Freedom Writers, the Riley twist

 Biko Kennedy, Gleaner Writer

An event that grew out of 'Negro History Week' and the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans, Black History Month has become, over the years, a celebration Jamaican society sometimes acknowledges at a distance rather than close up.

Golden-voiced reggae crooner Tarrus Riley is trying to change that with the Tarrus Riley Freedom Writers Competition, for individuals to recognise and acknowledge that Black History Month is so much more than a month about Martin Luther King Jr.

"It's not as though we don't appreciate or do not want to acknow-ledge what other great blacks have achieved, such as Martin (Luther King) and Malcolm X, but as a society, I think we needed a reminder of our legacy; from Marcus (Garvey), Sam Sharpe, Paul (Bogle), Nanny, and all our freedom fighters, and that's where the single Shaka Zulu Pickney comes from," explained Riley.

"Upliftment is something that I'm about, and want to teach the youths in our society through music. Just like when I said, 'She's royal' and 'She's just a good girl, gone bad', people/youngsters gravitate to it easily and can relate to it quickly. So, in the Shaka Zulu Pickney song, we mention names like (Patrice) Lumumba, Nyabinghi, Bobo Shanti, Kunta Kinte, Kuma and such, for them to look on and research to find out who they are," Riley explained.

Freedom Writers was also a movie, created in 2007, based on the novel The Freedom Writers Diary. The movie stars Hilary Swank, Scott Glenn, Imelda Staunton and Patrick Dempsey. The title plays on the phrase 'freedom riders', which refers to a group of students who rode buses to test the desegregation of interstate buses in the United States in 1961.

With the Tarrus Riley Freedom Writers Competition, opened to individuals 13 to 17 years of age, Riley hopes to keep persons inte-rested in what blacks have globally accomplished, not just the slavery aspect of our culture.

Deeper meaning

"In Jamaica," he said, "Black History Month should mean, not only emancipation from the twisted lies we tell ourselves about our society, but more so the greatness that Africans had, and will continue to achieve. Personally, my most favoured piece of Afrocentric work would be that of The Philosophy and Opinions of Marcus Garvey, it's like a Bible to me!

"With Black History Month nearing its end, it is hoped that the youngsters of the society will realise that our black skin shouldn't be seen as a badge of shame, but rather a glorious symbol of national and cultural greatness. Since every juvenile is into music and deejaying and such; put pen to paper, and compose a song/poem/essay embracing African history, the life and work of their favourite hero(es) and/or black revolutio-naries," said Riley.

The main prize, tentatively selected, will give the winner the chance to record a brand new single and have his or her back-to-school expenses covered, among more prizes which will be announced later.

To enter, send a copy of your entry to Trileyfreedomwriter@iriefm.net by February 28.