Author Archives: Jodi-Ann

By Jodi-Ann Morris

The year was 1926. Carter G. Woodson was the son of former slaves. Within him sparked the idea of “Negro History Week.” After fifty

"I'm proud to be Black...."

years of celebrating this dynamic culture, in 1976 “Negro History Week” evolved and blossomed into Black History Month. Eighty years after “Negro History Week” sprouted into being, this flower of cultural appreciation has continued to grow into a worldwide celebration. Every February, the beauty, stains, blood and tears that have held and strengthen the African culture in America and other countries are revisited and symbolically honored.

Weeds in the garden

However, as the months and years after the Civil Rights era fade into the yellowing pages of history, the importance of this month has become less valuable to some members of this present generation. The echoes of personal upliftment and the drive to “emancipate yourself from mental slavery” (Robert Nesta “Bob” Marley) have fallen on deaf ears for some youths of my generation.

"De-weeding"

They are quicker to point and blame the system for their downfall than tapping into their own reservoir of strength and knowledge. Though, to some extent, one understands that some of the bitter images of history that have diffused into the reality of their world is the base for their sentiment.

Blooms of Hope

Then again, with much hope, all is not lost for those whose blood is innately crossed and tied with the African ancestry. That hope of creating more strength by building a more esteemed culture seems to have crossed the threshold.  There is a growing amount of young persons who are starting to become more aware and appreciative of their history. The works of men and women like Woodson, Martin Luther King and Angela Davis have charmed the spirit and hopefulness within them. That seed of desire to blame others and ignore their talents have dried up and has been replaced by a beautiful bloom of self-reliance and courage.

United by blood

All text and photographs by Jodi-Ann Morris.

A young couple strolling hand in hand at Devon House, Jamaica.

by Jodi-Ann Morris

The whole idea of Valentine’s Day has slowly transformed itself into a sideshow that has progressively pushed cynics about the matters of the heart over the edge. Don’t get me wrong I’m a lover not a fighter (cue The Kinks 1960s I’m A Lover Not Fighter playing softly in the background.) but this red and white day has created a love-hate relationship with cupid.

Valentine's Day hearts and decorations.

Expectations and Agitations

Each year, it is certain that there are some girls who secretly wait with baited breath for the moment their boyfriend or hopeful romantic makes a grandiose public display of affection. For some men, this is the time when the feeling of slight agitation becomes their dear old friend for the day. With hints from their significant other to the constant mainstream and business reminders of Valentine’s Day, allowing others to see how you feel about someone can become a bit stressful.

“We live in a generation of not being in love.”

Disclaimer to remember: Lover not fighter! However, I can’t help but assuming the role of devil’s advocate. Valentine’s Day does have the characteristic of lacking depth and true emotions. The reason why some of us love Valentine’s Day is that we like the picture it paints of being in love. We like what we see and not necessarily what it feels like to be in love. We’ve grown so accustomed to the idea of being in love that for some of us the definition of love has changed. Cute cupid armed with a love arrow, rainbows, and hearts has commercialized love for us. So this Valentine’s Day and every day after that, actually know the feeling of love whether it is for a special someone, your family or friends.

"Love" necklace in the weeds.

Photographs taken by Jodi-Ann Morris.