dialogue: | ISSN: 1024-0209- a journal for cultural literacy

PAST EDITORIALS 2005 -

Summer-Winter 2007 Editorial

In this exigent era, spotlighting WORLD MUSIC has been determined appropriate as a reminder that global creative expressions have not succumbed to the apathy that abounds. Cultural Literacy demands appreciation of diverse expressions that resist being muted in the face of an ongoing assault on fundamental values of civility.

Guest Editor for this issue is the renowned ethnomusicologist Dr Mark Lockett offering valid pronouncements with expertise of immense value in these times. dialogue is especially honoured with interviews of veteran writer Ishmael Reed responding about his literary journey plus Minister Paul Scott on his current efforts to resurrect the positive dynamic of a Conscientious Hip-Hop genre.

Readers will be surely amazed and enthralled by the unique selection of tracks on our complimentary CD: CONVERSATions”. A bonus supplement which accompanies this release contains further info about featured musicians/artistes, album reviews plus a bonus interview with percussion ensemble: MAWASI by our Caribbean correspondent Brian Mitchell.

dialogue graciously acknowledges their unselfish creative contributions and readers are therefore encouraged to support featured musicians/artistes by purchasing their albums where obtainable. This exciting compilation of WORLD MUSIC is available only to readers by email request.

Our Summer edition examines the farce that is “Global Warming” featuring an opportune consultation with historical climatologist Dr. Timothy Ball, a definite authority on this contentious subject. dialogue is appreciative for his co-operation.

Indisputable dangers posed by Mobile [Cellular] Phones/Masts and WIFI technology are exposed herein as designated responsible agencies, corporate bodies and governing powers still refuse [for whatever reason$/Ł] to inform or protect the vulnerable public at large. Meanwhile severe damage is being done to the ecological balance of our planet by EMFs (electronic-magnetic fields).

The ongoing manic behaviour of a privileged minority to ambivalently consume resources of Mother Earth despite the misery of a majority is effectively annihilated by Abysinnia Yohannes in VIEWPOINT on the gory trade of African Diamonds: “Patterns of Inequality”. She also reports on the plague of Bleaching Creams as well as her recent sojourn in Malawi.While Omosun Sylvester updates us on the acute dilemma in the Niger Delta and share information about his initiative for peace in Nigeria.

New voices in this edition include: Lesley-Ann Brown celebrating the renowned literary exemplar Amiri Baraka (Leroi Jones) and her paternal Ancestor: the Musician Darlington Brown; Veteran Journalist Activist Elder Donald Hinds shares history of the pioneering West Indian Gazette founded by the revolutionary Ancestor Claudia Jones. While Marcine Quenzer, Enocia Joseph, Delia McKenzie, Omosun Sylvester and Sahera Parveen share their thought-provoking prose.

Our resident columnists: Lennox Raphael continues his intuitive series of interviews with LeRoy Clarke and Pearl Entiou Springer both undisputed creative giants of the Caribbean plus Lars Kraemmer of ART MONEY; while Greek poet-teacher Efi Antoniou adds another stimulating instalment of her series “Other tongues”.

Ongoing commemorations for the Bi-Centenary Anniversary of the so-called Abolition of Chattel Slavery are again analysed. Distinguished historian Dr. Hakim Adi clarifies the wider historical context of this legislation. May the ghoulish misleading notion that “unrepentant perpetrators liberated our Ancestors” be decimated.

The establishment of a Heritage Centre on the banks of Thames River in Deptford, London by Black History Group is a step in the right direction. dialogue looks forward to a strengthening of ties with this institution. We anticipate resounding success for its mission as a worthwhile legacy to bequeath succeeding generations.

Preparations afoot to stage an International Literary Festival & Book Fair: “WORD POWER-Voices of the Diaspora” carded for cities across the UK are exhilarating as dialogue closely works with Hackney-London based organisers: Centerprise Trust. Readers are urged to attend during Autumn 2007, as these events promises no only to be historic but a guaranteed innovative experience.

Alongside our regular features of poetry, commentaries, news, and photography, ConversArt exhibits the artistic agility of Marcine Quenzer,Naa Ahinee Mensah, Mark Carroll, Patrick Githinji; amazing photography by Brian Mitchell, Richard Nagler and Julianna Varnai. This issue’s cover showcases the incredible sculpture of George Fowokan Kelly.

dialogue grows from strength to strength… with devoted readership growing. Our recent triumphant Launch & commemorative Lecture-Dinner in London was an inspiration. It was a joyful experience to put faces to the names on our subscription list. We are eternally indebted to all contributors, well wishers and readers past and present.

The work to maintain channels of communications remains vital: So do pass the Word on. dialogue wishes you intuitive reading and listening for inspirational interpretations of this offering.

May the ancestors be pleased.

The Editor 2007-05-30

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tools of gentleman's trade
Winter 2006/Spring 2007 Editorial

Efforts of our predecessors must never be underestimated. dialogue is of the sincerest opinion that the struggles of our ancestors can never be trivialised.

Provocative pronouncements recently suggesting modern day human trafficking is worst than Chattel Slavery is but a confirmation of culpability. In fact such insensitive conjecture, (without an apology for this transgression) further compounds complicity for a flagrant abuse of human rights. It is also a direct assault/insult on the integrity of surviving generations across the Afrikan Diaspora.

The world, as we know it today is still reeling from the effects of that human calamity. While many remain unaware that painstaking research- has revealed this so called ”Gentleman’s Trade” was not abolished because perpetrators felt remorse for their victims (of whatever hue or origin) but conveniently abandoned some conduits of this heinous system because of economic expediency.

As indicated in our previous issue, this auspicious anniversary offers all an opportunity to debate, RE-visit and RE-examine the factors that contributed to this sad saga that haunts the present. It is necessary to redress the balance acknowledging the diverse struggles against this grave injustice.

Abolition as legislated (two hundred years ago) resonates hollow as the fate of those who were rescued by British ships were immediately conscripted into the military service (First West India Regiment) to serve in colonial conflicts during the period. The American War of Independence, Boer, Ashanti and Zulu wars are clear examples of this maltreatment. Descendants across the globe still bear the traumatic burdens and anguish of this tragedy.

Need it be reiterated, that the Planters and Slave proprietors in the British Colonies were compensated with Twenty Million pounds while the Afrikan slaves got zilch and were retained in servitude for decades under an ill-conceived Apprenticeship scheme.

dialogue does not condone the insensitive celebration of hailed individuals as Abolitionists when they were oppressors of their own country men/women by way of unjust class partitions, servitude, social deprivation and economic apartheid.

Our Winter/Spring edition is consciously dedicated to our predecessors who relentlessly resisted enslavement via rebellions on the slaver vessels to the first factories (Gold Mines, Cotton, Sugar, Tobacco & Cocoa plantations).

We give formal thanks with libations for the prescience and pains of Ancestors Jacques Dessalines, Harriet Tubman, Henri Christophe, Paul Bogle, Toussaint L’Ouverture, Leonard Parkinson, Julien Fedon, Nat Turner, Cudjoe, Simon Bolivar, Cinquez, Bussa, Kofi, Sam Sharp, Nanny of the Maroons, Chatouer, Zumbi dos Palmares, Daaga and Carlota among many other nameless Herus and Ausets (Horus & Isis).

Featured herein are among the finest examples of thought, creativity and culture to be found across the Diaspora. We are afforded a rare insight into the creative life’s work of Sculptor George Fowokan Kelly.

The hardworking and ambitious organisation: “Parents and Children Together” is featured alongside the commendable celebration of BHM 2006 by SEWREC in Wales.

Lennox Raphael continues to intrigue us with his literary agility sharing the first in a series of insightful interviews with Playwright Mustapha Matura and a moving prologue to the work and personage of Artist/poet LeRoy Clarke.

The dynamics of this touted concept of Abolition as influenced by the movers and shakers of the Industrial Revolution via the Lunar Society is carefully explicated by Historian Malcolm Dick.

Abysinnia Yohannes dissects the phenomena of the “Kleptocrats” who wish to destroy Afrika. Criminologist Clarence Cole challenges readers with an insightful analysis of Criminality.

Our regular ConversArt, features the works of Stewart Brown, Siobhan Lennon, Julianna Varnai and Patrick Githinji. The celebrated Curator Raphael Chikukwa fresh from his sojourn of documenting invaluable service of Afrikan War Veterans shares his views on Museums.

As usual our poetry is diverse with contributions from Nanfuka Sekitto, Mishu Baura, Sahera Parveen, Rabiyah Latif, Modibo Nsami, Efi Antoniou, Omosan Urdeen, Russell Geoff and Tichaona Chinyelu. There is also a tribute to the giant Caribbean poet: ancestor Martin Carter.

Mark Rockeymoore and Russell Geoff provide non-fictional and fictional accounts of childhood memories plus subliminal advertising respectfully. While the dilemma of being indigenous to the Caribbean is shared by “the laughing Gull”: Guanaguanare.

dialogue does not condone RACISM, SEGREGATION, EXCLUSION, CENSORSHIP & RELATED INTOLLERANCE. Cultural Literacy remains the paradigm and we invite readers to commemorate the efforts of those who abolished Chattel SLAVERY!

May the ancestors be pleased.

The Editor
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Summer 2006/Winter Editorial

Yet another endeavour to redress the balance. dialogue never presumed, to possess the solutions to all the problems that beset our “global village”, however we won’t be part of the growing apathy. Responses to our previous issues have convinced us to continue pursuing cultural literacy.

Regrettably, apocalyptic conflict, violent crime, social cataclysm and censorship are being touted as solutions to humanity’s dilemma. Even as we go to print, many errors of judgement by predecessors are being repeated. Nevertheless, there remains a core of creatively inclined workers who still dare to independently think and trust in the need for continued dialogue, regardless of the weather forecast.

Communication is based on engagement as we continue with inimitable themes, focusing on efforts by Youth in Africa. Readers are introduced to AFRICA SPEAKS, an emotive short story from Congolese writer, Dicho Ilunga, and salient paintings by Gintinji from Nyeri.

A new voice from urban America: the personage of NURI EL provides us with more than an insight. While curious alternative perspectives on religion, fashion and “politricks” are offered by the daring DJ ADAMISSIMO, our own roving underground correspondent.

dialogue is privileged with a guest editorial and poetry from Italian publisher/ writer Renče Ballerini-Sigel. Witty as per usual, Lennox Raphael twice this time jogs our memory, as we welcome back since 1994, Trinidadian Editor (Profile 96), Social activist: Esuseeke Ololade with a new series on Ancient Grace.

Our Poetry feature is multilingual from Writers Without Borders. This collective have grown from strength to strength and co-founder Cathy Perry keeps us up to date. Greek poet/writer Efi Antoniou in her native tongue and English makes some astonishing comparisons between the work of Manolis Anagnostakis and new Caribbean poetry.

Persistent efforts in Africa and across the Diaspora for Peace, Transparency, Development and Unity by PANAFSTRAG are featured in a complementary supplement. While Ras Jahaziel debates the sacred rights of Africans abroad. Two ancestors associated with dialogue are also celebrated by way of incisive articles on Sudanicology plus a bridging of two cultures, still at a distance.

This season’s issue is quite a serving, with AFROETS commemorating thirty-two years of fortitude in addition to a commentary on controversial plans for 2007 Bicentenary celebrations.

Let me again thank those of you who continue to support this mission, those with their kind words of encouragement, our Guest Editor, all our contributors and especially you the reader.

Happy and intuitive reading.

Winter 2005/Spring 2006 Editorial

The necessity of keeping all channels of communication open, without hindrance, remains the standard of conscientious people. Yet attendant promotion of “Cultural Literacy” is oft time challenged by unwarranted unscrupulous attacks on ideals of Tolerance and Unity.

dialogue exists so thinkers can explore and share their views in a spirit of understanding. No attempt has been made to curtail opinions that question the validity of biased notions of Development, Progress, and Justice or for that matter Civilisation.

Honesty and Impartiality are the measures by which knowledge is pursued, as our unselfish contributors painstakingly examine issues ranging from Economics, Politics, Culture, Literature, Spirituality, and the untold True Story [aka HISTORY].

RAKA Books is justified in continuing the mission of Cultural Upliftment and Socio-Cultural Rehabilitation exercises in joint co-operation with BEMBE Productions (est. 1977, Trinidad). Collective experiences over past heady unsecured years have borne much success to date worthy of celebration. Despite the recent challenges.

Our correspondents are working assiduously in many parts of the world, sincerely convinced of eventual victory over IGNORANCE and the scourge of RACISM that plagues our world today.

We are particularly pleased to include exciting archaeological news of recent discoveries of “TA-MERI-KA” predating Pre-Columbian Americas. As the story unfolds, readers will understand what necessitated its inclusion. An excerpt of “About the Caribbean” (now in its seventh edition) provides the invaluable list of original names of the region as a complement.

Featured poets are Mishu Barua, and Roy McFarlane both recently published by RAKA.

Congratulations are due to the IAAR on their Third Anniversary and “Writers Without Borders” for their consistent efforts to build bridges with poetry over the years.

Appreciation to all who have supported our collective in Europe, Afrika, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, Canada, USA and Latin America.

dialogue is indebted to our kind, patrons and well wishers. We include among these our close friends who shared their facilities over time as well.

Walk well…. UPWRITE