THE EDITOR, Sir:NINA SIMONE'S death in Marseilles, France, provides a strange twist to the ongoing debacle between that country and the United States of America. Colin Powell is quoted as threatening France in the wake of its refusal to support the recent U.S. invasion of Iraq. This is "strange fruit" the song immortalised by Billie Holiday about the brutality of lynching which forms a central aspect of American culture. The American brand of racism drove Ms. Simone to France many years ago and even in a recent interview with Tim Sebastian of the BBC's Hard Talk she spoke of the terrible impact of racism on African-Americans.
MASTERY
I saw her perform at the National Arena in Kingston and was struck by her mastery of the piano and her passion as she sang Young, Gifted and Black and many other beautiful songs. What a voice and what a woman she was, but her country the United States did not provide a safe and welcoming place for her to be, so she left for France. Although France has practised its own racist policies it has been home to many African-Americans. I hope that there are people in the United States who will remember the long history of its relationships with other countries including France and respond appropriately.
Today is the day of the American Empire, when it is omnipotent but history identifies many empires which have risen and fallen. Jamaica was once a part of the British Empire on which the sun never set. Did our foreparents cower in fright, some did but most resisted stoutly with all of their being. Are we to bequeath to our children a country in which we live in fear of the mighty? All of our national heroes have showed us differently.
We must also be aware that many African-Americans have doubted the purpose of the invasion as they see their communities decimated by crime, drugs, unemployment and the contempt of the authorities. Who cares? Let us all learn from history or we shall be making the same mistakes again. The world is looking on with bated breath, we are shocked and awed at the power of the Americans. Those who have lived long enough recognise that absolute power corrupts absolutely, our own leaders in Jamaica need also to recognise the pitfalls.
I shall always remember the power and passion of Nina Simone and will be inspired by her struggle for justice in America and the world.
I am, etc.,
HILARY ROBERTSON-HICKLING (Mrs.)
hrhick@uwimona.edu.jm
