For a number of freedom-loving people worldwide, January 15 is the 80th birthday anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. — the late US civil rights leader.
"The day also marks the 19th anniversary of the ‘Heavy Equipment’ demonstration that blockaded the Government Administration Building and Simpson Bay Bridge on January 15, 1990," said cultural and labor activist Shujah Reiph.
The opening salvo of what became a decade of island-wide social and political protests was for a greater share of the economic pie, especially the airport and harbor expansion projects.
"To commemorate the leaders of the demonstration and over 800 St. Martiners who protested on January 15, 1990, Lasana Sekou’s poem ‘The blockade next time’ will be dropped on airwaves this Thursday," said Reiph.
The radio release of the poem, set to music, is also rallying folks to the February 7 launch and concert for Sekou’s new Salt Reaper poetry-music CD—which includes "The blockade next time."
"We are asking radio stations and DJs to share ‘The blockade next time’ with the nation," said Reiph. Interestingly, the Salt Reaper poetry-music, including ringtones, was released on iTunes on Monday.
"The blockade poem and music combination marks a historic protest for change. It honors a courageous and united stand by protest leaders like Jo-jo Richardson and the others, along with the St. Martin people," said Reiph.
"‘The blockade next time’ also promotes a people’s literature that tells our story creatively and critically as we get ready for the February 7 launch of The Salt Reaper CD at Belair Community Center," said Reiph.
Reiph’s Conscious Lyrics Foundation (CLF) is organizing the launch/concert in conjunction with House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP), the CD producer. CLF has also jam-packed February with cultural and socio-educational activities for the last 18 years of "Black History Celebration."
The Salt Reaper CD is already available online; at Van Dorp and Arnia’s bookstores, and ChillOut music store at Le Grand Marche.