Backyard Labrish

Tonight Backyardlabrish will revisit ‘Intercultural Relationships' featuring Vanderbilt University's Associated Professor of English Dr. Ifeoma C.K.Nwankwo, author of 'Historical & Contemporary Perception & Portrayals of Jamaica in the US’. This interesting broadcast explores the challenges sometimes faced by Jamaicans from the 'Out of Many One People' society migrating to the USA in the 40s, 50s & 60s.. Colonial Jamaica was a racial melting pot of people from different races and cultures becoming 'Jamaicans'. Seperation was not by color but by class, making it difficult for a Jamaican to feel or behave like a second class citizen of any other country.

This week we revisit the stories of two Jamaican ‘Mavericks’ past and present. From the past, the Island’s 1st Millionaire George Stiebel born 1820 who left, to Jamaica his most enduring legacy: ‘DevonHouse.Wilfred Emanuel-Jones born 1957 now a naturalized Briton is building the “Black Farmer Food Brand’ in Devon England. The inspiring stories of these two trailblazers confirms the fact that Jamaica and Jamaicans have been breaking barriers, making headlines, taking a stand and making a difference for generations and continues to do so today.

Tonight we revisit the celebration of three Classical Musicians of the past: ‘Young, Gifted & Black’.These very talented Jamaican born artists travelled worldwide, receiving acclaim and recognition long before the popularity of today’s Jamaican music. However very little is known of them. Visit the Backyard 8:00PM Tonight 10/4/12 as the ‘Labrish’ brings their stories to life compliments of Dr. Joy Lumsden and we continue to: Celebrate, Enlighten & Preserve the rich diverse culture of Jamaica; "Land We Lov

Jamaica is known worldwide for it's outstanding athletes, original music, creative language, beautiful beaches, exotic birds, and palate-tingling food,  just to name a few. However very little is known in Jamaica, the Diaspora or worldwide, about the history at the heart of the Island's  racial diversity. This diversity, which started under the Spanish, and dramatically escalated under British Occupation, contributed to the uniqueness of Jamaica's people,food, music, art, and customs. "Out of Many, One People' It is also reflected in the intriguing names of places punctuating the countryside. In our effort to enlighten and preserve, please visit Backyardlabrish: 8:00Pm Thursday 9/27/12 as we revisit interesting details of some of these names,  ranging from traditional and whimsical to the native 'patwa' (Patois). We invite you to come by: 8:00PM Thur: 9/27/12 as we continue to: Celebrate, Enlighten & Preserve the rich diverse culture of Jamaica; "Land We Love".

Proverbs are brief didactic statements forming an important element in the oral culture of Jamaica. Not only do they give spice to everyday conversation but they also serve as an educational and social function, assisting children to learn the norms of the society. Although originating from two main cultures, West Africa and Europe, some proverbs are purely Jamaican and reflect the wit, wisdom and vitality of the cultural mix. Unlike Memory Gems that are moral or Christian based, Proverbs are simply sayings or statements of fact. They can be used to influence the behaviors of others, suggesting a course of action, passing judgment through criticism, ridicule, warning, or defiance. ‘Island talk’, like Island food is well spiced"

Jamaica’s first lady of Comedy Louise Bennett- Coverley would have been 93 years old on Wed. 9/11/12. In celebrationof her contribution to the Jamaican Culture, Backyardlabrish invites you to tune in to a rebroadcast of  some interesting facts about her  life and the making of this cultural Icon Ms. Lou.  Join us as we hear from two indivudials who were influenced by her and are passionate about  preserving her legacy.

Jamaican Female Trailblazers of the Past  This week we celebrate three women born in Jamaica at different period and under different circumstances.  Against all odds these women displayed uncommon strength and tenacity travelling to new places across the globe where they lived their passion and left their mark. Brought to us by Dr. Joy Lumsden the stories of these three remarkable women are a testament to the indomitable female spirit. Relax and enjoy as we continue to Celebrate, Enlighten, & Preserve the rich diverse culture of: Jamaica 'Land We Love'.

“When this ship departed Kingston Harbor on 24th May, 1948, all 300 places were taken. An extra 192 men made the voyage on the deck. Many had served with the Allied Forces during the war. Some wished to rejoin the armed services; others hoped for better career prospects in Britain, since there was high unemployment at home”. (The BBC News) 31 days later this former Nazi ship landed in Tilbury, England with 492 plus one female stowaway. They were men and women from different parts of the Island and the largest group of West Indians to arrive in the UK after the Second World War. 'And the rest is History' If you love history, please be sure to invite some friends and join Backyardlabrish  8:PM Thur: 8/30/12 as we share with our fans some facts about this historic event that changed the British landscape.

“What a Celebration” This week Backyardlabrish will reflect on the Independence celebrations all over the world.. Many of us in the Diaspora realize that  we will not be here to celebrate Jamaica’s next 50th.Independence . We must therefore do all we can to leave a legacy for this generation of  Seniors who can trace their success to the lessons taught to them by their Seniors. So, please join the ‘Labrish’  as we get together In the ‘Backyard’ 8:00PM Thur: 8/23/12 as we reflect on the past 50 year and leave our nuggets of wisdom for the future for a stronger, more successful Jamaica: ‘Land We Love;

“What a Celebration” This week Backyardlabrish continues to savor Jamaica's Golden Anniversary and the collection of  12 medals by our talented Athletes at the 2012 Olympics in London. Leaving a legacy this week is Mr. Carl Mc Donald former Foreign  Press Representative for Jamaica at several Athletic events held at home and abroad back  in the day.   This retired senior  has had an award-winning career  as a Photographer, Journalist and Graphic Artist In Jamaica,  Canada, and the United States where he now resides.  His work  and achievement  has been featured in several publications  including the New York Times, Ebony, Jet, and the Daily Gleaner.  His passion for Photography, Music and helping others still keeps him involved and invested in living life to its fullest. Join us: 8:00PM Thur: 8/16/12 as Carl shares how growing up in Jamaica prepared him for his fulfilling career and how he is crrently serving his community.

"What a Celebration!!!" 50 years of Independence from England and for the second time in London, a Jamaican stuns the world making this Independence celebration 'sweeter than honey'. This week's Backyardlabrish joins the festivities by honoring another Jamaican trailblazer, Arthur Wint, Jamaica's first 'Golden Giant' in  the 1948 Olympic Games in London. One could say he paved the way for Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake. Join us: 8:00PM Thursday 8/9/12 as we reveal interesting facts about this Athletic pioneer, Husband, Father, Statesman, and Medical Doctor whose memory we proudly celebrate along with our current Athletic phenoms.

Jamaica and Jamaicans have been exceptional In a variety of ways since Independence, as well as during British Rule. After England won the Island from Spain in 1655 Jamaica emerged as the: Gem of the British West Indies.This week Jamaicans at home and across the globe are preparing to celebrate 50 years of Independence as well as achieving several Olympic medals in England, it’s former ‘Mother Country” This week’s Backyardlabrish guest Mr. Leigh Nunes, a senior member of the Diaspora who grew up on the Island and migrated before Independence, has prepared for us: Reflections on Jamaica Gem of the British West Indies. Please help us kick off the celebration by bringing some friends to join us, 8:00PM Thur: 8/2/12 in the Backyard where we Celebrate, Enlighten, & Preserve the rich diverse culture of:Jamaica 'Land We Love'.

John B. Russwurn was born in Port Antonio, Jamaica in 1799, and was a pioneer of the first Back to Africa Movement.  “He soon earned a reputation among abolitionists’ as an articulate and courageous leader in the struggle against slavery” (Dr. Joy Lumsden) This week Backyardlabrish is again thrilled to celebrate yet another Jamaican born trailblazer. So, be sure to join us in the Backyard as the Labrish continues   The Labrish is live and enlightening 8:00PM Thur: 7/26/12 in the Backyard where we Celebrate, Enlighten, & Preserve the rich diverse culture of: Jamaica 'Land We Love'.

This week as we get closer to celebrating Jamaica’s 50thIndependence Backyardlabrish is thrilled to continue sharing interesting information on the brilliant family of Watsons. In 1943 Hon. James S. Watson was the first black Judge to become a new member of the American Bar Association since 1912. His Jamaican wife Violet (nee Lopez), was one of the founders of the National Council of Negro Women. The Watsons produced the United States' first black Aeronautical engineer; the first black woman to serve as Assistant Secretary of State and the first black judge to head a federal court in the South since Reconstruction. Let us therefore celebrate ‘The Watsons’  Come join us in the Backyard, where we Celebrate, Enlighten & Preserve the rich diverse culture of Jamaica: 'Land We Love'

As we approach 50 years of Jamaica’s Independence ‘BackyardLabrish’ joins our faithful historian Dr. Joy Lumsden in recognizing and celebrating Jamaicans of the past and their contributions to our history and the World. This week we honour a brilliant son of Jamaica: The Honorable James S. Watson, whose contribution to New York State and the nation makes us proud. "I am sure Gentlemen, that, when the history of our brilliant sons of Jamaica comes to be written up, the name of Jim Watson will go into the archives of  the records as one of our worthy sons – a worthy Spanistownian".  (Jacob Hume Stewart Daily Gleaner September 4,1931).  The Honorable James S. Watson was one of the first two, black Judges elected in New York State in 1930. He went on to achieve success in several landmark cases in New York's highest courts. Join us as we share interesting information about his life as a Public Servant, Citizen and Father.  It's going to be an interesting 'Labrish' in the Backyard where we: Celebrate, Enlighten & Preserve the rich diverse culture of Jamaica: 'Land We Love"                   .

Backyardlabrish’s mission to ‘Celebrate, Enlighten & Preserve’ continues with another of Dr. Lumsden’s discoveries. Francis ‘Frank’ Barber, slave to Richard Bathurst of Orange River Estate in St. Mary, Jamaica W..I was born around 1735.  In 1750 Bathurst took Frank with him to the UK, to join his son,  also Richard, a doctor in London and a close friend of Dr Samuel Johnson, the author of:  Johnson’s English Dictionary. This pre-Oxford publication (1755) is referred to as: “the most influential in the history of theEnglish language”. (Wikipedia) Join us this week as we reveal information connecting the important part Francis ‘Frank’ Barber played in the publication of this historical document and his connection to the Royal Academy of Art. It’s going to be an interesting and enlightening ‘Labrish’ for all our history lovers.

Fulfilling the Backyardlabrish  passion to ‘Enlighten & Preserve’ we are delighted to bring you yet another of Dr. Joy Lumsden’s discoveries. Moneague, in the Parish of St. Ann, has been home to intermittent lakes that have brought both joy and sorrow to residents of that area. This phenomenon was documented as far back as 1810. This week we will reveal interesting information collected from various sources describing the activities in and around the 'Lakes and Ponds', as they were sometimes called. Learn about the impressive Moneague Hotel,  built in 1890. If you or someone you know have stories about Moneague, please join us and share. Our mission is to Celebrate, Enlighten and Preserve the rich diverse culture of Jamaica: 'Land We Love' Please visiit our web site and tell us what you would like to hear about the old time Jamaica.

"We could have our individualities: we could have our race pride, certainly, and the religion of our race etc," Mr. Josephs said, "but it is no good fencing up ourselves with barbed wire entanglements so that we do not come into contact with the races of the world, the races of the people around us”. Presented at Twenty-Seventh Conference of Caribbean Historians 1995: (Dr. Joy Lumsden) Hector Joseph, K.C, Attorney General of British Guyana, 1925-1936 Thanks to Dr. Joy Lumsden, this week Backyardlabrish will continue to bring to life the accomplishments of this rather unique but little known Jamaican of the past.

"The problem of identifying Black participants in public life has, I believe, led to a continuing underestimation of the role of the Black middle-class intellectuals in Jamaica in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, since comparatively few of them have, in fact, been identified. Hector A Josephs  is one of the most prominent of these 'invisible' Black Men".(Dr. Joy Lumsden) Hector A Josephs is the son of schoolmaster; Matthew Josephs, recently featured on the 'Labrish', who had outlined his ancestry in an autobiographical preface to a book of verse, "The Wonders ofCreation", London, in 1876.  Hector  A. Josephs ESQ., B.A., L.L.B., K.C, his son, attended law school at Trinity Hall, Cambridge and was called to the bar in 1896.  On his return to Jamaica his career went from strength to strength, from occupying a seat on the Jamaica Legislative and Privy Councils, to being welcomed at King's House along with his fellow graduates from  Oxford and Cambridge.Join us this Thursday 5/24/12 at 8: PM as we continue to help Dr. Lumsden bring visibility to theJosephs family's contribution to our history and culture.

'If the upright and noble are forgotten, it is because we chose to forget them'. J. Robert Love, 1894  By putting a voice to Dr. Joy Lumsden's effort to restore the lost community of Jamaica's first teachers,Backyardlabrish is fulfilling it's mission to:Celebrate, Enlighten & Preserve the rich diverse culture of Jamaica. Join us Thursday 5/17/12 at 8:00PMto learn about Mr. Walcott (the Booker T.Washington of Jamaica), Adelle Prince , and Winifred Bailey all born in the 1800s. These pioneers were instrumental in producing men and women who went on to achieve enormous success in variousfields of endeavor all over the world. We are confident you'll agree that these important people ofyesterday deserve to be recognized and celebrated. So, invite some friends and prepare for another interesting Labrish8:00PM Thurs. 5/17/12 in the Backyard where we continue to Celebrate, Enlighten & Preserve  the rich diverse culture of Jamaica: 'Land We Love'