As we approach the birth day of Jamaica's first national heroe- philosopher and cultural teacher Marcus Garvey on August 17, I wish to give thanks for his teachings that have helped me to believe in myself.My self worth and pride as a human being is greatly influenced by his challenge for us to rise and be counted among nations.I hope everyone will try to reflect some aspect of his uplifting teachings in all we do and say.

Well said native, if only more of us would take heed.So many great men and women have come from this tiny island of ours.I can see and hear the Jamaican influence in just about every country I have visited......music; art, fashion,adverts, youth culture and the list goes on.

The following is an excerpt from a question asked to God about why He made us black. Please, please, this is not a racial issue, but one that Bro. Marcus promoted when he encouraged blacks to return to Africa:

GOD's Reply:
Why did I make you black?

I made you in the color of coal
from which beautiful diamonds are formed...
I made you in the color of oil,
the black gold which keeps people warm.

Your color is the same as the rich dark soil
that grows the food you need....
Your color is the same as the black stallion and
panther, Oh what majestic creatures indeed!

All colors of the heavenly rainbow
can be found throughout every nation...
When all these colors are blended,
you become my greatest creation!

Your hair is the texture of lamb's wool,
such a beautiful creature is he...
I am the shepherd who watches them,
I will ALWAYS watch over thee!

You are the color of the midnight sky,
I put star glitter in your eyes...
There's a beautiful smile hidden behind your pain...
That's why your cheeks are so high!

You are the color of dark clouds
from the hurricanes I create in September....
I made your lips so full and thick,
so when you kiss...they will remember!

Your stature is strong,
your bone structure thick to withstand the
burden of time...
The reflection you see in the mirror,
that image that looks back,..that is MINE!

So get off your knees,
look in the mirror and tell me what you see?
I didn't make you in the image of darkness...
I made you in the image of ME!

You are so right proud Jamaican,I when to Thailand and we went to this little Island named pe pe we had to take two diffrent boat to get to this Island,I was shock out of my mind they had a reggae night club,picture of Bob Marley,Jamaican Tshirt and much more, Jamaican flag flying high in the sky,I was so proud to see how for we have come,If we stop killing each other and live as one Marcus would be so proud, he must be turning over in his grave to see what we have done to his beautiful country.

I am with you all. Words are not enough to express my gratitude. What a proud nation we are, it's a wonder. Bro. Marcus, we honor you.

All of Marcus teachings are so true and honest, and most if not all blacks agree with this. However on the other hand blacks are killing off their own black brothers contrary to his teachings. Why can't we live up to Marcus words - what a beautiful country we would have. I am not focused on colour - it's the character of a person that is important to me.
But let us stop killing what Marcus worked so hard for - UNITY and LOVE between our fellowmen and being proud of who we are.

For those Jamaicans who love to read. Please get a hold of this book, "The Journey of Man." I forgot the author's name, but I can get it. You may also google the title. You will be amazed when you read this book. Storey comes to light. Irrespective of our colour, we are all from this one man, "Adam." this book was not written by a black man. Check it out!!!

Thing is; if we base our oneness on skin tone, political affiliation, social status, educational experience, athletic skill or IQ, there can be no oneness.

How can oneness be achieved based on parameters that separate us by default? Jamaica is not 100% African. Continuation of that myth is a fraud.

As a Red man not the color of coal (see above), I would be untrue to my DNA history if I neglected my paler ancestors by selective focus on my Africans and my legacies from them.

Respect to Marcus for illuminating the ignorance, arrogance and wickedness that resulted from perceptions of humaness based on ethnicity or skin tone. And thanks for the lessons left by all heroes official or other.

The heroes alive now...they need our support!

Come to think of it; what are the steps to oness?

Sometimes when we travel and see what life is out there, meeting a cross- section of people we get to realize that we are important in the universe.We are strong, we have been through much tribulation but we shall overcome.Jamaica is going to rise one day.We have learn the hard way that badness, viloence no pay, happiness is more attainable when we can live in love and harmony.Money is a helpful tool but it does not gurantee happiness.Like Garvey promised one day we will see him in the worldwind... as we rise as a mighty race.

As we move forward mindful of Garvey's legacy one of the things I ask everyone to do specifically is to help the youths to recognize their self worth.Every human being is special and have some good qualities; only to be recognized and developed.We are all stars. Its just to identify the light in us so we can shine.

"It's just to identify the light in us so we can shine"

You said it all native.

Those that work to cover our shining love darkness. They can be neutralise by strong doses of love and light.

And indeed native in several generations we may morph into a race.