Report from the Bahamas Day of Action
AFRICANS UNITED COALITION PANEL DISCUSSION RESULTED IN
THE STRENGTHENING OF THE AFRICAN LIBERATION MOVEMENT IN THE BAHAMAS
The Bahamas’ participation in the International Day of Action Against the Wars on Africa and African People, that was held in 10 locations across the globe, marked the beginning of the country’s return to international African revolutionary politics.
NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS, August 23, 2011 – On August 17ththe Africans United Coalition held a Panel Discussion on Yellow Elder Park here in Nassau in solidarity with the International Day of Action Against the Wars on Africa and African People. The event resulted in the strengthening of the African Liberation Movement in The Bahamas. The revolutionary forces that have, until now, existed in their own spheres have committed to continue working together to raise the banner of Africa even higher throughout the community.
It was significant that the Day of Action was held on Marcus Garvey’s birthday - someone who stood for African liberation and unification – for the obvious reasons. It was also significant, though, since in the 1920’s Bahamians played a huge role in Marcus Garvey’s Universal Negro Improvement Association; particularly in South Florida.
In 2011 the Africans United Coalition is extending that tradition of forging revolutionary ties with our brothers and sisters in Florida, the wider USA, and the world. Last Wednesday, by taking part in an International Day of Action that was held in 10 locations across the globe The Bahamas marked the beginning of its return to international African revolutionary politics. Each of the four panelists at the event spoke for a maximum of 20 minutes about a type of war that Africans are confronted with today. The presenters included Cecil Hall; Ras Jamal who spoke on behalf of the Organization of African Unity – Bahamas; Priest Zebulun who spoke on behalf of the Ethiopia Africa Black International Congress – Bahamas Branch; and Alex Morley who spoke on behalf of the African People’s Socialist Party-Bahamas. Cecil Hall spoke about the imposition of European spirituality on Africans and the loss of the African identity. Ras Jamal spoke about the police brutality experienced by the community and the need to break down the barriers that prevent us from uniting as a people. Priest Zebulun spoke about the actual wars that have been imposed on Africa and the oneness of African People; that we are the same no matter where we are born. Alex Morley spoke about the economic underdevelopment of our communities, the criminalization of our youth, and the need to resist our oppressors.There was a question and answer period after each presentation.
The Day of Action was important to not only rightly define the conditions imposed on Africans as WARS but to also challenge persons in The Bahamas who say that they are for peace to open their eyes to the conditions that are imposed on so many in our country. If they really are “for” peace they would work to rid our country of all of these conditions – these wars – that result in the violence that we see on our streets. Yellow Elder Park was chosen as a location for the event since some members of the Coalition have been organizing in that community for some time and also because it is a working class community that is grappling with terrible conditions – wars- like home foreclosures, joblessness, and police brutality. The event, which ran from 7pm – 10pm, drew a crowd of approximately 35 persons not including the many persons who congregated on the park during the event.
In addition to the Panel Discussion there were cultural performances. Jah Doctrine performed his song “Visions of Africa” and Danyie’l Cinque performed conscious poetry that challenged white power in black face. Charo Walker opened the night with the African Pledge – a pledge that calls on all Africans to live a life of discipline, to unite with other Africans, and to take on the responsibility of defending every African man, woman, and child. Clint Brown moderated the event. Africans United is a newly formed coalition established April 10, 2011 comprised of over 15 organizations and individuals from various political and ideological persuasions. It is guided by nine resolutions and its overall goal is to improve the living conditions of African People in The Bahamas and around the world. It is also committed to the total liberation of Africa and African People everywhere.
For more information about this event or the Coalition, please call Charo R. Walker at :
1.242.357.3400 or e-mail her