.I.M and Empress Menen. I will step forward in the time commitment for one year and see if I can serve the "voiceless" population specifically by advocating for correct Rastafari Resources and curriculum guide for inmates trying to find H.I.M.
3)Creating and maintaining a non profit organization (motherland international relations) that leads educational service trips to Africa. This, though slow in its evolution, is the most powerful way I see ones can support the deconstruction of white supremacy. By walking the Motherland and linking with the many people we work with on the continent to provide spiritual and mental education on varied aspects of life in Africa including the continuing raping and pillaging of Africa's resources perpetuated by white supremist economics is a rite of passage into response ability. Also supporting financially the network of family we have found in Africa to continue the good works of preparation on the continent in realms of farming, education, music, house construction, and appropriate technologies is small and real.
In our orientation and program we challenge white supremist ideals and upon ones return create presentations that help to bridge the demystification of Africa and the white supremist agenda to those who have never exprienced Africa physically. This takes the form of slide shows with an emphasis on the slave castles. An objective that is slow yet sure is for our organization to provide economic scholarhship for Africans in the Diaspora to come on our trips whether to network towards repatriation or not. This organization is guided by a majority Board of black people and includes Muslims, Rastafarians, AFricans, and Women.4)Working with foster care children throughout N.C and seeking programs that support these mainly African-American youth to honor their heritage in relation to Africa.
5)Running Deep Roots Sound System and working with promotions to bring healing fire and wholesome reggae artists to our mountain vicinity.
6)Cooking for the community vegetarian foods at our varied events. Get the blood out of our diet to turn away from the vampire white supremacy we have been injesting usually from in utero.
7)This is not so much a work but a blessing that brings responsiblity and opportunities daily to break down racism and white supremacy: Trodding as one with my African Empress and two daughters in Rastafari Countenance. Yes some will spit fire on our union from afar though most will give thanks for our rooted beingness signaling one aim, one Jah, one destiny, and one blessed family.
For the whites on this board who do not overstand the need for challenging whites in the movement it is important to seek resources (this board is one) of how to come to terms with the power dynamic created inherent in our white supremist system and world...yes it is in Africa and throughout. Several years ago Blair posted some other good resources...perhaps someone could re-post more resources about white priveledge...but the point is to seek, find, atone, and get active doing something progressive. Babylon's judgement is sealed as is Mount Zion's prosperity.
Christopher Liontree
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