200506_IRASCOM_June_.. - The Church of Haile Selassie I

IRASCOM JOURNAL
INIVERSAL RAS TAFARI COMMUNITY JOURNAL
WWW.IRASCOM.CJB.NET
VOLUME I, ISSUE 3
FREE
ISSUE PREVIEW
Elders of Rastafari
Ras IvI Tafari Donovan Wright
Page 4
Reggaemania
Meditations Inspired
Reasonings
Page 11
Did InI Know
Falasha and Other
Jewish Peoples
Page 22
Family Life & Parenting
Homeschooling
Page 16
JUNE 2005
PAGE 1
IRASCOM JOURNAL
Volume I, Issue 3
June 2005
IRASCOM Journal ®
The Official Journal of the InIversal Ras Tafari Community
Thoughts and ideas explored in the IRASCOM Journal are that of the writer and not necessarily the
position of the Journal or IRASCOM Cooperative Society Limited.
Editorials
Spanish Reasonings
Chairman’s Message............................................................ 03
Editorial Perspective............................................................. 03
Letters to the Editor .............................................................. 04
Visual Iditoral ........................................................................ 13
Youth Editorial ...................................................................... 12
Piel de mi Padre ................................................................... 09
Features
Brothers’ And Sisters’ Keepers............................................. 17
Did InI Know? ....................................................................... 22
Dreadlocks............................................................................ 13
Elders Of Rastafari ............................................................... 05
Faces In History.................................................................... 08
His Imperial Majesty’s Utterances ........................................ 21
Voices From The Belly Of The Beast ................................... 18
Whispers Of The Spirit
Poets Corner ........................................................................ 07
Scripture Of The Month ........................................................ 15
Words Of Wisdom ................................................................ 06
Home And Family
Bredren Reasoning............................................................... 19
Health, Food and Nutrition.................................................... 10
Family Life ............................................................................ 16
Sistren Reasoning ................................................................ 20
Entertainment
Reggaemania ....................................................................... 11
Rastafari World Wide
Guyana ................................................................................ 24
USA
Bronx, NY ......................................................................... 18
Bronx, NY Day Camp ....................................................... 12
Bear Mt., NY..................................................................... 07
Miami, FL.......................................................................... 23
Our Contributors
Brother Aaron King-Naphtali ............................................... USA
Sister April ........................................................................... USA
Brother Daladier Arismendy ................................................. Columbia
Empress Denise .................................................................. USA
Empress FiYah .................................................................... USA
Ras Haile Mikael .................................................................. Guyana
Empress I-dra Iyah .............................................................. USA
Elder Ras IvI Tarfari Donovan Wright................................... Jamaica
Brother Israel Berhane Smith ............................................... Bahamas
Empress Jehonen ............................................................... USA
J.Empress ........................................................................... Canada
Lij Marques Benjamin .......................................................... Canada
Ras Miles Jacob Marley ....................................................... USA
NixJudah .............................................................................. USA
Brother Osib ........................................................................ Croatia
Brother Paliani ..................................................................... Malawi
RasYen................................................................................. USA
The material contained within are protected by copyright © 2005.
If you would like to duplicate any items within please contact us at any of the address located on the back cover for permission.
VOLUME I, JUNE 2005
PAGE 2
PAGE 3
IRASCOM JOURNAL
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
Blessed love to all our readers, contributors and staff of the IRASCOM Journal,
It was about 18 months or so ago that I could remember having conversed with a brethren of mine about the lack, or non-existence, of
an official Rastafari news magazine or journal. A journal whose purpose would be to inform the Global Rastafari community of events and
happenings within the Rastafari community and also of those events outside of the community that indirectly or directly affects us as a people.
Because of such lack many important news goes widely unnoticed and un-published. This lack of information flow, in ways definitely apparent to
the human eyes, has contributed its share to the negative perception of Rastafari and have also ill-prepared and ill-informed the youths aspiring
to be Rasta.
It is indeed heartening to note that the Organisation in which I am Acting Chairman, has not only recognized this fact but, is
assiduously working towards correcting it in the most effective ways. One of these ways is by the publishing of its official Journal, which is to be a
two-way communication tool between IRASCOM (the Government of Rastafari) and Rastafari at large (the Citizens of Rastafari).
Although the Journal is only three months old, it has already attracted a host of contributors from all parts of the world, some of who
are apt to become anchors with the journal. The host of Contributors, being from different parts of the world and therefore surrounded by
different events politically, socially and otherwise, is what gives the journal the global appeal it enjoys in its only three months old period.
Enjoy and be informed as you read Brothers and Sisters' insight on Dreadlocks, Food and Nutrition, Family Life and Parenting, Caring
for brothers and sisters in penitentiary and on topical issues.
Bless,
Ras Haile Mikael
aka Ras Ashkar
Acting Chairman
EDITORIAL PERSPECTIVE
Blessed Greetings Dear Readers,
The blessing of the trinity is upon us as we publish our third issue of the IRASCOM Journal. We have received a great and wonderful
response to the Rastafari livity found within these pages. This month we hear from Sister Cheerfulspirit from the USA, General Salem from
South Africa and Ras Creation King in the Letters To The Editor. I give thanks that this publication has moved these readers to tell us how they
feel and what they want. I strongly encourage each of you to participate in the Journal. This is your Journal, your voice, your culture.
We have been blessed with new additions to our staff. The bright spirit J.Empress; from Canada, Brother Paliani from Malawi; who
has had his works published in Rootz magazine and on Jahworks.org and Brother Daladier; from Columbia who is the author of this month’s
Spanish Reasonings section. The determined and strong Empress FiYah from New York; who will be reasoning on the challenges of
homeschooling has joined us as a contributor. It is truly a blessing to see the four corners of the earth come together through the guiding light of
JAH and H.I.M. Emperor Haile Selassie I.
I am also very excited that our Elder of Rastafari is Ras IvI Tafari Donovan Wright of the Ancient Order of the NyahBinghi of Jamaica.
He shares his opening speech to The First Diaporic Rastafari Summit In Hispanic America.
For the writers of the Journal this is a labor of love. Each month there is blood, sweat, tears, love, sore fingers, long nights and serious
discussions woven into the pages of the Journal as we strive to bring you the best of the Rastafarian community.
I want to emphasize the importance of sharing the Journal with everyone. Please make a small investment and print a few copies to
be distributed in your area. Take a moment to forward the electronic version of the journal to your friends and family – put that email address
book to good use!
More Love
Less Fire,
Issa Kelly
Managing Editor - [email protected]
P.S. Folks have been asking me about my closing ‘More Love, Less Fire.’ I want to be sure that proper credit is given to DRJR from the
community radio station 88.7 FM, KAZI in Austin, Texas - USA. Give thanks for these words to live by DJRJ!
VOLUME I, JUNE 2005
PAGE 4
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
After reading the first newsletter by IRASCOM, ini were
very much impressed by the works that have been started by
IRASCOM and the intentions are noble and your goals are
attainable.
What is more important is that these works must reach
every Rastafari Family worldwide, especially ini in Africa.These and
other works must be known to ini in Zion so that all ini is in
harmony with what is taking place in the Diaspora,for instance the
upfull works by Mama Blake Hanna should be known and
supported by every Rastafarian in the world.Big Ups to ini Matriach
Mama Blake Hanna. What do these youth want urgently.
EDUCATION. Rastafari based Education.
~General Salem - International Organizer for Rastafari Yut Inity
Soweto, South Africa
Greetings all,
I will, in this post, [be] giving my personal opinion of the
IRASCOM Journal. First and foremost: Keep Up the Good
Works. To continue my thoughts and feelings…I will tell you some
things that are issues to me and how the IRASCOM Journal is
helping with them.
This sounds very strange, but bear with me. Most people
when I say anything in regards to Rasta simply go right into the
smoking of herb. Don’t get me wrong JAH bless the ital herb, but
Rasta is sooooo much more that a bunch of dead beat bum's
growing their hair in rough manner, getting high all the time and
listening to Bob Marley. I know you prolly gunna bun fyah at me for
saying it is such a way, but this is what I find people, that know
nothing at all about Rasta, automatically think.
I know more about Rasta than that, but most people do
not. I dislike see[ing] these opinions of Rasta as the normal public
thinking. This is where the IRASCOM Journal has helped me
personally to bring this opinions to a halt and make the unknowing
people educated about what Rasta is really about and what Rasta
really means.
IRASCOM can change those things through the Journal
teaching and making clear the true manifestation of what Rasta is
about. Educating others and reaffirming many truths that somehow
the public never sees. I myself sent the Journal all over the world;
everywhere from Ghana to Amsterdam from Hawaiian islands to
Germany from New York to Ireland from Holland to South America
from Mexico to Canada. I could very well go on but I think you get
the point. I also printed it out and gave it to some classmates who
[were] interested about what Rasta really means. I thank you for
making it easy to teach others about H.I.M. and what he means to
all who believe in H.I.M.
Blessed love,
Cheerfulspirit - USA
Bless up! Iman just want to tell the I's I have received copies of the
IRASCOM journal…I really love the article about Mama Makeda
Blake Hannah and the Words of Wisdom sections, but really it's all
great!! And I just wanted to join to be in contact with other Rastafari
and to learn as I grow, seen! JAH Blessings be pon all the I's at
IRASCOM!
~ Ras Idren – No location given
Rasta Women Wearing Pants
Greetings in the divine name of the most high God JAH Rastafari
Haile Selassie I and Empress Mennen I.
Blessed love my lord! I would like to take this moment to
congratulate you on your work well done. IRASCOM Journal is one
of the Rastafari newsletter that update, teach and inspire me. I
pass my heartical blessings to all IRASCOM Journal committee
and working personal for their work well done. JAH bless and
protects.
In this regards, I want to express my knowledge and
overstanding concerning the EMPRESS WEARING that i read on
may issue of the journal. SHOULD EMPRESSES WEAR PANTS?
I think one of the most important and necessary
examples of Rastafari faith is Qedemawi Haile Selassie I and the
chosen Empress Mennen I. Rastafari faith been the minority yet
the major spiritual path that connect us to our supreme one, is the
antennae that switch us to the higher frequency spectrum of holy
mount Zion Africa(Ethiopia).Dressing is a necessary way of
expressing one's consciousness and alertness. the way we dress
shows the heartfelt wise-mind and higher overstanding of things.
My point is, I&I Ancient African Traditions has been the
source of our well being and consciousness. Emperor Haile
Selassie I connected the time of the passed with the modern
civilization. In fact, Haile Selassie I and Empress Mennen I has
showed us the manifestation of manhood and womanhood. if we
really honour them so much, we should honor and raspect the way
they carried themselves in this fleshical dispensation. as a matter
of fact, Empress Mennen never fight to wear pants and Haile
Selassie I never limit Empress consciousness. By this I mean that,
Our Sisters and Mothers are the symbolic expression of who
Empress Mennen is. Since she never carried herself in the
eurocentric way, but defended the ancient dressing of womanhood,
I see no reference why sisters should dress pants.
According to African traditions, woman wears skirts (long
skirts as worn by many Rasta Empresses).This does not mean that
women are not given freedom to choose but it made them perfect
as they are today. The reason why the issue of pants and skirts is
aroused by babylon slave mentality. Babylon loves nakedness, lust
and evil desire, and mind pollution. As African men, I have nothing
against the way others dress or see things. But since Rastafari
faith based on African ancient traditions, I think it should be carried
out the way it was before. Directly as Empress and Emperor Haile
Selassie I and Itique Mennen I live. African woman are not known
of pants. they are rightfully known of traditional dressings like
Empress Mennen I.
LIVE UP SISTRENS IN RIGHTEOUSNESS,LIVE UP IN
AFRICAN GLORY.....JAH LEAD YOUR WAYS.
I give thanks for time and space you have given me to
raise my voice on your IRASCOM Journal newsletter. May the
blessings of the most high bless all that continue to do good and
teach them that go astray.
One Love,
Ras Creation King
PAGE 5
IRASCOM JOURNAL
ELDERS OF RASTAFARI
Ras IvI Tafari Donovan Wright
Opening Speech of The First Diasporic Rastafari Summit In Hispanic America
Presented by the Ancient Order of the NyahBinghi -- May 2005
Distinguished guest, Brethrens and Sistrens of Rastafari, people of
Panama and the Hispanic community, Greetings in the Mighty and
Praiseworthy name of I and I Jah and King, his
divine Majesty Emperor Haile Sellassie I the first.
As we all are gathered here in dialogue
to chart the course of our destiny, let I and I first
give thanks unto His Imperial Majesty for bringing
I and I here safely from many parts of the globe
and entreat His blessings so that our
deliberations and conclusions will bare lasting
fruits for generations to come.
I and I also thank the organizers for putting on a
conference of this magnitude for the first time
and for inviting I and I here in the midst of so
many of our brothers and sisters from the
Hispanic community.
The Nation of Rastafari whom I and I
represent has gone through great trials and
sons and daughters are shouting with one voice the Mighty Name
of the Most High Jah Rastafari Emperor Haile Sellassie I the first.
The rejected and despised has now
become a subject for study in the Primary,
secondary and Tertiary institutions of the world.
The Red, Gold, and Green for which
Rastafarians received tremendous persecution is
now become the accepted colours for the
economic advancement of many companies who
are producing numerous items decorated with
the tri-colours.
The dreadlocks which was once a
symbol of shame, disgrace and scorn only worn
by Rastafarians is today one of prized hairstyles
of the 21st century.
The ITAL FOOD for which Rases was
ridiculed is today the accepted lifestyle for many
desirous of good health, giving rise to numerous
health food stores world-wide.
Our perseverance in the use of the
tribulations from its birth in the early 1930s up
RAS IVI WITH YOUTHS IN PANAMA
ganja
plant
has prompted the research and
to present time. The elders in our midst
© 2005 BRO. ISRAEL BERHANE SMITH
manufacturer of several medicinal products
namely Bongo Tawney, Bongo Shephan,
including the highly rated Asthmasol for the treatment of asthma
Mama Fiyah (Dawta Darlin) and Ras Irie Lion are representatives
and Canasol for the treatment of glaucoma.
of that generation that has suffered untold hardships and has been
Even the mighty U.S.A in the last decade boast a $16
through the fire and never got burnt.
Billion earning from its cultivation while Rastafarians continue to
What sufferings, persecution, discrimination, and brutality
suffer for its sacramental use.
our elder endured during those bitter
The concept of ‘PEACE AND
years.
LOVE’ a livety promoted by the Elders
Their children could not turn up for
of our faith is today an accepted slogan
school. There was no vacancy at the
used to promote harmony in the schools
workplace for Rastafarians. Public
of Jamaica, how harmonious would the
transport refused to have them as
world be today if they too had adopted
commuters. They could not walk the
and practice this concept. The unique
streets freely due to severe police
language of Rastafari that places
harassment and brutality. Their locks
emphasis on the letter ‘I’ blows with
were shaven from their heads and
police Batons is today part of tourist
every known established community
education on their visits to Jamaica.
was destroyed including the famous
There is no tourist to the Island who
Pinnacle and Back O’Wall.
does not know the meaning of IRIE and
To smoke the sacred herb, to
declare the Divinity of Emperor Haile
L TO R MIKE HENRY, RAS IVI & BONGO TAWNEY other word sounds created by Rastafarians.
Sellassie I the First and to see Africa as
Even Jamaica’s number one Radio Station is
AT THE OPENING OF THE SUMMIT
the Blackman’s Destiny came with a
named ‘IRIE’ FM.
© 2005 BRO. ISRAEL BERHANE SMITH
tremendous price. Despite these set
Despite all these and more positive
backs our Patriarchs and Matriarchs
influences, Rastafarian is still treated with disdain and is yet to be
held on unbendingly to their faith that today has become an
legally enshrined as a Sacred Order. The struggle for Liberation
International movement.
still continues and there is a lot of work to be done by the younger
To these Patriarchs and Matriarchs who are still with us
generation.
today and those who have joined our great ancestors I asked of
The high level of spirituality handed down to the younger
this gathering to give them a standing ovation coupled with a
generation by the Elders of our faith needs now to be strengthened
mighty round of applause.
and coupled with economic advancement. We have for too long
Indeed they have paved the way and made way for I and
allowed others to exploit our culture while we provide them with a
I to follow.
lucrative market.
Today we have seen the dawning of a new Era. In the
CONTINUED ON PAGE 23 -- ELDERS
four corners of the earth in all the major languages of the world
VOLUME I, JUNE 2005
PAGE 6
WORDS OF WISDOM
Blackhearted Idren
By: Brother Aaron King-Naphtali
[email protected]
Greetings in the Most High JAH! I am going to write
about the Idren of Rastafari. This is based on my opinions and the
opinions of ones I’ve reasoned with. This topic can be touchy, and
can cause confusion to ones who don’t properly overstand what is
being said. So I thought that I may be able to help give some
overstanding.. I’m calling it ‘Blackheart Idren.’
Blackheart Idren
There is so much controversy over the use of words like
‘white’ or ‘black’ to describe ones who’s skin color appears
different. I’m not going to dig too deep into this subject, but just
give a basic look at it.
Some say that Rastafari is a ‘black’ liberation movement
and that it is for only black skinned people. Some won’t overstand
what they are saying and think `that Rasta’s are racist. I want to
say that this is not true at all. We are the Blackheart Idren, we may
not appear black by skin color, but, never the less, we are
blackhearts. Recently I was at a local Ethio Mart (Ethiopian
Market) and there was a child there and he asked me if I was
Ethiopian. The older gentlemen running the store looked at the
child and said, “Of course he is, look at his shirt.” I had on a
Rastafari t-shirt with the Lion and it said Conquering Lion of the
Tribe of Judah, Rastafari with a Green, Gold and Red background
behind the word Rastafari. He knew I was Rasta, and that I
recognize Ethiopia as home. To them there is no question as to
who I am. They humbly accepted me.
I heard a sister reason that ‘White’ Rasta’s should not
“…take offense because through Rastafari they embrace that they
are Ethiopians and that all mankind is originated from one Black
Mother and Father, and therefore should be proud to be black
though they appear white.” I have to agree with the sister. It is not
a matter of skin pigmentation; it’s about what’s in the heart. It is my
opinion that when one hears someone say they are ‘white’, they
think that they accept the white supremacist way of thinking or that
they have not accepted the blackheart way or Rastafari. I try to
overstand ones before coming to conclusions. Most of the time
ones say they are ‘white’, is when they are Rasta Youths, and don’t
fully overstand what they are yet.
I recently read a statement by a Sister that said, "As a
‘white’ dawta trodding Binghi for years, my answer is this: InI who
have been through the Nyahbinghi Fiyah (and it’s an ever burning
fiyah) no longer trod as ‘white’. InI trod as blackheart bredren and
sistren, standing firm in the knowledge of good over evil. InI
itinually burn down colonialism, racism and oppression. InI know
that is what this gathering is for.”
I’m using these statements as examples to show it is not
just Iman who thinks this way and it shouldn’t be just I. We are all,
together, JAH JAH people. As the Beloved Prophet, Brother
Gadman pointed out in his interview with IRIE FM, “We read in the
Bible that out of one blood come all nations.” So it is written.
Another Sister wrote that to her “Black equals
Righteousness, ital, livity, justice, freedom, and people forwarding
to Zion.” I consider Iself black, despite my skin color (which only
has to do with the length of time one has been separated from
Africa) The Nyahbinghi chants, chant down black and white
oppressors, but the term white equals downpressors, killers, bigots,
racists, and people who withhold knowledge and enslave nations of
positive idren for their own profit.
Black and White no longer signify color of ones skin, to
me, and so I, a relatively pale idren, have no problem saying black
or white...Seen?
I do not see myself as Babylon’s white although I am a
Japhet Brother. I know my skin is pale, but I know I come from the
original black parents, Adam and Eve. JAH created them that way.
Why should I choose to separate myself? Because that is what
Babylon wants I to do? I don’t think so! I am not a part of Babylon.
I have always, even before I realized the livity of Rastafari, known
that there was something telling me that I was a blackheart man.
When I realized the livity of Rastafari, it all made sense to I.
I don’t expect all of you to agree, but to I this is truth.
This is what JAH has revealed to I. InI should not fight each other
down, but inite and work together. I don’t think I should get
reparations, but I should be able to relocate to Mama Africa if I so
choose. Not as a vacation, but to help with the works. Right now I
know JAH has a lot of things for me to do and writing in this Journal
is one of those things. And I must say that I am proud to do it.
I believe that all of I an I Rastafari are Blackheart Idren,
as we have always been referred to for years on the island of
Jamaica and Africa, regardless of our skin pigmentation. I think
that there are many things that we can all contribute to, and there
will be wolves that come in the forms of ‘white’, ‘black’ and every
other color of human under the sun. We cannot reject JAH’s
chosen people. No matter what they may look like. I am writing
this to help ones identify with Rastafari and black upliftment.
Ultimately it is not about us, but about JAH. He made I an I for his
purposes which will not be fully overstood until we all get to Zion.
"God that made the world and all things therein,
seeing that he is Lord of Heaven and Earth, dwelleth not in
temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men’s
hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all
life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all
nations of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath
determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of
their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they
might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from
everyone of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our
own being" Acts 17:24-28 ¯
PAGE 7
IRASCOM JOURNAL
POET’S CORNER
By: NixJudah and Empress Jehonen
12 Tribes on my Mind
by: NIXJUDAH
Mental Shackles
By: Empress Jehonen
Its about the bible
a chapter a day
to praise JAH highly
and to pray
Free yourself from mental shackles,
The fire burns, the fire crackles.
Free yourself from mental shackles,
The fire burns, the fire crackles.
To learn what Selassie I teach us
we are saved by the blood of Jesus
The wicked are getting sly,
JAH in Zion they defy;
Money and power they deify
And on weak politricks they rely.
With words, they try to connive
But they can't kill a man ALIVE.
They tempt us to hate and despise.
They try to close our eyes.
We must ALWAYS realize,
That there is NO compromise
Selassie will bring demise.
No plan will they devise
That could save them from their lies.
We hear the meek let out cries:
SO WE SHALL ORGANIZE,
CENTRALIZE,
Come as one.
a promise was given from JAH to David and Solomon
to Zere Yacob it must go on!
a Prophet was sent
to gather the 12 tribes again
my friend, in Zion we meet
cause we know not of death, we only sleep
in this the last days
RASTAFARI is the way ! ! !
© 2005 NIXJUDAH
The time for righteousness has begun.
We have no more time for having fun.
Where is the Rastaman,
With the soul of a champion?
Bear Mountain, NY – USA
All Summer Long
Zion Weekend Retreats
Contact: Dashawey 718/882-2079
Website: www.ZIONTROD.com
All-Inclusive: Transportation, Meals, Lodging, Crafts and
Activities, Sabbath Services
Activities Include: African Drumming, Morning Worship,
Nightly Open Reasonings.
Through the summer there will be different focuses such
as Silence & Meditation, Natural Healthy Living &
Eating, Art & Crafts, Drum Making.
Cost: $65 single - $95 Family of 4
The time for H.I.M. has come.
The heathen will flee and run.
Because the fire burns as the sun.
While so many prophets die by the gun.
My soul cries out for the wicked one.
Open your heart to the great LION.
JAH reigns in HOLA ZION,
And calls to His chosen children.
Free yourself from mental shackles,
The fire burns, the fire crackles.
Free yourself from mental shackles,
The fire burns, the fire crackles.
© 2005 Empress Johonen
VOLUME I, JUNE 2005
PAGE 8
THE CYCLICAL NATURE OF BIBLICAL HISTORY
By: RasYen
InI can see the Cyclical Nature of Time thru the
similarities of Biblically recorded events, and the relation between
the time frames of past and present, even future events. The Book
of Enoch tells how there is six days of creation, and one of rest, the
Sabbath. Also revealed is the six thousand years of mans Iwah,
and the thousand year reign of JAH’s Holy ones in Zion, through
comparison with Revelations 20. As this time frame is fit to a
thousand years to represent one day with JAH, this thousand year
reign of JAH, together with H.I.M. Messiah and the 144,000 Saints
in Zion, as JAH Rest, or Sabbath pon HIM Seventh Day.
Similarly, the account of Noah, (the 10th Generation from
Adam), can be related to the six days of Iration, seeing how the
floods came pon HIM 600th year. Noah alone (with his sons Ham
Shem and Japhet, along with their wives), was chosen to receive
JAH Covenant and to replenish the Earth through his seed. During
this 600 years, the earth had become filled with wickedness, thru
the relations with the Nephilim or Rephaim, as mentioned in
Genesis 6:4 “The Nephilim were on the earth in those days-and
also afterward-when the sons of God went to the daughters of
man and had children by them. They were the heroes of old,
men of renown.”
Man upon the earth was straying too far from the Ways of
JAH, forsaking their Creator by becoming involved with ways that
are not of HIM even worshipping the gods of other nations. After
forty days of rain, mankind began again. But, “The Nephilim were
on the earth in those days-and also afterward…”
An example of the workings of these Nephilim, or
Rephaimites, would be thru Ham’s grandson, Nimrod, “a mighty
hunter before [against] the Lord.” (Genesis 10:9) Nimrod was the
builder of many cities including Ninevah and Babylon, the site of
the Babel Tower. The peoples were scattered across the earth at
this time, probably in the time of Peleg, Genesis 10:25), “because
in his time the earth was divided.” This occurred 200 years after
the flood, causing the settlement of man in different areas.
We see this cycle repeated in the time of Abram
(Abraham), he too was chosen to leave his family and home, to reestablish the Covenant with JAH. This was 400 years after the
flood. Mankind had passed thru another 10 generations. At this
time JAH warned Abram regarding the future of his seed in
Genesis 15:12 “your descendants will be strangers in a country
not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated for
four hundred years.” After the Israelites, thru Jacob, settled into
Egypt they became enslaved by the new king of the people that
Joseph saved from famine.
It was four hundred years in captivity until JAH chose
Moses this time to reestablish HIM Covenant, through forty years in
the wilderness, as compared to Noah’s forty days of the flood. The
Israelites were told once again to leave all their wickedness and
return to HIM. They went another 400 years until JAH chose King
David to sit upon the Throne of Judah. He ruled over all of Israel
for forty years (2Samuel 5:4). This lineage of kings went on for
another 400 years until they, again, reverted to wickedness and
JAH had enough of it, exiling them again to Babylon.
Each time the Hebrew peoples strayed from the ways of
their fathers, becoming disobedient to JAH, and ignoring the
Covenant with their Irator JAH sent Prophets to Israel telling them
to return and by working wonders before them. This Covenant is a
Gift of Faith in the Promise and the Word of JAH. To entertain
another faith or another way of worship is to be unFaithfull to HIM.
Often JAH would question the peoples thru a Prophet
asking, “Why does Jerusalem always turn away?” (see Jeremiah
8:4-7) Shedding light on what the problem is, “my people do not
know the requirements of ‘the Lord’.” Israel was warned and
they did not listen when JAH told them, “if you do not follow other
gods to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place, in
the land I gave your forefathers forever and ever. But look you
are trusting in deceptive words that are worthless.” (Jeremiah
7:6-8)
In these Last Days of this modern time InI can follow the
History of the Hebrews and of Israel into Ethiopia unto His Majesty
Emperor Haile Selassie I, the Last King of the line of Judah.
“Ethiopia has existed for 3,000 years. In fact, it exists ever
since man first appeared on Earth. My Dynasty has ruled ever
since the Queen of Sheba met Solomon and a son was born of
their union.
I, being upon the Seat of David to which I was betrothed, will,
by God's charity, watch over you. Trader, trade! Farmer,
plough! I shall govern you by the Law and Ordinance that has
come handed down from My Fathers.”
Many Rasta know H.I.M. as the All Mighty or see H.I.M.
at least as the Godly King come to redeem H.I.M. Peoples. It is
evident that since H.I.M. arrival there has been an exponential
release of knowledge, scriptures, ancient texts, and the Amharic
language (Isaiah 19:18). The spreading of the Ethiopian heritage
and history is related to H.I.M. breaking the Seals of the Scroll of
the One upon the Throne in Zion. (Revelation 5:5) H.I.M. did say
“Knowledge is Power.”
I have been told of His Majesty going into the temples
and churches of other faiths. However, this does not mean that
H.I.M. approved of following other cultures and ways of worship.
H.I.M. is the Defender of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Faith,
and the Ultimate Christian King. We must see that H.I.M. set the
example for “Statesmanship of the Highest Order.” In fulfilling
H.I.M. Diplomatic relations this displays H.I.M. willingness and wise
judgment in maintaining peaceful relations.
We can read from the Apostle Paul that just because a
man eats food sacrificed to idols does not mean he is partaking in
the observance of such practices. (ICOR 8) On the contrary H.I.M.
says “Even at the hardest, most painful moments, We have
never regretted or cursed Our Faith. Never. And why should
we have? We were born of Royal Blood, authority is Ours by
Right. Since it is Ours by Right and since Our Lord the Creator
has deemed We might serve Our people as a Father serves His
son, being a monarch is great joy to Us. It's what We were
born for and what We have always lived for.¯
PAGE 9
IRASCOM JOURNAL
SPANISH REASONINGS
Piel de me Padre
By: Brother Daladier Arismendy
En Colombia la población afro descendiente se ubicó
inicialmente en las costas (Atlántica y Pacifica); solamente hasta el último
tercio del siglo veinte empezaron a migrar hacia el interior del país en
busca de supuesto desarrollo y mejores oportunidades, trayendo consigo
toda su música, su color y calor.
Mi nombre es Daladier; nací en Bogotá en la mitad de los
setenta, hijo de un hombre negro educador de la costa Atlántica y
una trabajadora mujer mestiza de la capital. En ese tiempo existían
increíbles abismos culturales entre ellos, pero ante todo el amor
prevaleció.
Nunca conocí a otro hombre negro fuera de mi
padre; quien murió cuando yo tenía seis años; como herencia
recibí su color de piel. Inicialmente no entendía, pero era
precisamente por mi piel, que no solo los otros niños, también la
gente adulta, me ofendían con crueles bromas; hasta hacerme
sentir vergüenza de ser como era.
Para mi madre también fue muy difícil, ella era muy
joven, empleada en una empresa y estaba a cargo de un niño con
problemas de comportamiento en el colegio y en el vecindario;
como consecuencia se volvió una madre severa y drástica. Y por
esta razón yo crecí siendo un rebelde, solamente con una ruda
coraza podía ocultar cuanto me dolían todos los golpes. Gracias a
Dios, nunca, me hizo falta la comida, pero tenía un gran vacío que
no podía explicar.
Siempre sentí un gran inconformismo con la religión que
me rodeó; fui bautizado en la iglesia católica a los pocos días de
nacido, debido a que nací a los ocho meses y pensaron que mi
alma corría peligro si moría sin el bautizo; siempre sentí mucha
desconfianza, especialmente con el tema de los misterios de la
iglesia y ese tipo de cosas que ellos no saben explicar, así me
alejé radicalmente de esas explicaciones y empecé a buscar las
mías propias; estuve leyendo, investigando y defendiéndome
siempre de cualquiera que me quisiera hacerme ver otra cosa.
Casi sin darme cuenta mi madre formó un nuevo hogar,
con un hombre trabajador como ella y nacieron otros hijos. Aunque
debí cuidarlos cuando pequeños; nunca fui muy cercano, pienso
que debido a la diferencia generacional o simplemente no tenía
mucho interés en nuestras nuevas vidas, pues estaba angustiado
con la idea de que al mundo no le quedaba mucho tiempo; estos
eran los días de la guerra del golfo.
Siempre he sido buen dibujante, mi padre también lo era,
por ello al terminar el colegio, me incliné a estudiar
profesionalmente Diseño y a la vez empezaron a crecer mis
cabellos después de un año de servicio militar obligatorio. El
tiempo me enseñó que esos cabellos que se formaron enredados
eran mis propias raíces, que tomaban fuerza y aquella herencia
paterna no había sido olvidada, por el contrario, debía ser exaltada
orgullosamente. También comprendí gracias a una revelación que
siempre voy a estar dentro de algo tan grande que no importa
donde esté, ni tampoco importa donde trate de ocultarme; nunca
podré salir de su gracia.
Siempre me atrajo mucho la música, especialmente la
negra; mi padre también era cantante y descubrí que podía
interpretarla de manera natural, con la voz o con otros
instrumentos También encontré a un amigo que me invito a asistir
a un ensayo de una naciente banda de Reggae, Alerta.
Al elegir esta vida natural he tenido también que aceptar
algunas consecuencias, entre ellas el distanciamiento con mi
familia por ser considerado un mal ejemplo (fumar hierba, cabellos
enredados y barbas largas), ni que decir de el resto de la
sociedad; sin embargo he tenido la oportunidad, gracias a la
música, de conocer en otros lugares; a verdaderos sabios que me
han enseñado valiosísimas lecciones sobre el amor, la naturaleza;
acerca de todo aquello que conforma eternamente nuestra
existencia, lo más importante es que fueron aprendidas mediante
el buen ejemplo, y así también han de ser retransmitidas.
Hoy veo en el espejo a un hombre que he reconocido
durante muchos siglos y completamente de acuerdo con el
destino, lucha por el futuro siendo verdadero y libre. Estoy seguro
que es el camino más difícil, el más angosto; pero estoy en el
correcto y único recto. ¯
ENGLISH TRANSLATION: SKIN OF MY FATHER
In Columbia the African Diaspora were located on the
costs (Atlantic and Pacific); until the last third of the twentieth
century when they began to migrate inland in search of what was
suppose to be better development and opportunities. Bringing with
them all their music, their color and their character.
My name is Daladier; I was born in Bogotá in the mid
seventies, the son of an educated black man from the Atlantic
coast and a racially mixed woman of the capital. In that time an
incredible cultural abyss existed between them, but love prevailed.
I never knew another black man other then my father,
who died when I was six years old, I inherited the color of his skin.
Initially I did not understand, but it was indeed my skin. The other
children, also the adults, would hurt me with cruel jokes that made
me feel ashamed of being like I was.
For my mother it was also very difficult, she was very
young, an employee in a company and was in charge of boy with
behavior problems in school and in the neighborhood. As a
consequence she became a severe and drastic in her discipline. I
became a rebel, with a thick skin and would hide the all the hurt
and punishment given to me. Thanks to God, always, I never went
hungry, but there was an emptiness that could not be explained.
I always felt a great confusion with the religion that
surrounded me. I was baptized in the Catholic Church just after I
was born, because I was born in the eighth month, a month early,
and my mother thought my soul was in jeopardy if I died without
being baptized. I always felt distrust; especially with the subject of
the mysteries of the church and these type of people didn’t want to
explain. I moved away from the church and started to find my own
path. I was reading, investigating and defending everything.
Almost without me realizing it my mother formed a new
home with another man. She gave birth to other children.
Although I took care of them I never felt close to them. I don’t
know if it was due to generational differences of if I simply had no
interest in our new lives. During this time the Gulf War was in
progress and my family was distressed, feeling like the world was
going to end.
I was a good sketcher, as was my father, for that reason I
decided to study Design professionally when I finished high school.
After my obligatory military duty I began to grow my hair [my locks].
As my hair [locks] grew they took on a force, my paternal
inheritance had not been forgotten. On the contrary, it had been
CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
VOLUME I, JUNE 2005
PAGE 10
HEALTH, FOOD AND NUTRITION
Curious About Curry?
By: Empress I-dra Iyah
I LOVE CURRY! I could eat it every day and I often do. I
love to experiment with different ingredients - adding, subtracting
and substituting items on a whim. What follows is my own original
creations, sometimes inspired by recipes I’ve seen, packaged
foods I’ve tried to recreate or flights of fancy that have come to
mind. I often jump into the kitchen, throw things together, then
struggle to recall exactly what was in it when a recipe is requested.
The most important thing to remember is that quality ingredients
make for a quality meal. I buy my curry powder pre-mixed in the
bulk section of my favorite natural food store.
You can make your own Curry powder at home by mixing
together: Turmeric, ground Clove, black Pepper, Cumin, Coriander,
Ginger
powder,
Nutmeg,
Cinnamon, and Chile powder to
taste. Getting the right balance of
spices is an art, so go slowly and
find the right ratio for your taste.
Potato Lentil Tofu Curry (Don’t be
put off by the number of
ingredients! It’s so easy!)
You will need:
2 or 3 Potatoes, boiled and cubed
1 cup green Lentils
1 Tbl. Vegetable Broth powder
1 cup Basmati or Jasmine Rice
Pinch of Saffron threads
3 Tbl. Oil
1/3 or ½ brick of firm or extra-firm
Tofu, cubed
2 cloves Garlic, sliced
½ Onion, chopped
2 Tbl. Curry powder
1 tsp. Allspice
1 tsp. Ginger powder
1 tsp. Mustard Seeds
1 cup Coconut milk
the Tofu, chop the Garlic and Onions or flip through an issue of the
IRASCOM Journal. After 15 minutes, add the Rice and Saffron,
simmer & cover. While that’s happening, saute the Tofu, Garlic and
Onions in the Oil (and a little water so the garlic doesn’t burn) until
Tofu is darkish and Onions are clear. Add the Potatoes, saute until
Potatoes are light brown on both sides. Add all of the Spices and
the Coconut Milk, stir well and simmer until the timer goes off. At
this point, you can either toss the Lentils & Rice into the pan, or
continue simmering both separately until it looks done (i.e. sauce is
thick, Rice/Lentils aren’t watery). Let everything sit for a couple of
minutes before serving. Feeds 2 or 3 people.
Pineapple Tofu Curry
1 cup Basmati or Jasmine Rice
2 Tbl. Oil
½ brick of firm or extra-firm Tofu
2 cloves Garlic
1 cup diced Pineapple, canned or
fresh
1 cup Coconut milk
1 Tbl. Curry powder
1 tsp. Ginger powder
1 tsp. Allspice
Bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add
Rice, cover & simmer, set timer for
20 minutes. Saute Tofu until it is light
brown, add Garlic and a little water
(so it doesn’t burn). Toss in the
Pineapple, continue to saute. When you’re ready,
PINEAPPLE TOFU CURRY – YUM!
add the Spices and the Coconut milk, cover and
simmer until timer is done. Add the cooked Rice to the pan and mix
everything together. Serves 2 hungry Rastas!
Bring 3 cups water to a boil. Add Lentils and Vegetable Broth
powder, cover and set timer for 30 minutes. Take this time to cube
SKIN OF MY FATHER – CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
raised, proudly. I also became aware and gave thanks for the
revelation that no matter where I am, no matter where I tried to hide
I will always be in His grace.
I was always attracted to music, especially black music. I
discovered that my father was also a musician. He had such a
natural way and could sing and play instruments. A friend of mine
invited me to become a part of a reggae band called Alerta.
When choosing this natural life I have also had to accept
some consequences, among them the distance I feel from my
family. I am considered a bad example because I smoke herb,
When cooking the abovementioned recipes with tofu, please refer
to our May 2005 issue for instructions on how to prepare and store
the tofu in advance. It makes a huge difference when it’s been
frozen and thawed! Give thanks to Sister April for her great
suggestion! ¯
have dreadlocks and have a long beard, that I don’t comply to the
norms of society. Nevertheless I have had the opportunity, thanks
to music, to see other place, to meet wise people who have taught
me the most valuable lessons of love and nature. About the Great
Creator that instills in us our existence eternally. Most importantly
they teach by example.
Today, when I look in the mirror I see a man, which I
have recognized throughout the centuries, completely in
agreement with my destiny. Struggling towards the future being
true and free. I am sure that I have chosen the most difficult way,
the narrowest path, but I am right and strong!¯
PAGE 11
IRASCOM JOURNAL
REGGAEMANIA
Mediations Inspired Reasonings
By: Sister April
This night, they demanded The Meditations return not
JAH blesses us every day and so often we
for one but two encores.
take these blessings for granted. No matter where we
After the show I asked Ansel about his
live, most of us can, at some point, see JAH’s
musical influences, he said: “A lot of people influence
beauty… HIS sun, moon, stars. Even in the most
my mind, yunno. It start from Curtis Mayfield and The
impoverished of places, we can look up to see these
Impressions and in our own Jamaican entertainment
things and we can see the beauty of others around us.
scene, I came to love the Paragons first, Toots and then
Family, friends and even foes are here for us to learn
The Wailers. But when I really check out The Wailers,
from and for us to help, support and just love. JAH
their sound is different from the other people. If you start
sends us all blessings, if we have the wisdom and
to listen their style of playing and their music, it’s very
vision to see them. One of the biggest blessings to me
different, yunno.”
is music. He sends us musical messengers. These
Danny Clarke added: “We all have our musical
singers and players of instruments teach us and show
influence from Bob Marley and The Wailers. My
us JAH’s way. Even the artists who are negative
ANSEL CRIDLAND
bring us a lesson... showing us how NOT to be.
© 2005THATREGGAEWOMAN spiritual influence is Haile Selassie the first.”
Unfortunately, though Winston Watson was
JAH blessed us here in Asheville
present at the beginning of the interview, he was called away on
Saturday April 23rd, 2005 with the gift of music at its finest and most
business matters early on so I was unable to get his take on some
conscious in the form of The Meditations. I was privileged to be at
of these questions. Hopefully I can catch up with him at the next
the show and even more privileged to be given an interview with
show in my area.
this legendary group. About his music,
I asked: “Who do you listen to
Ansel Cridland said, “This gift of music
now?” Ansel, with just a hint of a smile,
that JAH give to I, it’s an inborn thing,
answered: “Now? I really listen to myself
inside of me.” When you hear The
now, yanno” which brought forth goodMeditations live, you are indeed receiving
natured laughter all around. He went on
a gift from JAH as well. Their harmonies
to add seriously: “Checking out the
are beautiful and inspiring.
music scene now, there is no one who
The Meditations, consisting of
really influence me now because the
Ansel Cridland, Danny Clarke and
whole scene is imitation. There is no
Winston Watson, came together in 1974
creative sound anymore. Like now in my
and continue on today with the original
day, I would sit by the radio every
line-up. Over the years, the group has
provided background vocals for Gregory
Saturday to hear the new sounds. To
Winston Watson – © 2005 THATREGGAEWOMAN
Isaacs, Jimmy Cliff and The Congos plus
listen to Coxsone come on with the new
had a number of their own albums including Message From The
sounds and listen Lee “Scratch” Perry come on and you would hear
Meditations, Wake Up and Ghetto Knowledge. In 1978, Bob Marley
new sounds come out on the radio. But now it’s the same thing
invited them to open the One Love Peace
playing over and over and the music is like
Concert. The Meditations also provided
into a circle. You don’t have a leader now
background vocals for Bob Marley on
that really representing the music. It’s not
“Blackman Redemption”, “Punky Reggae
spiritual anymore and I n I really trying to
Party” and “Rastaman Live Up”.
reach the people with spiritual music. You
The show we heard on
hear some place that them-a tell you about
Saturday at The Emerald Lounge in
Dancehall, Dancehall, Dancehall. The whole
Asheville made it clear that this is a group
world is saying Dancehall, which I am not
at the top of their form despite their years
putting down Dancehall, but I deal with the
together. The play and interaction
consciousness. Right now, when I check out
between the musicians was delightful.
Dancehall, it create too much violence and
Everyone in the audience was having a
Reggae Music is not about that, yanno. So a lot
DANNY CLARKE AND ANSEL CRIDLAND
great time. We got the benefit of being the last
of people have a misconcept about the music
©
2005
ThatReggaeWoman
gig on the tour, so everything was tight and
about the whole thing. What’s going on… is it’s
well rehearsed, plus there was a great vibe between them. Their
a younger generation and a wider audience the Reggae music
excellent bass player, Clinton, delighted us all with his vocal gifts
reachin now. It’s not like we are talkin about in the 60’s and 70’s,
as he warmed us up for The Meditations. When The Meditations
it’s a wider audience now, yanno, and they are reaching the youth
took the stage their beautiful harmonies won over the young crowd
and the youth now who are learning about the Reggae Music are
and at one point, I looked out at the audience to see everyone
learning the wrong kind. It’s in the wrong kinda way. In our day,
dancing,even the club owner. I guess to understand the impact
coming up, we deal with the conscious part of the music. The
these men had on the audience I can best explain it this way. This
is a club where, on most occasions, when the show is over the
CONTINUED ON PAGE 21 --- MEDITATIONS
audience leaves. Occasionally, they will applaud for an encore.
VOLUME I, JUNE 2005
PAGE 12
RASTA YOUTH EDITORIAL
Mother Earth
By: Lij Marques Benjamin
I must say, when I chose the environment as the topic for
this month’s youth editorial, the thought never crossed I mind that I
would not be able to find a suitable utterance by the Most High
Emperor to use in this article. I believed that the health of the
Earth was so important I would have an
overabundance of quotes from HIM to hopefully
provide guidance for youth and elders alike. At
first I was dismayed to find that the opposite was,
in fact, true.
However, I came to the realization that
JAH inspiration comes in many forms, and words
are not always able to deliver the message.
Sitting at I computer I am able to look across the
field at immense trees as they sway in the wind
and the swallows as they fly, singing in the air. This is the true
beauty of JAH, a beauty beyond words. A beauty that must be
defended against enemies.
I will not barrage the reader with statistics of how many
species went extinct in the time it took I to write this article, nor how
many acres of rainforest were bulldozed to fulfill a greed for gold
and diamonds. I would just like to ask a question: Why is the
environment not given the same rights as the children that it
sustains?
I do not speak of the right to vote, the right to be
educated, nor the right to believe whatever the I wants. I speak of
the right to clean food and water, to be protected from abuse, and,
above all, the right to succeed. Around the world, it is still a
struggle to have the above rights given universally
to people, let alone the earth as a whole.
In the world of today, there are smog
alerts in major cities, water bans and rationing
schemes and products to wash pesticides off
agricultural products. I personally hope it is
considered by InI, the Children of Rastafari, a duty
to end this Babylon foolishness. One would not
tolerate their birth mothers being attacked and one’s
mother-Earth should also be defended. We must
unite towards the aim of defense for the only living creature, that
which is everything we are, a globe of livication towards JAH
RasTafarI.
Rastas strive to maintain a pure lifestyle. It is seen as a
spiritual commitment and an affirmation of roots. Nonetheless,
children of the land cannot live pure if the land is not pure itself. If
one follows the same reasoning with regards to rights, people
cannot succeed in obtaining their rights without Mother Earth also
being granted certain underlying rights.¯
Bronx, NY – USA
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HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY HAILE SELASSIE I’S CROWN
PAGE 13
IRASCOM JOURNAL
DREADLOCKS
What Are You Staring At?!
By: Brother Osib
Every person who wears locks sometimes finds oneself
in a situation in which someone is staring at them. First thing that
goes trough my mind is, "What are you staring at?!?" Usually those
looks are not friendly, but more as if someone is scared of you or
you look disgusting to him. Why does it happen?
In the Caribbean where locks are something that you can
see every day, those looks are maybe rare, or in the large melting
pot cities that are full of different cultures. But, in the countries
where there aren't many other cultures, except the native one, it
could be very strange to see a person with DREAD locks. Their
name "dread" actually tells you that you should be scared of those
locks. African warriors used locks to look more fearce to the
hostiles, so we really shouldn't be surprised by the reactions of the
common people.
Different cultures wear different clothes, different "makeup", different decorations, etc. All those cultures look strange to
each other and that's completely normal. It's not only the look that
differs between cultures, but also talking, thinking and behavior.
Depending on where you were born and raised, you'll have
different points of view on the world that surrounds you. What
would you think when you would see little puppies with ripped skin,
hooked with other meat in the market place? That really sounds
disgusting, but in some places in the world that can be seen every
day and they don't think it's strange or disgusting.
Beside cultural differences, prejudice is something that's
also quite important for the stance of common people towards
dreads. Of course, it's not only the "good" people that wear the
locks. Some criminals use dreads to get that dangerous look. Or,
there are youths who wear the locks, drink a lot of alcohol and then
they become aggressive and then they break things around them,
yell, bullying people and do other horrible things. Honestly, I get
scared of those people too. Who wouldn't be scared of them?
A common person therefore can't see the difference
between a peaceful Rasta with locks and, for example, a drug
addict who would do anything, even hurt you, just to get another
shot. Even if they do know something about Rastafari, it's probably
about the use of ganja, which some consider to be a dangerous
drug, not to mention all the strange rituals that may come to their
minds.
While there are some really evil people who would like to
see you erased from the face of earth when they see you, there are
also good people who just get scared of your look, but they don't
mean anything bad for you. So, you shouldn't get mad when you
see some unfriendly looks directed to you, don't decide on
prejudice like some do. They just think that you're the strangest
man on earth and in many ways you are, as is any individual on
this planet, so their reaction is justified. Important thing is that you
know for yourself that there is a Rasta heart beating inside you and
your heart is the one that chooses your look.¯
VOLUME I, JUNE 2005
PAGE 14
RASTAFARI REASONINGS
Just A Moment In Time
J.A.M.I.T
By: J.Empress
Editor’s note: JAH has blessed us with this shining J.Empress, a
Whether we are in the same spirituality, are of the same
young sister out of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She has a bright
ethnicity or reside in the same country, we all walk our separate
light around her and I send her blessings and pray for her success.
roads. We all try to find steady ground and we all try to carry our
She is a spoken word artist looking to perform and record this
load. And sometimes, the I can pleasantly show the lonely
following piece.
wanderer, that he is not alone.
It’s simple you see. We need to walk in JAH humility. InI
J.A.M.I.T
work hard to strengthen our walls - each and every one of us is a
Whether we are in the same spirituality, are of the same race or
pillar that holds JAH house together.
reside in the same country, we all walk our separate roads. We all
We all have our busy lives, from morning ‘till night. We
try to find steady ground and we all try to carry our load. And
have mouths to feed. We have rooms to clean. We have work to do
sometimes, the I can pleasantly show the lonely wanderer, that he
and places to go. We have this – we have that- but lest we forget
is not alone.
we have JAH to praise. We must take time out
of our day and have a one-to-one with Him.
J.A.M.I.T.
Give JAH that moment in time. When our foot
Just for a moment in time, if you’d be so kind,
touches ground and we rise, give JAH that
could you spare a smile and make a day
moment in time.
worthwhile.
When you are out on your daily
adventure, whether to school, to work or to the
J.A.M.I.T.
mailbox, remember. Remember to shine in
Just as she tries to get by, committed
JAH light; to walk with JAH might and spread
ourselves to deeds to be kind. We’ve
JAH love whether day or night. Acknowledge
committed ourselves to be revolutionary. Walk
that there are other people who are in the
and remember the responsibility, to do all in InI
fight. The light, the might, it was passed on to
ability, to not show acts of hostility even to
me and even though the transfer was so brief,
those who arose to oppose the life we chose.
it helped I Empress through I grief and I knew,
Still walk in humility.
for that moment in time, I was not alone in the
fight.
J.A.M.I.T.
All it took was the Rastaman smile
Spiritual rebellion, west killed the millions, live
and all that took was a Rastaman while. All it
up in the hill and still be taunted by the hellion
took was the Rastaman nod, to let me know
he had a message from JAH. It brought me
cry from a freeman, kicked was the kinsman,
REGGAE ARTIST MIKEY GENERAL,
here to say, that it’s so easy to make someone’s
passion from the fireman, no longer a scullion
SHARING A SMILE WITH US
day.
CLUB VIVA – ST. LOUIS, MO
J.A.M.I.T., wicked was the king’s man.
InI know sometimes it’s hard, InI know
© 2004 Issa Kelly
things pass us by, but take that time and pass a
smile. It’s blissful - a blessful thing to have two strangers walking in
Chorus
different directions going their separate ways pause and
acknowledge each other for a moment in time.
Everlasting, ever living, ever fasting from misgiving, unforgiving,
Don’t be afraid to send a “Good Morning” to a passer-by
reliving, times when black was crime writin what was already
or a nod accompanied with a “Yes-I” to the Idren we meet up with
written.. (jempress the prophet) x 2 im doing one thing that they
on our journeys. Just that speaks to another “I travel the road of
didn’t
Rastafari and blessings and truth be with you.”
It was I Empress duty to let this be known. Such a simple
© J. Empress 2005
act can help us create a positive notion about Rastafari and
continue to make a positive impact. Present yourself in a positive
manner and remember everything you do is not only for you, but it
represents InI as a whole.
And when InI lie down in bed, remember to give JAH that
moment in time tomorrow! Tell InI to J.A.M.I.T UP!
PAGE 15
IRASCOM JOURNAL
JUNE SCRIPTURE
Romans 14:1-14
As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions. 2 One believes he may eat anything, while the weak man
eats only vegetables. 3 Let not him who eats despise him who abstains, and let not him who abstains pass judgment on him who eats; for God
has welcomed him. 4 Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be
upheld, for the Master is able to make him stand. 5 One man esteems one day as better than another, while another man esteems all days alike.
Let every one be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. He also who eats, eats in honor of
the Lord, since he gives thanks to God; while he who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7 None of us lives to
himself, and none of us dies to himself. 8 If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we
die, we are the Lord's. 9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. 10 Why do you pass
judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God; 11 for it is written,
"As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God." 12 So each of us shall give account of himself to
God. 13 Then let us no more pass judgment on one another, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.
14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but it is unclean for any one who thinks it unclean.
1
Your Participation
As each of us sit down for our mediations the Bible speaks to us differently. We encourage you to join the scripture reasoning. You can
contact us several ways.
Post: InIversal RasTafarI Community C/O Jamaica Office - #2 Terra Cotta Close Kingston 8, Jamaica, W.I
Email: [email protected]
Contact your local IRASCOM Ambassador; their contact information is located on the back cover.
May’s Scripture and Readers’ Response
Luke 7:37-50
And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster
box of ointment, 38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her
head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself,
saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. 40 And
Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. 41 There was a certain creditor, which
had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. 42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell
me therefore, which of them will love him most? 43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto
him, Thou hast rightly judged. 44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou
gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. 45Thou gavest me no kiss:
but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed
my feet with ointment. 47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the
same loveth little. 48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. 49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is
this that forgiveth sins also? 50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
37
Readers’ Response
I love this scripture because it was one of the keys to my
spiritual awakening. I realized, with tears in my eyes, that no
matter how I lived my life in the past (I was not a prostitute, but I
was a wayward child) the love of JAH and Christ was big enough to
forgive me of my sins. That Judgement is saved for JAH, only and
those that think they are wise and righteous enough to judge a
fellow human being are being disrespectful to JAH and end up
looking like a fool.
~ Issa - USA
Such Love an Adoration she show di Lord her God. I am
thinking INI have learned a few things here. Firstly if any man or
wombman have sinned, INI are to get right wid Jah an wid INI
Bredrin an Sistren. INI are told to freely forgive, nuh true? Becuz
Jah has told INI before (see St. Matthew ch 18:23) dat if INI do not
show mercy to ones who have done INI wrong, INI will not sight
mercy from di Lord.
Like di man who owed a next man some money but was
forgiven di debt, nuh show di same kindness to a next man who
owe him some debt...How could he not show di next man di same
mercy an kindness dat he was shown? Jah is di Irator, an ALL
SINNERS are di ones dat owe HIM.
INI owe Him a debt of OBEDIENCE TO DI LAW, but as
INI allready know, INI cya keep di ALL of di Law. No one can. so
even though some of wi maybe more 'in debt' wid Jah than addahs,
alla wi are in debt, an He has graciously told wi, all INI haffi do is
repent, an Love Him an have Faith. So even though INI works are
many, INI are still sinners an still in debt. Some of INI do not have
di occasion to do works, like INI are poor allready, an perhaps cyaa
feed a next poor person. But still, Jah will provide Him grace to INI,
thru Him forgiveness.
INI nuh need no silver an gold an no works to get
forgiven. He told di Pharisee Simon dat di wombman sins (even
though dem was many) were forgiven becuz she 'Loved Much'. He
CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 -- SCRIPTURES
VOLUME I, JUNE 2005
PAGE 16
FAMILY LIFE AND RASTA PARENTING
Homeschooling
By: Empress FiYah
Around 4 or 5 years ago, I started to re-cognize the
detrimental effects that Western schooling had on the minds of our
youths. As I furthered my research and grew firmer in my trod, this
impression intensified for me. It was not simply that western
schooling was feeding historical misinformation, but they
systematically presented a method of teaching to our children that
would keep them in a state of subjection to the European global
powers. They teach our children how to blindly accept the
information being taught. They force them to process information
to a conformed way in order to program and indoctrinate them so
that they become systematic robots. The thinking goes from the
cyclical natural state to a linear and obedient condition, having
them pledge their loyalty to a white global supremacy.
I don’t want to belittle the
monumental effect that the misinformation of
history has had on the creation of identity for
our children. As Amos Wilson, in his book
‘Falsification of African Consciousness’ points
out this component indeed is the prime culprit
to disempower black people. “If there was no
direct relationship between history and power,
history and rulership, history and domination,
then why is it that the European rewrote
history…he would not bother to try so hard to
keep our history away from us and to distort it
in our own minds”
The advantage of homeschooling is
that you can control the information that your
child receives and the method which you
approach your child. It is ideal for Rastafarian
or even Ethiopian-centered thinkers to have a
central school in each city across the nation,
so collectively we can build a nation of
sovereign leaders. Until that time comes,
ones should think seriously on adjusting their
lifestyle and schedule to accommodate home schooling.
I’m in New York and I work at night. It is hard to do both,
but it’s worth it. There are plenty of at-home businesses and night
work that ones can do if being without a job is not an option. One
can get a nursing degree or home health aid certificate and work at
night. One can work as a taxi-driver or limo-driver. You might end
up earning less than your daytime job, so one must examine your
own lives and determine the priorities. The weekend of March 2527, 2005, The Empresses of Zion did some crucial work, which was
to bring forth a curriculum framework and methodology at their
annual Reasoning that took place this year in Miami Florida. The
framework is done and a team of educators are going to take this
framework and create a curriculum. Until this is accomplished, I
advise ones to look online for various curriculums. For the
socialization aspect, try to form a homeschool group like we did in
New York.
I would like to briefly touch upon the fact that I’m
homeschooling a seven-year-old boy who has special needs.
Because of issues from a pre-mature birth, my son legitimately has
special needs and used to have behavior issues, which is usually
part and parcel with developmental delays. Through much work,
we were able to modify his behavior, but his development still
lingers. My son spent one year in the public school system of
which he was placed in a Special Education classroom. Out of 13
students, 12 were boys and 10 were boys of color. This is not an
isolated incident. This is indicative of how out of touch western
schools are in teaching black youths, more specifically black boys.
I recommend ‘Countering the Conspiracy to Destroy
Black Boys’ by Jawanza Kunjufu. He outlines just such aspects of
this. I also did a paper about Psychotropic drugs prescribed to
children. I found that 95% of prescribed Ritalin to children who
have been diagnosed with an attention deficit
are boys. What they neglect to realize is that
boys, before puberty, generally are activity
based. They learn through action. Sitting in
boring classrooms with minimal stimulation is
counter-learning for boys. Then let’s add into
the component the education itself is not geared
towards the ethnicity and identity of black
children is an additional component to an
unsuccessful learning environment.
Parents should realize if their child is
being diagnosed or complained about in this
stratum, that most likely it is not your child’s
deficiency, IT’S THE SYSTEM. In these
instances, I find it even more imperative for
parents to seek alternative methods of
educating our children. Bottom line we must not
send our children to be programmed by the
wolves!!
When I first embarked on home school
most people I knew outside of my Rastafari
circles really sought to persuade me to not do it.
They said that one must be specially trained to educate that one
must be specially trained to educate special needs children and
that I don’t want to inhibit my son’s development. It came from all
directions. I was watched Babylon try to break my son down to the
bear basics in order to build his mind to be conformed to their style.
Since I’ve been home schooling, what I love is that I’m always in
‘educator’ mode. I always seek for opportunities to teach my son.
He has come leaps and bounds since I’ve home school, as well as
myself. I’ve come to realize that much of his delays are simply
because he processes information differently. Many times I would
find myself teaching him something, doing it in a way that I was
taught and he would not grasp it. I would try repetition, games,
song, among other techniques and sometimes he still didn’t grasp.
Then I would just let go, try to listen to him and let him tell me how
to teach him. When I did that, sure enough, I was able to find a
way to reach him. I know that public schools simply don’t have
time to do that. Being my son’s educator has been the most
rewarding experience that I’ve had. ¯
PAGE 17
IRASCOM JOURNAL
BROTHERS’ AND SISTERS’ KEEPERS
SoulJahs Inna Captivity
By: Ras Miles Jacob Marley
“Remember Those Who Are Prisoners, As Though You Were In Prison”
Hebrew 13:3
Blessings in the name of The Most High Jah Rastafari.......Selassie
I The First.
Welcome to Vol. 3 of IRASCOM Journal. In this issue I
would like to inform ones on the situations facing I Brothers and
Sisters currently held in State and Federal Prisons. As reasoned in
the last two issues, the difficulty obtaining recognition of Rastafari
as a bonafide Faith Group and the Spiritual right to the wearing of
locks. Now it seems that the wearing of crowns (tams) and wraps
are being attacked.
I have gotten reports of
administration
personally
confiscating I crowns and wraps
because they were not authorized. I
have had reports of some Brothers
and Sisters sending away to the
“approved” vendors and never
receive anything back. The R.U.O.
ReBirth 2000 had a “Knit a Crown”
program going on in a prison here in
This to I is I Spiritual right as well as I constitutional right
to wear I crowns and wraps.
The Bureau Of Prisons regulation states that inmates are allowed
to have “religious” apparel to include various type of headgear. So,
why is I right to have and wear I crowns and wraps being taken
away? Now with no disrespect to other faith groups, why is it that
they are allowed to wear their headdresses, have medallions and
other "religious" items, yet we are not? As stated in the first issue of
InI Journal it is because they are recognized and have outside
voices.
So I say, “Step Up Rasta!” Look
up I local State and Federal
Prison, write the Chaplain in
support of any Rastafarian there,
write I State representative let
them know that Rastafarian is a
true spiritual faith group. Write I or
e-mail I and I will help ones get
Florida, where I would donate the yarn to them and
addresses and names for the prisons in I area.
LET US PRAY – COLEMAN, FL
they would knit up some crowns to be sent as a
Divided
Ina
Babylon...Unity
Ina
donation to those who needed them, now this, too, has stopped
Rastafari...Word, Sound Is Power. So again...Step Up and be I
due to the fact that they must purchase the materials from the
Brothers and Sisters Keeper’s.
commissary there in the prison. It now seems that the forces that
Special note to All Rastafarian vendors:
hold I Brothers and Sisters in the belly of the beast have gotten on
If I have a catalog or brochure of items that one's sells and I is
the bandwagon with those who sell
interested in selling in the prisons, contact I
Rastafarian items and have no concept or
for information and contact person. There
realization of I spiritual value. When
is a need for book, dvd, music, Insence,
reading I scriptures I sight the following:
flags, oils and other assorted items.
Exodus 28: 40 “For Aaron’s sons ye
shall make tunics and sashes and
headdresses.”
Exodus 29: 6 “and you shall set the
turban on his head.”
Jah Blessings, Guidance and Protection.
Ras Miles Jacob Marley
R.U.O. Rebirth: 2000
P.O. Box 1892
Ormand Beach, Fl 32117-1892
[email protected]
www.ruo2000.org
Leviticus 8:13 “And Moses brought
DIVIDED IN BABYLON...UNITY IN RASTAFARI
forth Aaron’s sons and clothed them
with tunics and sashes around them and tied headdresses on
Adopt a SoulJah
them as the LORD commanded.”
Ras Ryjah “Muata” Daley
2 Samuel 14:11 “He said As the Lord Lives, not one hair on
#02970-017
F.C.C. Medium
your sons hair shall fall.”
P.O. Box 1032
Matthew 10: 30 “and even the hairs on your head are counted.”
Coleman, Florida 33521
Ras Muta has been with RUO for quite a while and is a strong
SoulJah and strong leader and educator with the Rastafarian
1 Kings 1: 52 “So Solomon responded If he proves to be a
worthy man, not one of his hairs shall fall to the ground.”
CommUNITY in Coleman, Fl.
I also invite I to look at Exodus 29:9, 39:28, Acts 27:34 and Luke
12:7.
VOLUME I, JUNE 2005
PAGE 18
VOICES FROM THE BELLY OF THE BEAST
Ras Negrito Borinquen
Although I have not heard from I Brother in quite a while and really am not sure if he is still in this location, I wanted to share some of his
righteous thoughts that he has written in to InI. R.U.O. is in the process of trying to locate I Brother and will update when I can. Ras Negrito is a
strong Brother who hails also from I beloved Island of Puerto Rico. Que JAH Bendiga a mi Hermano.
How to rescue our youths through Information and Inspiration
This is my personal opinion on this issue on how to better the future of our children. We as parents must first educate them on there origin, as
well as their history. Because this is something that the babylon system, be it educational or social, ever teach our children Our History, Our
Culture.
This babylon system has figured that people without a history are people without a life. We, as parents and decedents of the original
people, must make sure that our future generations are conscious and aware that we have a history, Our History. We must also teach them
about our great Black and Latino leaders and why every time they tried to take there blindfolds of oppression off their eyes, they would only see
the pain and suffering inflicted upon them by the babylon system.
Many times, for years, we have been brutally oppressed by this babylon system and many times in violation of the constitution. We as
people with a beautiful history and culture cannot allow our children to understand this babylon system mentality and teaching.
I use, as example, the teachings of the great discoverer Christopher Columbus and how they praise him for all the great things that he
discovered, but yet this is the same man who did away with my people the Taino and Arawak Indians and later on went to the continents of
Africa and chained my brothers and sisters like animals and worked them to death all for the personal gain of his people. So while babylon praise
him for his great discoveries at the cost of human life, I man praise him for opening my eyes to the true babylon system of discrimination, lies
and deceit.
We must instill in our children’s hearts, mind and soul the meaning of pride, human pride, Our History pride, Our Cultural pride,
because as long as we live in this babylon system our children’s future will only be a blur in the distance. We must also show our children that
they must stand firm and that they don’t need the assistance of the babylon system, they have the right of self determination and should freely
pursue there economic, social and cultural development. We must have redemption and as Bob Marley said “Emancipate yourself from mental
slavery, free none but ourselvs our own minds.”
I pray unto JAH that those with children, whether in prison or wherever they be, continue our struggle thru our youth. Educate them on
what our ancestors started hundreds of years ago, Our History. We know this world is full of deception and lies, that is why I am where I am, but
we must continue to stand firm, spiritually and mentally. It is time for the sleeping Lions to awaken, and that I Brothers and Sisters
is.........Istory...JAH Bless...Ras Negrito Boriquen...JAH Love.One Love
Ras Negrito Borinquen
Miguel Aviles #11829-050
P.O. Box PMB
Atlanta, GA 30315
SCRIPTURE – CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15
told di Wombman dat she was forgiven an dat Her Faith had save
her. Dis is wha sis Issa yuh are describing, an which I can identify
wid sis. Yuh know He have forgiven INI an dat INI are justified
by our Faith an INI LOVE for Him. Yuh know all of what she show
like her sorrow fi sin, her Love of Christ, were di effects an di
products of Faith. Dat is why INI may go on, in Peace, Rejoicing
yuh know, for INI are LOVED BACK AN FORGIVEN.
Bronx, NY – USA
Every 1st and 3rd Saturday
Roots & Culture Basement Jams
Location: Zion Home – 621 East 237th
Time: 10 p.m.
Ticket: $5 Donation
Contact: Dashawey 718/882-2079
PAGE 19
IRASCOM JOURNAL
BREDREN REASONINGS
True Brotherhood & Soul-ties
A Tribute to Sakeino Lightbourne (1983 – 2005), Rest in JAH’s Peace Idren
By: Brother Israel Berhane Smith
Within the Rastafari movement, and particularly the
Caribbean and African-American communities, the relationship
between two men is often overlooked. It is such a touchy subject
that no one will talk about it or even mention, for fear of being
branded a homosexual. We have managed to shake off Babylon’s
brainwashing concept of what is beautiful, we have defeated
Babylon’s concept of education, we have defeated the Babylon
concept of health, food and nutrition…we the Rastaman have been
successful in all areas of warfare against Babylon, yet when it
comes to defining “what a man is”, somehow Babylon still dictates
to the Rastafari Movement notions and ideal’s of “Manhood”. The
focal point of this article is not to answer the question of “what
makes a man”, for we would have to dedicate an entire issue of the
IRASCOM Journal to dispel myths and lies of Babylon still
propagated by Rastamen, but this article is only a small chisel on
the Iceberg of the friendship between two men.
In considering this article, examples of the loving
friendship between two men can be seen in the relationship
between Abraham and Lot (Deuteronomy 13:6-9; Job 6:14,15;
16:2,20; 19:13-22; Psalms 35:), Samuel and Saul (1 Samuel 15:35;
16:1), Joram and Ahaziah (2 Kings 8:28,29; 9:16), Job and his
three friends (Job 2:11-13), Luke and Theophlius (Acts 1:1), Paul
and Timothy (Philippians 2:19,20,22,25), Iyesus (Jesus) the Christ
and Lazarus (Luke 10:38-42; John 11:1-46) …so many examples
of men loving men in the true nature of friendship and bonding are
found in the tracks of the old to the new testament. Of all of these
examples, the relationship between David and Jonathan (1 Samuel
18:1-4; 23:16-18; 2 Samuel 1:17-27; 9:1-13) is one that goes
beyond the realms of the “norms of society.” There are three
premises to deal with concerning the relationship between David
and Jonathan, namely (i) the tying of their two souls together, (ii)
the covenant before the Almighty Father of Creation, and (iii) David
Lament’s for Jonathan’s soul. InI hope within the space allotted to
this article that InI can briefly reason upon each of these three
premises:
The Tying of David & Jonathan’s souls together (1
Samuel 18: 1-4): The fear of being called a “sissy” or “battyman”
has had such a negative effect on our Rastamen that the
consequence is basically distant relationships between two
bredrens. Bredrens who fear embracing each other (Iman wont
even suggest such in public), two bredrens afraid to sit next to
each other on public transportation, or even two bredrens afraid to
share personal thoughts and prayers for each other. Sadly to say,
our Rasta wombmen have also contributed to this “crisis” of male
masculinity. Mothers are rearing the princes that “boys must play
with boys”, but when the child reaches adolescent age, the
Babylon mothering nature changes to say “boys must play with
girls now”. Two young men alone, together, in private and one of
two thoughts come to mind: (i) they must be doing something
destructive or mischievous or (ii) they must be doing something
unnatural and batty. 1 Samuel 18: 1 describes a relationship
between David and Jonathan where their souls become one, a
unity of brotherly love so profound that it transcends commonality.
Jonathan and David’s Covenant before the Almighty JAH
(1 Samuel 18: 1-4): There are two covenants shared between
David and Jonathan (i) that Jonathan will love David as he loved
himself and (ii) in 1 Samuel 23:16-18 that David will be King over
Israel thus Jonathan will be second to David and not let his father
Saul harm David. This raises the question to Rastamen “are we are
brother’s keepers?” Do we love our Brothers enough to make a
Covenant before them and JAH to love them as we love ourselves,
and to let no harm come to them and their household? I tell you
Rastas, Babylon has infiltrated our minds in such a way, that it has
made a man fearful to love another man. Fathers refusing to kiss or
hold their sons, and say to their sons “ I Love You!” Rastas are
suppose to be different (1 Peter 2: 9) displaying a love throughout
our community so divine that when heathens look upon us, they
will say “surely the presence of JAH is in their midst”. We as Rasta
have fought so hard to bring back to these Babylonian times, all
those traditions, teachings and practices of our forefathers…yet the
one teaching that we have refused to endorse is the openness for
a bredren to express is brotherly love to another bredren. Such
display and we are the first to label the man “batty”. Gone are the
days of Covenants of brotherly love before man and JAH.
David’s Lament for Jonathan’s Soul (2 Samuel 1:17-27):
No where in the Hola Ible will ones find a clearer expression of true
brotherly than in David’s Lament’s for Jonathan’s soul. Now King,
David overstood the importance of having “manly connections”
within one’s livity, outside of those connections given by a Fatherly
figure, like a brother, uncle, or other male role model. He ordered
that the men of Judah be taught this lament. Strangely enough we
hear enough Rastas say, we are the Original, once lost - now
found, tribes of Israel. The very teaching of our forefather by his
open lamentations to love we have rejected. Within King David’s
lamentations came the most profound of expressions of one man’s
love to another “26 I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you
were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more
wonderful than that of women.”
As I bring this article to a close, I beseech you brethrens
of all faiths and walks of life, most importantly those who trod
RASTAFARI, know that InI have been called here in these last
days to hold up a Higher Standard and to restore the Ancient ways
of the Prophets and Holy Men, trodding through the wisdom and
Iuidance of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Haile Selassie, JAH
Rastafari. How long will you be afraid to take your brothers in the
arms and embrace and tell them that you Love them with the Love
of H.I.M? How long will we allow Babylon to use “homosexuality” to
intimidate InI from building true brotherhoods and from experience
the spirituality of having one soul-intertwined with another
bredrens? InI are called to BUN out homosexuality, not to live in
fear of it. Proverbs 18:24 says that “A man that hath friends must
show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than
a brother.” Teaching is that any man who finds a genuine
friendship, ones whose souls become tied, then will this Idren cry
out like David in 2 Samuel 1:26 “Jonathan my brother; you were
very dear to me Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful
than that of women.” There are some of you who will read this
article with your faces crumpled up like paper bags, skeptic of
every word I impart to you, but know that Brotherly Love is Divine.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE -- SOUL-TIES
VOLUME I, JUNE 2005
PAGE 20
SISTREN REASONINGS
Strength Of A Women
By: Issa Kelly
Rastafari women search the deepest parts of our spirits
and our history to have the strength to trod this path. Finding the
power and energy to sustain us we need not look any further then
the strong women of Christianity and Rastafari.
In the beginning of creation JAH created woman from
Adam’s rib. Not from the sternum to be ahead of the man, not from
the spine to be behind the man, but from the rib to be along side
the man. JAH did not select this bone haphazardly, for we know
that He does not doing anything without purpose. Eve was created
out of the rib to signify our place. The men are the children of JAH
and the women are the children of man, but, we
were both created by the same love and JAH
loves us equally.
In the beginning of Christianity we see
that Jesus had strong women around him. Mary
Magdalene being the strongest and seated at
His right hand. She was the first He appeared to
after He rose. We receive these teachings from
John 20:16-18 “16 Jesus said to her, "Mary."
She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabbo'ni!"[Teacher!] 17 Jesus said to her, "Do not
hold me, for I have not yet ascended to the
Father; but go to my brethren and say to
them, I am ascending to my Father and your
Father, to my God and your God." 18 Mary
Mag'dalene went and said to the disciples, "I
have seen the Lord"; and she told them that
he had said these things to her.”
At the foundation of Rastafari, H.I.M. Haile Selassie I
going back two hundred and twenty-five generations, is the Queen
of Sheba (Ethiopia), Makeda. She ran a country, a home, bore and
raised a son that continued the root of David. She lived her life for
JAH and in the Kebra Negast [M.F. Brooks translation, 1995 –
Chapter 79, page 123] it tells of the favor she found in JAH’s site
“As for thee my Queen, thy wisdom is great and it surpasses
the wisdom of men. There is none that can be compared with
thee in respect of thy intelligence, and the understanding of
thy heart is deeper than that of men, except my lord Solomon.
But thy wisdom so far exceedeth that of
Solomon that thou hast been able to draw the
mighty men of Israel and the Tabernacle of
the Law of God with thy skill and thine
understanding.”
One of the greatest military tacticians
and field commanders was an Ethiopian
Empress by the name of Candace. She led her
troops to victory over Alexander the Great. And
lest we forget Queen Mother Yaa Asantewa of
the Ashanti tribe in Gold Cost of West Africa,
who, along with four other queens, led the
bloodiest battle of the Anglo-Ashanti wars and
defeated the British troops in 1896. This battle
was the last in those wars and was the last battle
to be waged by a woman on the African
continent, to date.
Empress Menen was held in high
regard. While H.I.M. was at war she
In the book ‘The Gospels of Mary’
COURTESY: ADELÉ SMALBERGER ©2004
administered the country and encouraged the
[Karen L. King 2003, page 14-15] in the
HTTP://WWW.ARTERY.CO.ZA
people to remain steadfast. She did many
Papyrus Oxyrhynchus 3525 verses 2-7 the
works for the poor and built schools. At her passing His Majesty
disciples were distressed after Jesus had risen. It was Mary
said these words, “…Now, in that by the law and commandment
Magdalene, in her strength that comforted them. The disciples
of God, none that is human may avoid return to earth, Her
asked, “2How are we to go to the rest of the world preaching
Majesty the Empress, after a few days of sickness, has
the good news of the Realm of the child of true humanity? 3
departed this life. The passing of Her Majesty, the Empress is
For they did not spare him how will they keep away from us?
4Then Mary stood up and greeted them; she tenderly kissed
grievous for myself and for the whole of the empire.”
Sisters, we, the modern women of Rastafari, have heavy
them all, “My brother and sister, 5do not weep, do not be
burden to carry. We are not feminists, but the children of these
distressed, nor be in doubt. 6For his grace will be with you,
strong women, from Eve to Queen Makeda to Empress Menen.
sheltering you. 7Rather we should praise His greatness, for
We must rise to this legacy with self-assuredness and wisdom to
He has united us and made us true human beings.”
move the Rastafarian community forward. ¯
SOUL-TIES CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
Rest In Peace my soul-tie Shakeino Lightbourne, for even though you seek the father through the Pentecostal Christian Faith and InI
through the Orthodox Rastafari Faith, you have taught me love and friendship bredren intertwining your soul in InI. May your soul
forever abound in JAH Grace!
"But as touching brotherly love (PHILEO) . . . ye yourselves are taught of God to love (AGAPAO) one another." — 1 Thessalonians 4:9
"Obeying the truth. . . unto unfeigned love of the brethren (PHILEO), see that ye love (AGAPAO) one another." — 1 Peter 1:22
“[Man] is not meant to live for himself alone, he exists with others and for others, and it is this sense of social consciousness which
distinguishes him from all other beings”
– Haile Selassie I
PAGE 21
IRASCOM JOURNAL
THE UTTERANCES OF H.I.M.
Spiritual Kinsmen
"Knowing that material and spiritual progress are essential to man, we must ceaselessly work for the
equal attainment of both. Only then shall we be able to acquire that absolute inner-calm, so necessary
to our well-being. Whenever conflict arises between material and spiritual values, the conscience plays
an important role and anyone who suffers from a guilty conscience is never really free from this
problem until he makes peace with himself and his conscience. Discipline of the mind is a basic
ingredient of genuine morality and therefore of spiritual strength. Spiritual power is the eternal guide, in
this life and the life after, for man ranks supreme among all creatures. Led forward by spiritual power,
man can reach the summit destined for him by the Great Creator. Since nobody can interfere in the
realm of God we should tolerate and live side by side with those of other faiths. In the mystic traditions
of the different religions we have a remarkable unity of spirit. Whatever religion they may profess, they
are spiritual kinsmen. While the different religions in their historic forms bind us to limited groups and
militate against the development of loyalty to the world community, the mystics have already stood for
the fellowship of humanity...in harmony with the spirit of the mystics of ages gone by. No one should
question the faith of others, for no human being can judge the ways of God."
~ H.I.M. Emperor Haile Selassie I
MEDITATIONS – CONTINUED FROM PAGE11
music itself was teaching people about their dirty ways they are
living and the prejudice way they are living on the Earth – that is
what Reggae Music is all about. Reggae Music is not a ting where
you jump up and drink beer and drunk yaself up and then you say
Reggae Music deal with Fiyah burn and alla dem tings. I n I no deal
with those kinda things. This is conscious music, the words... we try
to reach people who have been influenced by the system and are
doin wrong to others all over and we want Babylon to change their
way, yanno and to find their spiritual side. That is what Reggae
Music is all about.
Danny Clarke added, “We listen... we might hear some
other singers, yanno, some other singers… some like Luciano or
like some of Sizzla sometimes. We want to
keep it in the conscious way. But some they
just recycle and recycle. Their’s is not
creative.”
Finally I asked... “Do you think it will change,
do you ever think it will come around
again?” Ansel replied, “Change, no I don’t
see no changes.”Danny added, “We are
trying to change it though.”
Ansel
continued,
“What’s
happening today, it will just remain and then
the next generation will just take it another
with that, we have no time for them kind of tings. I tell people we no
sing dat kind of music but others will.”
We then spoke briefly about some conscious singers, like
Luciano and I mentioned that if people could get to hear conscious
music, maybe things would change. Ansel responded in this way:
“I’ll tell you something else, if there are changes, the
media are the ones who have to make the changes because they
are playing what the youth hear on the radio. Remember when you
first go to school, you hear about ABC, ABC, ABC and that’s what
you remember, that’s what stays on your mind. The radio stations
& television stations have the biggest influence job in the world. So
they are the ones that have to make a change. What they play,
that’s what the youth gwan buy.” The
interview had to end here, as they needed to
head back to the hotel and get ready for their
return home the following day.
I want to give my deep thanks and
gratitude to all of The Meditations for their
kindness and graciousness in allowing me to
interview them when I know they must have
been tired at the end of their tour and the end
of this show. A special thank you also to
Electric Dread (soundman) for helping to set
up the interview.
The more I learn about this
level after we leave. Because if we take it L TO R - CLINTON (BASS),ELECTRIC DREAD (SOUND)
AND GLEN (DRUMS)
music and the music business, the more
from the 70’s until now, the whole thing
© 2005 ThatReggaeWoman
I am in awe of these pioneers of
changed. From the death of Bob Marley,
Reggae. To put up with the adversity surrounding being out of the
then it changed. When Bob Marley died, it was Yellowman that
mainstream not only in music, but in your faith and lifestyle,
take off and the message that he was spreading was a different
requires great strength and conviction. You may not be in
thing from Bob. Then you have Shabba Ranks come along and
agreement with some of their statements in the interview, but there
alla dem come along and Buju Banton come along. When Buju
is no denying that to still be performing together is a testament to
Banton and Capleton come along, they was talkin about women’s
the talent and message that The Meditations bring forth. They are
parts and guns and alla dem tings but they get conscious now.
doing JAH’s work and they deserve our respect, support and
Buju more conscious now in his teachings and the message he
encouragement. If you are blessed to have them appear in your
delivered. He’s reaching out to the people again. Capleton deal
area, do NOT miss catching these legends live.
more with the spiritual side now. . But otherwise some of the youth
For more information, including tour dates please
now, is preaching to the youth but they mislead because they teach
contact: www.easystar.com¯
about violence and guns and alla dat kind of ting. But we no deal
VOLUME I, JUNE 2005
PAGE 22
DID INI KNOW?
Falashas And Other Jewish Peoples
By: Brother Paliani
unconsciously or subconsciously indoctrinates brains with petty
There are historic and linguistic evidences that suggest
prejudices against everything that looks black or African.
that a greater number of the dominant majority Jews (mostly white
What is also very peculiar about the Falasha is the
skinned) who occupy land in Palestine called Israel claiming it to be
astonishing revelation that starting from 1979-1985,the C.I.A.,
their “promised land” and those scattered in Europe and America,
Mossad and the Sudan State Security in collaboration with the
directly descended from an ancient Khazar Empire in Eastern
American Jewry, American and Israeli N.G.Os masterminded and
Europe which flourished from 7th to 11th Century A.D. It was
carried out operations in a clandestine manner to smuggle the
around 740 A.D.when Judaism became the state religion of the
Falasha out of Ethiopia to Israel through Sudan. The first was
Khazar Empire, which prior to that had been polytheistic. “The
called Operation Moses. It took place November 1984 until 5,
large majority of surviving Jews in the world are Eastern EuropeanJanuary 1985 where about 7,000 people were rescued do the
and thus perhaps mainly of Khazar origin. This would mean that
Ethiopian Civil War. After a second rescue called Operation Sheba
their ancestors came not from Canaan but from Caucasus; and that
in March 1985, an estimated total of 17,000 Falasha had been
genetically they are more closely related to the Hun, Uigur and
taken to Israel. Most were taken out of Ethiopia and few remain
Magyar tribes than to the seed of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” [A.,
there today. As the Jamaica Observer of 21st January 1985
Koestler (1976), The Thirteenth Tribe, p.17].
reports, the cost of smuggling one Beta Israel person was
When the once mighty Khazar Empire was moving
estimated to be 10,000US$ and resettlement in Israel cost a further
towards its nadir, some of the Khazarian communities and tribes
25,000US$. The New African
migrated into Poland, Hungary,
Magazine,
headquartered
in
Lithuania, Russia and the Balkans
London, of November 2003 reports
where most of them continued to live
that there are now about 60,000
until the dawn of the 1st World War.
Black Jews or Falasha living in
As Brother C.Luwani
Israel where they face racism and
points out in his article which
segregation.
appeared in the Weekend Nation
In his article entitled
Newspaper of 26th-27th April 2003
‘Jewish
Roots
In
Africa’
under the ‘Religion Column’, not
(www.ubalt.edu/kulanu/africa.html),
much has been talked about
George E. Lichtblau, who once
communities of ‘non-white’ skinned
served as an Israeli Foreign
Jews some of whose ancestry can
Service officer in the 1960s,
possibly be traced to the biblical
elucidates that long before 8th
twelve tribes of Israel.
century B.C., Jews had already
In Ethiopia there are
settled as traders and warriors in
communities of Black Jews called
Yemen, the horn of Africa, Cush,
the Falashas [Editor’s note:
COURTESY: www.galenfrysinger.com/falasha_village.htm
Nubia and Mauritania. He also
Falasha is used in this article
goes further to elucidate that the early Jewish presence in Africa
although they call themselves Beta Israel (House of Israel) and
started to spread widely in the 2nd and 3rd Centuries A.D.
Falasha is considered by some to be a derogatory term] that live in
extending into the Sahara Desert and further along the West
Gondar, a place that is situated in the north-west of Lake Tana, in
African coast and possibly to some Bantu people in southern
Ethiopia. “Their preservation of and adherence to old testament
Africa. In this regard, not only does Lichtblau single out as an
Jewish traditions is undeniable. For they observe the Sabbath,
example the 40,000 Lemba people who still trace their ancestry to
practice circumcision, have synagogue services, follow dietary laws
Jewish roots, but also the Beni-Israel of Wolof and Mandinge
of Judaism…Offer sacrifices on Nisan 14 in the Jewish religious
communities in Senegal that claimed to have descended from the
year.” [M.F. Brooks (1995), Kebra Negast, p.175].
tribe of Dan, one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
One school of thought argues that the Falasha are from
Indeed in support of Lichtblau’s splendiferous work,
the Cushitic group of Agau people who embraced the ancient
amongst the three traditions regarding the origin of Agikuyu which
Jewish religion when it arrived in Ethiopia in 5th Century B.C. While
is the largest tribe in Kenya, is that they are of Jewish ancestry.
according to their own traditions the Falasha trace their lineage to
“According to S. Ruhwa, the Agikuyu came from the Abacii in
the nobles of Jerusalem who are said to have accompanied Abna
Abbysinia (Ethiopia) who belonged to the tribe of Judah and
Hakim (son of King Solomon and Queen of Sheba who is recorded
migrated passing through Meru, thereby settling and multiplying at
to be the 1st Emperor of Abbysinia (Ethiopia) from the Solomonic
Mukurwe WA Gathanga from where they further dispersed.” Rev
dynasty) on his way back to Abbysinia from Jerusalem.
Dr. P.N. Wachege stated in his book ‘Jesus Christ Our Muthamaki
Despite what the pages of history can testify, it is very
(Ideal Elder)’ [1992, p.9].
ironic and unfair that the Falasha have been denied the utmost
According to Lichtblau the synagogue archives in Cairo
veneration they rightly deserve. In the same article, Brother
keeps documents in which names of old Jewish communities south
C.Luwani implicitly argues that this has been likewise for “obvious
of the Atlas Mountains many of which still existed in the 15th and
reasons.” I personally suggest that perhaps he would like to mean
16th centuries A.D., cannot be found. ¯
that it is all due to the quasi-viral effect of the software that
PAGE 23
ELDERS – CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
As we gather from time to time at the many conferences and
make wonderful presentations, let us now back our words with action.
Let us intensify our efforts in realising our goals in no distant future.
The twenty-two points resolution from the 1983 Intl. Conference 53 of
the Global Union 2003, the 15 from the recent African as well as the
many others from the regional summits must be condensed and put into
effect. A five-year plan of action should see of the realisation of seven of
the most vital points.
Firmer links and dialogue with the African Union in the quest for
repatriation must be on going. The many attorneys in Rastafari must be
identified, united and ready to represent I and I in the international Courts
of Justice.
I and I as a nation are now armed with the expertise that is needed to
take our rightful place among peace loving nations of the world.
How important also is the need for inity among sons and
daughters of Rastafari as I and I gather here in the 42nd anniversary of
the inauguration of the Organization of African Unity. As said then by
H.I.M Haile Sellassie I the first. ‘UNITY’ today is still the only accepted
goal.
The problem that confronts us today must be addressed in no uncertain
manner.
The struggle of one must be the struggle of all. The present crisis on the
Shashamane Land Grant in Ethiopia must be addressed Internationally.
Let us not lag in our efforts. Let us not fail our ancestors who have
fought the good fight and entrusted us with the mantle of administration.
Let us strive together with all our combined strength from Island to Island,
Country-to-Country, Continent-to-Continent in safe guarding this livety for
the present and succeeding generations.
As said by the Emperor Haile Sellassie I the First. “We must
look into the depth of our souls. We must become something we have
never been and for which our education and experiences and
environment have ill-prepared us. We must become bigger than we have
ever been, more courageous, greater in spirit larger in out look. We must
become members of a new race overcoming petty prejudice owing our
ultimate allegiance not to nations but to our fellow men within the human
community”.
The tasks ahead are numerous, but if we manifest the
examples given to us by His and Her Imperial Majesties I and I aims and
objectives will be achieved. This year being the diamond anniversary of
the coronation of His and Her Majesties is no doubt a prime time for such
manifestation.
As the day’s progress and I and I continue our discourse let us
arrive at important conclusions and put in effect practical measures for
the realisation of our goals. I and I give thanks unto His and Her Imperial
Majesties for bringing I and I here safely in Panama where many of our
people have worked, struggled and died. We anticipate a very
successful gathering that will be written in the annals of I and I history.
Thank you. ¯
IRASCOM JOURNAL
MIAMI, FLORIDA - USA
July 22, 23, 24, 2005
S.I.T.E.
The Grand Palms Spa Resort & Golf Country Club,
Pembroke Pines, FL.
Imperial Greetings Family and Guests,
You are invited to E.A.T. Aboard World
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and Multimedia Event we begin Production of the
filming of The Lazarus Project: E.A.T. JAMAICA,
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This Family friendly Weekend will host
private screenings of Life & Debt a film by
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Shows, complimentary Spa Treatments, Wellness
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giveaways. Take a moment to relax, rejuvenate
and renew.
80 Rooms and Suites are reserved to
accommodate
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and
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Occupancy includes Living Room with sofa bed
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Contact:
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Special Events Director:
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Phone: (941) 922-3576
Phone:(941) 921-9840
URL: http://www.saveourculture.com
URL: http://www.saveourculture.org
email: [email protected]
VOLUME I, JUNE 2005
PAGE 24
10TH CARIBBEAN RASTAFARI CONFERENCE IN GUYANA
July 31 – August 8, 2005
Preparations for the 10th Caribbean Rastafari
Conference, slated for the 31st of July to the 8th of August, 2005 in
Guyana, are proceeding feverishly.
The launch of the Conference was held at the Umana Yana in
April 2005. The event was graced with the presence of dignitaries
from the Caribbean Rastafari Organisation and from the
Government of the host country, Guyana.
According to sources, it was the first time in its history that the
tabernacle-like Umana Yana, juxtaposed to the leading five star
hotel in Guyana, had felt the presence of the local Rastafari
Community and its foreign delegation. It is, however, hoped that
this signals a turning point in the thinking and attitude of a largely
isolated Rastafarian community.
The Guyana Rastafari Council (GRC), a duly registered
organization operating in the interest of Rastafari in Guyana, hosts
the conference.
The GRC is presently suffering the lost of its founder, Bongo Isdras
who is hailed as a respected Elder by a cross section of the local
Rastafari Community. Bongo Isdras’ untiring efforts and his lifelong
contributions to the cause of Rastafari will earn him a place in
history as one of the leading figures of the local Rastafari
Community.
The Conference with the theme “Historical Awareness,
Spiritual Upliftment and Economic Development” seeks the
consolidation and formalization of Rastafari across the middle
passage.¯
GIVE THANKS AND PRAISES!
InIversal RasTafarI Community
c/o Jamaica Office
#2 Terra Cotta Close
Kingston 8, Jamaica, W.I
To join IRASCOM apply to the following link
http://groups.msn.com/RASCOMTheRastafarianCommunity
For information on IRASCOM email IRASCOM Administrator at
[email protected] or visit our website at www.irascom.cjb.net
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