RAISE Jamaica is an organic farming project dedicated to uplifting the people of Jamaica by fostering sustainable organic agriculture, education and economic development.

Episode 1: The Land, People, and History of West Papua

Speakers:
Leo Imbiri (Papuan Customary Council)
Octovianus Mote (United Liberation Movement for West Papua)
Javiera Rosa (Papuan Women Coalition)

This Earth Day, Papuan women are raising their voices to call for your support! The giant Freeport Mine in Timika, continues its destructive operations leading to loss of food and water sources of rural communities. Meanwhile large-scale palm oil plantations bring heavy flooding in Papua’s urban areas.

Here’s a preview of an interview with environmental defenders Irene Fatagur (Papuan Voices) and Adolfina Kuum (Komunitas Peduli Lingkungan).

'Why is Africa, such a rich country in opportunities, so poor?'

‘Africans must come home.’ Because of this quote by ex-president Nyerere (Tanzania), the life of Godfrey Nzamujo (Nigeria) was completely transformed. As a young student, he had come to California, living an easy life with the money of his community and the church. After seeing starving African children on TV, he decided to go home, where he transformed a piece of wasteland into ‘Songhai’ a successful project in Benin that moved Ban Ki-moon to tears!
I met this Dominican friar in Amsterdam together with Dutch entrepreneurs. Africans are called to go home, because ‘the future of Africa lies in its lands, its climate and its agricultural work, which is so poorly appreciated in the continent today.’

‘Afrikanen moeten naar huis terugkeren’. Door deze uitspraak van ex-president Nyerere (Tanzania) veranderde het leven van Godfrey NZAMUJO volledig. Aanvankelijk leidde hij een comfortabel leventje in Californië met het geld dat zijn gemeenschap en de kerk hem voor zijn studies ter beschikking hadden gesteld. Na beelden van ondervoede Afrikaanse kinderen, ging hij naar Afrika terug. Hij transformeerde een stuk braakliggende grond tot de bloeiende onderneming ‘Songhai’ in Benin, een ongelooflijk succesverhaal dat Ban Ki-Moon (secretaris VN) volledig enthousiast maakte voor Afrika.
Ik ontmoette deze dominicaanse friar in Amsterdam samen met Nederlandse agrarische ondernemers. Nzamujo roept Afrikanen op, zoals eens Nyerere deed, om zich in Afrika in te zetten want ‘the future of Africa lies in its lands, its climate and its agricultural work, which is so poorly appreciated in the continent today.’
Volledig interview in ‘The Dominican Way’ (Bloomsbury, Londen) en ‘Ongewone Wegen’ (Pelckmans, Kapellen)

The Elevation Report (In the Community) presents Prof Bayyinah Bello of Haiti in discussion and ceremony at Stonebridge Park, London, June 2018. In this segment Bayyinah Bello explains the colours associated with the LWA in Haitian Vodou.

"The Uprise" by Kool Kim of The UMCs and Jah-I-Witness Emcee.

From the album "E11EVEN"

FINAL PART OF BIOGRAPHY OF BLACK JAZZ MUSICIANS :
Fats Waller:
Thomas Wright "Fats" Waller was an American jazz pianist, organist, composer, singer, and comedic entertainer.Known for his stride piano style, Waller was a masterful improviser and composer, known for songs like "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "Honeysuckle Rose."He was a prominent figure during the Harlem Renaissance and was renowned for his energetic performances and charismatic personality.

Louis Armstrong:
Louis Armstrong, also known as "Satchmo" or "Pops," was a pioneering jazz trumpeter, vocalist, and influential figure in the development of jazz music.His innovative trumpet playing and gravelly voice helped define the jazz genre. He was known for his virtuosic improvisation and innovative use of scat singing.Armstrong's recordings such as "What a Wonderful World" and "Hello, Dolly!" are classics, and his influence on jazz and popular music is immeasurable.

John Coltrane:
John Coltrane was a groundbreaking saxophonist and composer who played a key role in the development of avant-garde jazz and free jazz.His albums such as "A Love Supreme" and "Giant Steps" are considered masterpieces and have had a profound influence on generations of musicians.Coltrane's innovative approach to harmony and improvisation, as well as his spiritual quest, continue to inspire jazz musicians around the world.

Nat King Cole:
Nat King Cole was an American jazz pianist and vocalist who became one of the most popular and successful entertainers of his time.He is best known for his smooth baritone voice and hits like "Unforgettable," "Mona Lisa," and "The Christmas Song."Cole broke barriers as one of the first African American performers to host a television variety show, "The Nat King Cole Show," in the 1950s.

Sarah Vaughan:
Sarah Vaughan was an exceptionally talented jazz vocalist known for her rich, expressive voice and impressive vocal range.Nicknamed "Sassy" and "The Divine One," Vaughan was celebrated for her mastery of both jazz and popular music.Her recordings, including "Misty" and "Lullaby of Birdland," showcase her remarkable vocal technique and emotional depth, solidifying her status as one of the greatest jazz singers of all time.

Marian Anderson:
Marian Anderson was a groundbreaking African American contralto who achieved international acclaim as one of the most distinguished classical singers of the 20th century.Despite facing racial discrimination, Anderson's talent and perseverance led her to become the first African American to perform at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.She is perhaps best known for her historic concert at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939, after being denied permission to perform at the Daughters of the American Revolution's Constitution Hall, where she sang for an integrated audience of 75,000 people.