Jamaica Me Proud...
Marsha N. Lindsay, Ed.D., CDE
Education Consultant | Speaker | Mentor | Passionate about supporting Student Success | Advocating for Equity, Inclusion and Belonging |Transforming organizations for over 25 years.
Today is Jamaican Independence Day. As a product of strong Jamaican heritage, I am proud not only for the rich culture, diversity of its people, but also for the amazing legacy my family created. I know for some, Jamaica is a small island, and the only significant contributions are that of Bob Marley, Marcus Garvey, Usain Bolt, Sherry Ann Fraser-Pryce, and other amazing athletes.
This year my family was proud to watch Ebony Drysdale Daley (first Jamaican Judo competitor), compete. As we watched with pride as Elaine Thompson- Herah, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson swept the 100 meter dash. We celebrated the historical achievement of Thompson-Herah breaking the record of Florence Griffith Joyner's 1988 record by.01 seconds, finishing the race with a time of 10.61 to take the gold, we were shocked to hear a seemingly intelligent announcer say, it was remarkable that one of the runners was able to accomplish this because where she lived had no running water and dirt roads.
Jamaica may be a small country, with a lot less luxuries than the United States and other western countries. However, every country has its challenges, and I want to reiterate Jamaica is a proud nation with diversity of thought, races, ethnicity and food. So, as the country celebrates Independence day, I want to encourage those of you who do not know much about this great country to learn something new, so you will not get caught in the ignorance vortex.
Jamaica is a small, but mighty nation.
National anthem: Jamaica's National Anthem - Bing video
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Brief History: Jamaica - The independent country | Britannica
Finally, my family members who have significantly impacted culture, arts, music, athletics, and servant leadership. I am proud to be a multi-cultural person, and recognize I was privileged to grow up in a very diverse family dynamic where because of my grandparents, parents, aunts, cousins, and siblings, I learned early that we are gifted, blessed and amazing human beings.
Thank you to those who honor our legacy by passing on the pride, persistence, power, courage, strength and faith to the younger generation. Jamaica's motto is “Out of Many, One People”. I celebrate myself, my family, and the individuals who are proud of where they come from, and recognize we stand on the shoulders of great people.
Happy Independence day to a great nation.