It’s Black History Month again!
Having been brought up in a Christian home, I was never taught about my African ancestry. Indeed, I believe that as descendants of enslaved Africans, my parents (who are both from Jamaica) were so cut off from their African roots that they had no idea they were of African origin. If they did, they never mentioned it. All that was drummed into me as a child, was the need to accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour, otherwise I would spend an eternity in hell fire.
As I grew into an adult, I sought to develop my own relationship with my Creator, and as a result, began to question everything I’d been taught to believe. One day, I asked God for ‘the Truth’. This led me to begin learning about my African ancestry as well as the history of the religion I’d been indoctrinated into (amongst other things!). At the time, it came as a big shock for me to discover that my roots were actually in Africa. I’m still surprised how many ‘West Indians’ (where exactly is West India?) refuse to believe that they are actually of African origin.
I was led to write a novel to share everything I’d discovered since asking God for ‘the Truth’ in 2007: I wrote it in story form because some is made up, and some is based on my own life! The main character in the story writes poetry just like me! 😉 In Year Two of my Self-help novel ‘Single, Spiritual…AND Sexual!’ she writes the poem ‘Who Am I?’ which you can listen to here:
Some people believe that slavery is history and that we should just ‘get over it’. But I’ve seen how ‘Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome’ still affects descendants of enslaved Africans both in the church community, and in the ‘conscious Black community’ today (even with my Self!). I believe the psychological damage was far worse than the physical trauma my ancestors went through, because it’s still affecting their descendants today.
Sometimes, in order to go forward, you have to go back; the above ‘Sankofa‘ Adinkra symbol represents just that.
The work I do with my poetry, art and Self-help books aims to help free my people from mental slavery; to build trust, heal minds, and build sustainable Black relationships.
‘Love Bump’ by Cezanne 2009
You can read an Extract from Year Two by clicking on the image below:
We should also remember that Black History doesn’t begin with slavery! It’s important that we remember our rich history before the enslavement of our ancestors as well!
Art Sale!
I’m taking part in a BHM exhibition at The Enterprise Centre, 639 High Road, Tottenham, London N17 (Lordship Lane). Four of my paintings are on display including ‘Love Bump‘, which are in my Art Sale, for more details go HERE
You can learn more about the Colour Therapy & Symbolism used in my paintings by visiting my Art Page.
What Do Men Really Want? and ‘How to Get the Ring On Your Finger’
For details of these events I’m taking part in during October 2014 visit my Events Page!
Stay blissed!
Cezanne (Artist/Poetess/Author)
Touching the Heart…through Art!
P.S. I am visiting the Motherland for the first time in November (Ghana), to do research for my next book; if you would like to make a contribution towards my 3-month visit, consider buying a painting, purchasing a SIGNED COPY of my books, or making a Donation (see bottom of page).
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