THE EDITOR, Sir:
AS A so-called independent nation, we have failed to teach our children the most valuable ideas, specifically at the primary and secondary levels.
Our political leaders have failed to instil an introduction to Garveyism in the minds of our students. We continue to preach the Western philosophy, which does not adequately explain the ideas of our immediate society.
Is it that our own ideas, our own philosophies are inferior to the great western philosophies? Must our students be deprived of the knowledge embedded in Garvey's thought?
Garveyism's core ideas include self-reliance, because we are just as capable as any other race.
With this, Garvey promotes entrepreneurship, where future leaders can develop ideas and become owners of dynamic enterprises. He also believed that blacks should have a strong sense of identity and unification, which would empower our people through all their endeavours.
We have failed to teach our children about black upliftment, and it is because of this that we continue to perpetuate the subconscious belief of white supremacy. It is because of this that the 'long hair, light skin, blue eyed' girl is pretty. It is because of this that primary school children, who are dark and have short hair, feel that they are ugly.
When will we understand that it is at the roots of education that we must teach our children, the core ideas of Garveyism?
This technique will by far be a solution to many of our problems including crime within our country.
I, therefore, urge our leaders and people of Jamaica to remember the words of Marcus Garvey: "Up you mighty race, you can accomplish what you will".
I am, etc.,
ADONIA CHIN
atschin2@yahoo.com
Kingston 3
