Jamaican Journey

Our educational journey to Jamaica was mainly about creating a documentary. This documentary was created by Sankofa scholars and Yallahs High School scholars. The topic of it focuses on dancehall music, dances, how they were influenced by African-Americans; as well as how dancehall impacts teenagers in Philadelphia, PA. To find the answers to these questions we researched, compared and contrasted reggae music and hip hop. Luckily, we were able to find the music to not only have a negative impact but a positive one as well! The 3 things that I enjoyed while creating the documentary the most were socializing, educational trips, and lectures presented to us.

During educational trips, dancehall music along with pop and reggae music was performed. I personally related to a performance at Edna Manley College because the guitarist (Dario), as well as the rest of his band, influenced me to expand the types of music I play on my guitar. Sankofa scholars and I had an opportunity to interview Dario. I currently play classical music but after finding out that Dario has been playing the guitar less-time than me; I am convinced that I can play reggae, as well as, other music genres in which I am interested.

The educational trips were the best that I have ever had in my whole life. One that stands out is the trip to the Bob Marley Museum. I love reggae, especially Bob Marley and his sons. Fortunately, I was able to go to the Bob Marley museum and take a tour of his house while his family was there. I saw 3 Marley sons – Julian, Damien, and Kymani. During the tour I learned some new knowledge about Bob. For example, Bob sold 30 million copies of his Legend album. I also found out that he performed the Smile Jamaica concert with a bullet lodged in his arm.  

While socializing with local Jamaican musicians, I was able to learn information about Jamaican culture from new Jamaican friends. These artists were very intelligent and use a mixture of musical genres to create their own unique positive musical style. They feature reggae and dancehall. The names of these 3 brothers are Joey, Fabin, and Fiddle. They influenced me deeply by sharing some of their positive messages they created as well as letting me share a couple of my raps and information about my guitar playing. The advice the band shared to us was never give up and always believe in yourself no matter what obstacles.

To conclude, I would say that our group learned a vast amount of interesting knowledge. Out of the many experiences I enjoyed going to the Marley museum the most. Although I believe all of our experiences gave us insight into the importance music plays in our lives and the forces that are shaping today’s dancehall scene. 

Messiah Hopson

Purpose

My purpose for being here in Jamaica was to connect with Yallahs High School and to learn about them and to work and create a documentary. When I first came to Yallahs High School I was very nervous and I was afraid that the people wouldn’t like me. But when I met the kids from Yallahs we had got along well and I made about five new friends that day. My three closes friends from Yallahs are Delton, Anthony, Sheldon; I feel that the four of us are really cool.

The most interesting trips to me were the Bob Marley Museum, Reich Falls Waterfall, and last but not least, the Edna Manley College of Performing Arts.

 I felt that the Bob Marley Museum taught me a lot about Bob Marley that I didn’t know. For an example, I didn’t knew that Bob Marley was a Rasta man, that he had 12 children (on record), and he had a goal which was to get his message through to everyone in the world. His goal was to have everyone stop fighting, as well as, stop the war and, last but not least, stop racism.

Another importing trip was when we went to the Reich Falls Waterfall with the Yallahs students. I felt that I was very lucky and blessed to be at a place like that. Being at the Reich Falls Waterfall, I felt like that was the most specular moment in my life.

 When Sankofa and Yallahs took a trip the Edna Manley College of Performing Arts, I felt that after seeing all of those college students’ art work, I should start putting more effort and dedication into my art work and I should start showing my community, as well as the world, my works of art.

The major impact of working with Yallahs High School to do our documentary was that I found out that when you start to work with new people from a whole different side of the world you come to find that you and the person you are next to or even working with is not so different. You even find out that you both have the same style or even the same dances, same rhythm and the same beat to listen to. I feel that this trip to Jamaica has made me a stronger and wiser man.  In addition, this trip makes me feel blessed about what I have back at home in Philadelphia. I will never forget about Jamaica; Jamaica is a part of me now and hopefully one day I will return here to Kingston, Jamaica, especially St. Thomas.

Good night Jamaica, sweet dreams.

By Tavine Lasswell  

Outlook

Day three and again I was awaken up by Sister Kelly this morning and I jumped up as David opened the door.  I felt well rested and ready for action. I also ate a great breakfast.  My day was starting to go well.  By the time I completed eating, it was time to go to church.  When we finally made it to church it only took us about 5 to 10 minutes to get there. The church was white and blue it looked very nice. When we arrived we were welcomed to come inside the church. We went inside the church it was small and hot but besides all of that I really enjoyed being there. I really enjoy the type of music that was played in church I felt that the music was uplifting me in a spiritual in a way. Also when I was listening to the preacher his words really stuck to me. For an example the preacher said if you are in a argument he said don’t feed into it because really your just a reflection of the other person you’re fighting with. At the end of church we were offered drinks and snacks. I feel that no matter where your church is or even how big or small it can be, it is a good place to worship. I feel that Jamaican churches have a strong message to give to their people, as well as, their visitors.  I can’t wait to go to Yallahs High School tomorrow to see my friends and to learn more of the Jamaican language.  

 By Tavine Lasswell

Journal # 7:

Today’s our seventh day in Jamaica. Overall I feel like today went very well. We met up with the Yallahs students and we continued to work our documentaries. My group is mainly focusing on language, and how American slang is similar to Patois. We interviewed one another, and asked interesting questions about our languages. As we were getting our questions together one of the Yallahs students asked us, what the background of our slang language is. Nobody knew, I found that really shocking. I felt like any Jamaican that I have come into contact with knew their culture without a doubt. But the minute we were asked no one really knew. Today everybody seems to be caught up and they don’t see the big picture of things. Our generation doesn’t realize that majority, if not all, the things that we do originate from somewhere in addition they also have some sort of background. I believe it’s becoming a cycle for our communities and our people to forget the past and they forget how many of our traditions came about. I hope that with this documentary, not only will those of us who came will learn something, be affected by it, and pass it on. We need to tell what we learned to others and broaden their thoughts on our culture as a people.

-Briana                                                                                                     

*Final Journal

   I feel that the essential reason for our stay here in Saint Thomas Jamaica, was to not only have an experience of a lifetime, but to open our minds up, to see the many similarities between Jamaican and American culture. During our 12 day stay we experienced many interesting things. Such as, the trips we went on. We visited Kingston and took tours; we also went to the Bob Marley Museum and that was such a great experience. We had a few lectures where people came to us and just gave us a bit of a taste of Jamaican history. We visited colleges, asked great questions and of course we enjoyed our time there. The books that we have read really helped us get a better understanding of Jamaica, and information the struggles this country has been through. On our service days, we visited Yallahs students at Yallahs High School. We worked on our documentaries, by interviewing students and staff. In addition, one of the parts of this experience was our socializing time with the student from Yallahs. We got a chance to go to a local party, where we learned many Jamaican dances. We went to the beach and we connected with one another and that was an enjoyable time. We also went to a waterfall (Reich Falls), I think everyone enjoyed themselves there as the beautiful blue water fell from the top of the rocks. One of the more serious times we had here was watching actual documentaries, this was the most touching part of the trip to me. Service, socializing, and the video footage are the three experiences that I want to place my focus.

   The service days were very hard at times but definitely worth it. The first day we arrived in Jamaica we went straight to Yallahs High School. Instantly we connected with everyone like we already knew each other. And of course, we immediately got to work. We were all put into groups which focused on certain things, such as, music, language, dances, and memorials. Our groups all came up with brilliant ideas on how we can connect Jamaican culture with our own. My group in particular focused on language. How Patois and American slang are very similar. I enjoyed working in my group and learning new things about Patois every day.

   Our socializing days were very delightful from going to the beaches being in the cool blue water, while the sun shone bright on us giving us summer day tans. Also visiting the waterfalls, Reich Falls, it was such a beautiful place. It was one of those times when you can’t believe your eyes. Seeing everyone smiling, laughing, and just having a wonderful time made me warm inside.

After begging and begging and crossing our fingers we finally got a yes that we could go to a local party, which was the birthday party of one of the Yallahs students. Even though there were only a few people there we still made the best of it by attempting to do dance hall moves, and learn new dances, it was quite a night.

   Our third day in Jamaica, we watched a video posted on the internet, titled “Chimamanda Adichie: The Danger of a Single Story”. I felt this video was really touching to me, because of how true I know it was. The video focused on stereotypes and how one story effects a whole nation. For instance, the woman in the video used herself as an example. She began speaking of her childhood, how she grew up in Nigeria, and the memories she had about reading white peoples books and assuming things were supposed to be a certain way based on what she read. She spoke about how people assumed because she was from Africa that she was unfortunate, and inhumane. I found it touching to see how this cycle goes on and on about stereotypes. People believe that “one story” sets all stories for everyone. I don’t think it matters about the color of someone’s skin, their gender, attire, the way they speak, act, or where they are from. One shouldn’t judge another based on the things I just mentioned. I think it's cruel, irrelevant, and unjustifiable. The cycle of the stereotypes needs to stop.

   To sum up, this experience in Jamaica has been life changing and adventurous. I’m so thankful that out of all God’s children, he chooses me to be able to see the things I saw on this trip. My perspective of many things has changed and I can definitely say I have learned above and beyond. I can’t wait to share the knowledge I have gathered with the world. Hopefully I can have the same effect on someone else life.

-Briana

Happy and Excited

When I first knew I was coming to Jamaica I was excited, and happy, to be going on this trip. Then people started telling me stories about Jamaica; the one stories about Jamaica. We watched a documentary about Jamaica and it was called “Life in Debt”. The kinds of service we did were connecting with the Yallahs High School students and the Sankofa Elementary
 School. However, when we were at the villa, (Carleva Bay), we were visited by some young singers, by the name of Joe, Fabian, and Romaine; they were a music group called L-Rose. Another person that came to visited us was Sister Marcia Williams and her daughter Christen; they were a part of helping to maintain Jamaican culture.

            When we first watched the documentary about the “single story” and the video “Life in Debt”, I found them to be very interesting.   I felt like the “Life and Debt” video stuck with me because now I can put some interesting things in the documentary that we are doing with the students from Yallahs High School.

The video started by saying that when visitors come into Jamaica they don’t know that the economic value of a dollar is down and they don’t think of how much an American dollar is worth.

Then we saw a video about the “single story”. The “single stories” or “one story” are all I kept hearing about when I was preparing to come to Jamaica.  A “single story” is like bad or disturbing images that people have on a different country or city. For example i, people were telling me that Jamaicans steal, pick pocket, kidnap you and they don’t like Americans. Now that I’m here it’s not even like that; the people here are very welcoming.

Scholars of Sankofa Learning Center playing drums for us.  They were outstanding!

            We came to Jamaica to meet the Yallahs High School students that we are in partnership for our service project. When they saw us, they were more excited than we were. We got to know them and got straight to our project and formed our groups. The groups formed were: how does music affects us in a positive or negative way. The other group formed is; how are Jamaican memorials different from Philly. Next there was a group on how dance was evolved over time. The last group formed was how Patois is different and why from English. By the end of the day it was like we knew them for five years.

Founder of Sankofa Learning Center, Sandra Kenton-Fraser with the first three Scholars of the School

            Another reason why this trip was such a great experience was because we had some visitors come to the Villa (Carleva Bay Villa). Some of the people that visited us was a music group by the name of ‘’L Rose” and they were wonderful. They told us the reason they do music is to connected with the younger children and show them that it’s another way to the top of the mountain. The other visitor was a sister by the name of Marcia and her daughter Christen. They talked to us about how dances evolved over time and how it is a part of their culture. The dance they were teaching us are similar to the dances we do in Philly. Then she said most of these dances came out of Africa. That was a very interesting point.

            My time with the younger Sankofa Elementary students impacted my life a lot and now I can motivate my younger siblings to do better. However, when the music group came to us they gave me a lot of inspiration. Such as you don’t always have to give a message though song you can also do it through the beats. In my eyes this was a great experience and this will stick with me as l evolve into a man.        

-Shyheim Ladson

Special Day

My day for the most part went well. When I first woke up my sprit felt good. It’s just something about today that I felt good about. So I’m feeling good waiting for the bus to come so we can go to the Yallas High School. When we get there, we jump straight into our groups that we formed to do our documentary. One of the topics that Brother David was talking about was the book Black to the Roots. He was discussing what the author was saying and, how the big music companies were trying to take over the black owned independent companies. We were saying that when the black company first started out they needed to get known so all the big time artist could come and sign a contract with them. By the big companies doing all that the money is going to the big company and not the black independent and their artist are not getting the amount of money they want. Another thing the big company did was change the artist style up to negative because that’s the only thing people were listening to.

Then the other topic was the dances they do in Jamaica. Some of the dances they do are much similar to ours, but they are a little faster. Jamaicans believe that dances are a part of their life. When they dance it make them closer to god. They also believe that dancing brings their community together and it connects the youths with other youths because when a group battles another group they teach each other their dance moves after they finish battling. But their dance moves change up every week or so. Sometimes they see this as building up their community. The way we might do community building is we might have a block party.

Shyheim

David Jones Journal 1/21/12

Seeing dancing hands-on through a cultural mindset I realized the effects that motion and dance has on people, and what it is believed to do; I wonder how handicapped people are viewed in this society.  Not being handicapped, I cannot really connect myself with the ailment in a personal sense, but I wonder how handicapped people are viewed in Jamaica’s society of movement and dance.  Are they frowned upon?  Ridiculed? Or embraced to try to accomplish the different dance moves that are  a part of a big dance oriented culture that Jamaica has to offer.

 

 In pondering this, I thought of my best friend that had been shot and is in a wheelchair. I can only imagine the toll it would take on him living in the self-proclaimed “dance capital” of Jamaica. I thought of this because in Jamaica I haven’t seen any physically handicapped people   and with the knowledge that I gained about Jamaica’s unique dance culture, I still wonder how handicapped people are treated. Are they embraced to try to dance or just put off in a corner to watch and hope to join their brothers and sisters in dance one day?  I can only wish that handicapped brothers and sisters are embraced, but that’s not always the reality.

 In conclusion, I can only have faith in the hospitality that was shown to me, to be shown to handicapped people trying to dance. 

David Jones’ Final Reflection

Jamaica has many things to offer youths like myself. In doing this documentary I’ve seen things that intrigued me in a lot of areas. The areas that really stick out for me are socializing, watching footage of various videos, and taking trips. These areas I feel will forever leave a mark on me and the 2013 scholars of Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter School.

     First, in a social sense people can learn a lot. I say this because in a relaxed environment people are more comfortable, and willing to do things and activities. For example, when we, accompanied by the Yallahs High School students went to the beach, and displayed our unique dances from America and they displayed the dances from Jamaica, we found them to be very similar. This one social exhibition on the beach stuck out for me because even the adults connected with us on various dances, songs, and rhythms. I wish I had this type of environment at home because when I listen to my music, it only connects with me and my peers. The only music I share with my elders is the occasional Rhythm & Blues track.

Chimamanda Adichie: The Danger of a Single Story

                   Secondly, the videos I watched really connected with me. The video that really caught my attention was the Ted Talk on the danger of a “single story”. This video connects with me because I, have fallen victim to the “single story” attitude. The presumptions about ones’ life, culture, and living situations are hard to get away from, but this video made it easier to recognize and stamp out these thoughts. This video would help anyone think critically before saying certain things, or try to mock an accent. Being from America, coming to Jamaica, I’ve felt the cold shoulder of the “single story."

            Finally, I want to elaborate on the trips we took while documenting. We took trips to lots of places like the National Art Gallery of Jamaica, Bob Marley Museum, Long Bay Beach and Morant Bay Beach), University of West Indies, the Edna Manley College of Performing Arts and a recording studio. The trip that appealed to me most was the trip to the campus of Edna Manley College of Music and Performing Arts. This challenged me to take my writing music more seriously and to do what I have to, to be prepared for what the Edna Manley College of Performing Arts and other colleges demands.

            To conclude, Jamaica is a very, very good place to experience different things. As for me, it was hard to gather my experience into this one essay. But as a final thought, I would like to say to the next group to come into this experience with an open mind, open heart, and closed mouth. Take time to let the knowledge and wisdom flow into you.                                                                         

A moment I will never forget…

The purpose of being in St.Thomas, Jamaica, is to learn how Jamaican music has affected the American culture. While here we watched videos on the danger of the “one story” and the video “Life and Debt”. We also toured Kingston, Jamaica, and we did services at Yallahs High School. The three main things I am focusing on are the services we did at Yallahs High School and Sankofa, the tour of Kingston, and building a relationship with Yallahs students.

           First, when arrived in St. Thomas, I was so happy to be in Jamaica. As we settled in we were greeted by Dr. Nelson Keith, Dr. Novella Keith and Brother Keith. Later, we went to Yallahs High School to meet the group of students and teachers that we going to be work with. When we first entered Yallahs High School, the students was look at us and was asking where we were from. After being with the students of Yallahs for a half of a day we all connected.

Later in the week, we also visited a school called Sankofa Elementary School I never knew that there was another Sankofa. After spending time with the scholars of Sankofa, they remind me of the scholars of our Sankofa, being at Sankofa Elementary School just made me feel at home.

Sankofa Servant Leader Scholars from Philadelphia, PA, USA at Sankofa Learning Center in Albion, St. Thomas, JA

Second, we went on a tour of Kingston, Jamaica.  We visited the National Gallery of Jamaica to see some art by a man named Barrington Watson. His works of art was interesting. He is still living and lives not too far for where we were staying in St. Thomas. Barrington’s prints are wonderful. Bro. Keith took us to see one of the buildings he has painted in Morant Bay. One of his paintings stood out to me, it was a painting of a ghost name Samantha and he would see her in his backyard on the grass. He told people that she had given somebody a baby.  If somebody sees her, that means that they are no good; he was only one that could see her. In his paintings of her, she would look like a ghost and then she would start looking human. After we left the Gallery, we rode on Orange Street and it reminded me of 52nd Street in Philadelphia.

We also went to the Bob Marley Museum and I am glad a have had a chance to go. Before the tour began we were walking around and we saw three of Bob Marley’s sons, but we only got to take picture with two of them. I learned a lot about Bob Marley‘s life that I didn’t know; Bob has 12 kids (on record), seven boys and five girls.  Marley was also named one of the most beautiful men in the world. When we left and the museum closed, I noticed that his sons would play football where their father Bob Marley played.

Thirdly, hanging out with the students of Yallahs outside of school gave us a better understanding of each other. We went to beach and Reich Falls and it was fun, we danced together and taught each other our dances. When we got to Reich Falls it was so beautiful to see the water fall off the rocks. I only time saw something that beautiful was it on TV.

I looked at the brothers and sisters of Yallahs as family because the connection we had with them when we first come was so wonderful; it felt like we already knew them for a long time. When we went to a party given by a Yallahs student was funny.  Briana and I learned new dances.

In conclusion, being in Jamaica was a good opportunity to get a better look on life. The ways the people live in Yallahs is different for where I grow up. Before I came to Jamaica always through that there would be men walking around with guns in their hands and little child walking around and running after car but when I got here it wasn’t anything like I through it was going to be. Being here was greatest thing in my 17 years of life I’m glad I had a chance to come to Jamaica, when I get I’m tell my family and friends about the trip.

-Janee Robinson

Sankofa ….

Being at Sankofa Elementary School was interesting; we went there to learn about the development of the school and how it is similar to our Sankofa Freedom Academy. This Sankofa starts from babies and goes to the 6th grade.   The purpose of this school is similar to the purpose of our school; they want their students to be ready to enter the real world. The owner told us how the school was originally only for pre- K, however, one the mothers liked the school so much that she wanted her child to stay in Sankofa Elementary School, so the owner allowed the little boy to stay and the rest is history; that’s how its became babies to 6^th grade. They called that student “the first boy” and his mom the “first woman and his father the first man”. Sankofa Elementary School reminds me so much of our main school building because it’s colorful and has the principals of Kwanzaa on the walls.  They also use the heart and the bird as there symbol before you enter the school. We road past Sankofa Elementary School so many times and didn’t even know it was there; just being in Sankofa in St. Thomas, Jamaica, made me feel at home. When I get back to Philadelphia, I’m going let my community know that there’s another Sankofa out there and that we not the only one.

-Janee Robinson

Dance, Dance, Dance

Day 7 started off great. We went to Yallahs High School to finish continue our documentary. We watched a group of boys show us the different dances that are popular in Jamaica. It went exactly with the conversation we had with visitors who gave us a lecture yesterday on Jamaican dance and music. For example, we talked about the 14 types of dances in Jamaica and where they came from. We also talked about Myal which is the oldest dance in Jamaica, and Quadrille, a dance from the popular dances of the French and English in 18^th and 19^th centuries. I really enjoyed learning new dances from the Yallahs scholars. However, I will go to Philly and teach them all the new dance lessons I have learned. In the near future, I will always connect that information with America and use it also. In addition, I will give my brothers and sisters in my community the information that I have learned.

Kayah Love

A Broadened Mind

From my viewpoint I strongly feel that the essential reason for me being here in St. Thomas Jamaica is to broaden my mind on how Jamaica music has an effect on American culture. During my days in Jamaica, I have absorbed a lot of information. My three major concepts is the service in Yallahs and Sankofa, lectures of the people who came to talk with us, and the information on the University of West Indies. Another viewpoint was the information of the one story video.

       One major viewpoint that I have experience and learned throughout my days in Jamaica was the lectures and visits that gave me information about its background. However, University of West Indies (founded in 1948) was a great experience.  The University of West Indies is the second university in Kingston in addition to the Edna Manly School of Art, Dance, and Music




     Another major viewpoint that I feel that stood out the most was my connections service with Yallahs and Sankofa. On the other hand, I really enjoyed being with the Yallahs scholars. For instance, when we got there we had a wonderful bond within them the first day. During my time with the scholars I have learned a lot about their culture which is similar to my own but somewhat different. For example, we have a lot of similarities and differences in America from Jamaica. In some cases our memorial traditions are the same, but then again, we have differences as well. Even though I don’t understand some of Jamaican concepts with celebrating the death of friends and family, I found it interesting. We both light candles and play some type of musical instruments, as well.

 I also enjoyed visiting Sankofa Elementary School. It was so beautiful. The scholars were active and there are a lot of similarities with the Sankofa Elementary School in St. Thomas, Jamaica, and Sankofa Freedom Academy in America. When we arrived the scholars greeted us as we do in Sankofa in America however it was slightly different. I felt like when we got there I was at home so that really made me feel better.  In fact,  it seem as though the kid was on a different level because they were learning quotes about Marcus Garvey and their culture.

    My last major viewpoint was the videos that we watched about that one story. It was very interesting because it was providing me information that I had a question about but didn’t have to ask; the video answered them for me. We also viewed the video on Jamaica called “Life and Debt”.

   Life and Debt Website

I discovered what Jamaicans felt that when they became free they got in a lot of financial problems because up until this day they don’t know what it’s like to own their land and they are still being brain washed by the government. I asked myself why there are so many bad stories about Jamaica and why is it always just that “one story”.  I learned that you have to experience things on your own. I have had nothing but a beautiful experience in my time in Jamaica and will love to go back to my community and tell my “one story”.

      In conclusion, my time in Jamaica has been the best experience of my 17 years of life. Throughout my days here I have learned lots of information about the colleges, the people at Yallahs High School, Sankofa Elementary School, and that “one story” about Jamaica. In the near future, I will connect all these wonderful things I learned with my community. Clearly, I really enjoyed my time in St. Thomas, Jamaica, and will be back soon.

Kayah Love

Filming Day

Today started off as a good day; we had a good breakfast and a lot of sleep. Today we went to the Yallahs High School to finish up our documentary footage with them. Upon arrival, we found our groups and got started right away. My group and Briana’s group went to the library and started filming our interviews. When their group was done recording, it was my group’s turn to film.  After everyone was done filming it was time to leave and go to Sankofa Elementary School. When we arrived at the school, we got a tour of the classrooms and introduced to the students. While there, I learned a lot about the students and then I realized that the scholars in that school are just like the scholars in our Sankofa School. Similarly, the Sankofa in Jamaica does things that our school doesn’t do, such as the Marcus Garvey chants that teach you about him and his quotes. So now, I’m hoping that I can take this chant back to Philly and do it for morning circle. Later that night, we went to a 9 Night (memorial for the celebration of the dead) celebration to get footage so it can help my group’s part of the documentary. While there I recognized that some of our traditions are similar in a lot of ways; such as, in Jamaica they drank alcohol and played the drums loudly; in Philadelphia we sometimes drink and play drums. Also I learned that we both show pictures of the person that passed away. So to conclude, Jamaica and Philadelphia have a lot of similarities and differences.

                                  By Tyteiana Jefferson

A Good Experience

I choose to come to Jamaica because I thought that it would be a good experience to take and to have. Throughout the whole ten days of being in Jamaica, I have learned a lot about their culture and heritage. It is a wonderful thing. I also learned and compared the things that Philadelphia and Jamaica have that are similar and different, such as, the dances and music. The three major things that interested me the most were socializing, trips, and the service that we did.

The first interesting thing that stuck out for me was socializing with the students from Yallahs high school. For example, when we went to Reich Falls and to the beach we socialized with the students from Yallahs High School. During that time on the beach we and the Yallahs students were showing and sharing dances with each other.

Also, when we all went to the party last night we were all dancing and having fun together with Yallahs scholars.  While at the party we were talking and having an awesome conversation with one another. Another example of us socializing is when we worked at the school in our groups for the documentary. As we were in our groups working, we learned a lot about each other and our cultures.

The second interesting thing that stuck out for me was the trips that we took because they were so informing. For example, when we went to the Bob Marley Museum I had learned a lot about his life and accomplishments and what he liked to do. Also while there I learned that he had a lot of children and that his favorite game to play was football (soccer). Another trip that we took while in Jamaica was to the Dead Yard memorial ritual. The Dead yard is a tradition that Jamaicans do to celebrate the life of some one that has passed away. While there at the Dead Yard we saw people drumming around in a circle, chanting and singing. To me it felt like they were doing libation because when we’re doing libation in Sankofa we honor our ancestors by drumming and pouring libations. Another trip that we took was to the National Gallery of Jamaica. Throughout the gallery we learned about a painter named Barrington Watson and saw all of his art work.

The third interesting thing that stuck out to me was the all the service work that we did. Some of the service work that we did was when we were working with the Yallahs students on the documentary. For example when we were there we were taking picture with them and getting the footage we needed. Some other service work we did was at the Sankofa, an elementary school in Yallahs. While in Sankofa we learned a lot of quotes from Marcus Garvey that the students were learning. Also we watched the students play music and listen to them sing. It was all a good experience to have because I learned a lot of things that I didn’t know from the students that were in second grade and I’m in high school.

In conclusion, my experience in Jamaica was amazing and I learned a whole lot about Jamaica and the similarities and differences between Philadelphia and Jamaica.

By Tyteiana Jefferson

Kingston Tour Time

Today we experienced a very amazing as well as entertaining time.  We had a tour through parts of Kingston where we saw an art museum, a music studio, the Bob Marley Museum and a driving tour of the University of the West Indies.  I learned a large amount of information during these tours.  For example, I learned about a wonderful artist named Barrington Watson and found out that he is still able to create pictures/paintings even though he was temporarily  blind in one of his eyes.

I went to the music studio with the group where Briana, Janee and Kayah sang a song.  We then went to experience the drive through tour of the University of the West Indies.  I also learned during the tour that the fastest man in the world, Usain Bolt, practices track at that University field, which is named after him.

 At the Bob Marley Museum (BMM) my father and I could feel Bob’s spirit while going through the tour.  Luckily I was able to meet and take some pictures with a couple of his sons, Julian and Kymani Marley.  It made me feel so happy. 

I plan to take the knowledge I learned and pass it to my family and community. Additionally, I will make an announcement at school about the knowledge I have gained, as well as, posting to on the Internet my experience to spread throughout the world. This knowledge that I learned was outstanding, we all learned about a wonderful artist named Barrington Watson. This brother   

-Messiah Hopson

Day 8

Bro. Omarie and Sis. Rushema playing Kumina rhythms with traditional instruments

Today, I believe that we began to expand on our second or third to last step in creating our documentary on Dancehall information.  We spent half of the day in Yallahs High School looking over and naming the files that we recorded.  After completing the beginning section of our work we went to visit another school named Sankofa.  Their school goes up to grade 6, it seemed very interesting. 

Sis. Janee & Bro. David demonstrating a clapping game that teaches numbers.
In Jamaica, they have a clapping game that teaches the alphabet.

The scholars that we recorded were very intelligent, for example (sad to say), they knew some quotes by memory that some of us high school students don’t.  I am going to take that information I learned and make it one of the top goals that I must memorize some quotes too.  Once I have accomplished it, I will also take that knowledge and spread it around the community and world.

We were also recorded by one of the Jamaican news channels because they were very interested in what we are doing for youth. 

-Messiah Hopson

Day 6

Today once again we had a delicious breakfast.  I love the food so much.  We had ackee, cassava, plantain, callaloo, and sorrel as a drink.  Then we went to Yallahs High School and extended our work on the documentary.  While we worked on our topics, the groups were being recorded by some of the teachers and chaperones.  Our group was also interviewed and we interviewed each other. 

Guitarist, Bro. Dario talking with Baba Ras Ben after his culminating concert

We asked about five to seven questions about our group’s main topic.  I talked to Dr. Mama and described to her how I am enjoying myself, as well as the fact, that she is going to love the documentary, because we will have tons of information that will be interesting and fun to learn.  Three people shared some information with us about some of the history of their music and some of the history of the Jamaica music and some of the dances that go with it.  Tomorrow we are going to hang out at the school until two o’clock then we’ll get to a center at 5pm. 

-Messiah Hopson

Day 4

Today is my 4^th day.  I have enjoyed my experience so so much!  We spent some more time with the students in Yallahs High School.  My group of friends talked about our section of the documentary.  The main topic focused on the development of Dancehall and the impact it has on the Philadelphian community.  Also, we discussed comparing music with Frankford and Jamaica.  My group mentioned information about Michael Jackson, Ciara and a Reggae artist Natty Rebel that we want to include in the documentary.

I also learned some information about medicinal herbs by an herbalist named Grace.  She talked about tons of different types of herbs that can do plenty of different things.  For example, I learned a little about Moringa plants, lemon grass, peppermint, aloe vera and, many more plants.  Some of the information I learned about aloe vera is that it has certain benefits of fresh juice to apply to burns it can be used for eye wash, healing skin bruises, as well as, being used for a laxative and cleanser. 

Tomorrow we will go to the University of West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica, with a couple of Yallahs High School students as a trip. 

-Messiah Hopson

A Lesson in Gratitude

Today was our second day in St. Thomas, Jamaica and I had so much fun.  We met up with the high school students from Yallahs High and we all went to Long Bay Beach and to Reich Falls Waterfall.  I enjoyed seeing everyone laughing and dancing and having such a great time.  One thing that really stuck to me was when I had a one on one talk with one of the Yallahs students.  He basically was telling me how Americans have it so easy.  At first, I was a little upset because of his assumption and I was trying to explain to him that we have responsibilities also and how life isn’t as easy as he was trying to make it seem.  Then he asked me if I washed clothes.  My response was yes.  He said, “No you don't, you Americans have machines”.  He said “Try washing all your clothes by hand”.  Then it dawned on me that I did have it easier; I began to realize and accept how life wasn’t as complicated as others.  I realized how we Americans have so much and others have so little.  I understood that we take a lot for granted and we don't realize how good we have it.  Of course, there are Americans who are less fortunate but as a collective, we have so much more.  That young man taught me a valuable lesson to just appreciate, don't complain, be thankful and give thanks instead of being unaware of your blessings <3. 

~Briana Robinson-Wallace

Resting in Peace

It is day four.  I had a great day.  Today we met up with the Yallahs High School scholars and got together to talk about what different concepts we were going to include in our documentary.  Afterwards we presented our information.  We began talking and asking about their traditions of music, dance and language.  We also talked about their traditions of memorializing people when they pass away.  We had a great connection and lots of information to talk about.  In the near future, I will connect their traditions when somebody passes away with mine.  In addition, their traditions aren’t so different from how we memorialize our loved ones in America.  Furthermore, I will use my intelligent mind to help build new things in my community that are similar to what is in Jamaica. 

~Shakira Henry

Day One

The first day we got here Sister Dr. Keith wanted us to meet the students of Yallahs High School that we are working with.  When we met them, they were really friendly. I was scared to meet them because I thought that they weren't going to like me because I was from America.  But after spending a day with the students I realize that they were nice. 

The next day we planned to go to the beach and to the waterfall with the group of Yallahs students.  As we were on our way, we were on the bus talking about music and how our music was very similar. At Reich Falls everybody got in the water and we started playing around and running after each other. At Long Bay Beach, we began showing each other different types of dances.  Everybody just connected and got along with each other and I think that was very beautiful.

~Janee Maxwell-Robinson

Documentary First Day

Today is our sixth day in Jamaica. Today was very exciting and fun. We finally began to film our documentary. We made our interviews, we made up questions and the Yallahs students did the same, as well. My group in particular is focusing on the language of Patois and how it is very similar to American slang.  My group consists of Janee, two other Yallahs students and myself. I really enjoyed the part when we gave them a slang line that we use in America and taught them how to say it, and then they translated it into Patois and they taught us to say it.

Then we had a speaker come and speak with us. She basically gave us a little background of Jamaica’s music and dance. We gathered some really good information that we can use in our documentary. I am enjoying the beginning of making our documentary; I can't wait until we put everything together and we see how all our hard work pays off.

-Briana Wallace -Robinson

A Day With The Yallahs Students

We were awakened by Sister Kelli.  It wasn’t a good morning because the shower wasn’t working and I had to be late for breakfast. After breakfast the shower was working but only a little bit of water was coming out.  We all went to visit the Yallahs High School so we could work with the scholars and get a tour of the school. After we got there all the students of Yallahs were outside about to do what Sankofa call morning circle.  This morning I realized that the Yallahs School and Sankofa are similar in a lot of ways. We met up with the students that were working with us to do the documentary and then we went to a classroom and played a game to introduce ourselves to each other.  Afterwards, we took our tour of Yallahs High School and I noticed that Yallahs had a lot of different classes than Sankofa, such as wood shop and welding classes.

-Tyteiana Jefferson

Day At Church

Again I was awakened up by Sister Kelli this morning. I jumped up as David opened the door and I felt well rested and ready for action.  I also ate a great breakfast and my day was starting to go well.  When I completed eating it was time to go to church. We finally made it to church which only took us ten minutes to get there.  The church was blue and white and it looked very nice; when we went inside it was small and hot; however, I really enjoyed being there. We were welcomed and at the end of church we were offered drinks and snacks. I felt that no matter where your church is or how big or small it is, Jamaica’s churches have a strong message to give to their people, as well as their visitors. I can’t wait to go to school tomorrow to see my new friends and learn more Patois words.

-Tavine Lasswell

Funniest Day

BANG! BANG! BANG! "Wake up brothers!"  That’s Sister Kelli waking me up out my fantastic sleep. Then I took a shower and had breakfast. After we had breakfast we chilled on the beach right outside the house where we stay. However, while we are on the beach the two funniest things happened. The first funniest thing is when Sister Kelli was taking pictures and her flip flop washed away in the ocean and she was shouted, "Oh no, my shoes!”, and she was about to cry. I know they said no Tef Tef on the trip but that was funny. The second thing that happened was Mama Holliday tried to wash her feet off in the outside shower and the whole shower head came off in her hand and she was screaming,” Help, help!” and that was funny also. After all that, the students from Yallahs High School arrived and took us to Long Bay Beach. During our time there, we showed them some of the dances we do in Philly and they showed us the dances they did in Jamaica. Some of the dances were similar but had different names. Then we met a young lady by the name of Mystic and she was a professional dancer and she taught us some moves. However, the way we dance and people all over the world dance are similar. On the other hand, some of the dances are not so similar because they just mix the dances up or start a new dance.

By: Shyheim Ladson

A Day At University of West Indies

I was awakened by Sister Kelli.  I didn't want to wake up but I had to. The shower wasn't working this morning so I couldn't wash my body off but it was good that I got in the shower the night before. After we got dressed we had a meeting with one of the ladies that we are working with, her name is Sister Pauletta Chevannes. She told us about how she started working with the Dr. Keith and about her program at the School of Education at the University of West Indies. Before we started heading to Kingston, we had to get some of the students from Yallahs High School.  As we were riding to the University of West Indies, I started thinking about my mom and how I miss her so much. We arrived at the University of the West Indies and we started talking to Wale, a.k.a., Brother Tobi about music and dance before one of the professors that work at the School of Education, which was started in 1948, began to talk to us. We started talking about the School of Education and other projects at the University of the West Indies. They have good health programs, and they train their students to be leaders. The students don't have to come on campus to study because they have access on line. They have scholarships for students that have high test scores; it’s very interesting how their lives are based on taking a test.

-Janee Robinson

SFA Jamaica Ambassadors Itinerary

Day 1 - January 13, 2012
Travel from Philadelphia - Kingston
Meet the Yallahs High School Team
Reflection  & Planning

Day 2 - January 14, 2012
Long Bay Beach
Reach Falls Waterfall
Planning Meeting About Day 1 of Service
Reflection  & Planning

Day 3 - January 15, 2012

Traditional African Church Service
Community Member Meeting
Documentary:  Life and Debt

Day 4 - January 16, 2012
Service at Yallahs High School
Visit from a Local Herbalist
Informal Time with Local Youth
Reflection & Planning

Day 5 - January 17, 2012
University of the West Indies
Radio Interview
Meeting with Change From Within Program Staff
Meeting with School of Education Professor
Meeting with Change From Within High School Students
Tour of Edna Manley School of the Arts
Reflection & Planning

Day  6- January 18, 2012
Service at Yallahs High School
Lecture Presentation by Marcia & Christin Williams of the Jamaican Cultural Commission
Reflection & Planning

Day 7 - January 19, 2012
Service at Yallahs High School
Student Reggae Concert at Edna Manley School of the Arts
Interview with the Artist

Day 8 - January 20, 2012
Service at Yallahs High School
Visit Sankofa Elementary School in St. Thomas
Reflection & Planning

Day 9 - January 21, 2012
Tour of Downtown Kingston
Visit to a "9 Night or Dead Yard" (Memorial Services for those who have recently passed away)

Day 10 - January 22, 2012
Reflection
Review of the footage collected over the week
Presentation on Time Coding and Transcribing
Outline of documentary discussion
Plan for any final taping

Day 11 - January 23, 2012
Final taping at Yallahs High School
Final Reflection Dinner and Celebration with all Partners

Day 12 - January 24, 2012
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