The Marcus Garvey Grass Roots School for Education & Liberation earnestly believes that films have the unique ability to serve as vital learning tools to enrich understanding, produce emotional responses, promote values, culture, perspectives and tastes of viewers. In fact, the influence of movies, fictional or non-fictional is also a very powerful catalyst to bring about positive social change and not merely as an instrument for entertainment. Through this lens, the chief purpose of the Marcus Garvey Grass Roots School “Movie Night” is to utilize film that is “edu-taining”, culturally conscious in order to: (1) Inform, empower and most of all, broaden public awareness and appreciation of their African heritage (2) Discuss & debate historical and contemporary issues affecting persons of Afrikan heritage on St. Martin (3) Collectively develop empowerment programs of benefit to the needs and aspirations of the community (4) Transform the consciousness & enhance the cultural intelligence of persons of Afrikan heritage on St. Martin (5) Build a unified & progressive community. To be sure, “The love that we profess is not about the hatred of others. It is about the elevation of the undeniable rights and dignity of African people.” (Runoko Rashidi) Since July 2013[,] the Marcus Garvey Grass Roots School for Education & Liberation has hosted regular community movie nights at the Rupert Maynard I. Community Center [in] St. Peters[,] and [we are] humbled by the continued support and appreciation received thus far. It is with complete pride to announce that the recent movie night “HIDDEN COLORS” vol. 1: The Untold Story of African and Aboriginal people was a huge success. Approximately 50 persons ranging from the young to the young at heart came out to watch. From start to finish the entire audience was captivated as they learned of the many noble achievements of Afrikan people thousands of years before the rise of Europe. Various emotions were displayed, ranging from intrigue, amazement, deep concentration, shock and pride. The audience laughed, cheered, held their breath, sometimes all at once. I could see that persons were not only evaluating the content of the film [,] but comparing it with what they [had] learned particularly during their formative years and [from] the corporate media.Generally speaking, one could tell by the body language and facial expressions of the audience that the film HIDDEN COLORS vol. 1 answered many fundamental questions that occupied the minds of many regarding the African experience. What stood out most was the pride, “peace of mind” and appreciation that came over the faces of many persons. Moreover, the intermission was very lively and buzzing with activity as persons were very eager to share their impressions of the film with each other. Also, persons were also very impressed with the books, posters and pamphlets on Afrikan History. Many took the opportunity to peruse the literature, copy titles and collect complimentary handouts. It was touching to see that in many instances the vital links that were created and strengthened that evening. Shortly after the film, a unity circle was formed where persons were invited to participate in a brief group discussion to exchange views, opinion and analysis of the film. The discussion was very passionate, revealing, respectful and touched on various topics such as: child rearing/raising, racism, homosexuality, relationships, societal challenges, the emasculation of the male in society. Everyone spoke from the heart. One thing that can’t be denied is that everyone was very open to dialogue. During the group discussion many persons revealed that the film was definitely an “eye opener”, “relevant” and a “great initiative to uplift the spirit of the people”. Some said that “that Black people are stronger and more intelligent than portrayed in the media” After the film some persons said that they felt “inspired” and were eager to “share the information with their immediate family & youths in the community”. One person said that the film “leaves me wanting much much more”, and that “the discussion is the part am looking forward to the most”. Another person reported that “the power of knowledge and what we think we know we really don’t know”. In the final analysis the event demonstrated beyond the shadow of a doubt that a wide section of the community are very eager to learn, understand and know more about our ancient history and heritage as a people. It is safe to say that the entire evening made a lasting impression on everyone. The response from the community has definitely given us hope and encouragement to continue organizing similar initiatives in the not so distant future. We are pleased to note that this was the 5th Film night, and [it’s] becoming very popular and [is much] appreciated by the community. In fact, the Marcus Garvey Grass Roots School for Education & Liberation will be featuring HIDDEN COLORS part 2: The Triumph of Melanin and Hidden Colors part 3: “The Rules of Racism” in February 2015 respectively. Lastly, a special word of thanks for the generosity of Ms. Apollonia “Nubia” Violenus, Ms. Shamanda Rombley and “SXM MELEE”, Ms. Anna Leonard, Media partners and the Management & Staff of the Rupert I. Maynard Community Center, St. Peters.
ONE GOD ONE AIM ONE DESTINEY