THE EDITOR, Sir:
PLEASE ALLOW me to use this medium to say a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Rae Davis, President of Utech and Mrs. Pat Ramsey for bringing renowned speaker and daughter of Malcolm X, Ms. Shabazz, to Jamaica for Utech's 46th Anniversary celebration.
It was so refreshing to hear about the other side of Malcolm X: the father, the husband, the lover; and to know that this powerful revolutionary balanced his private life with tenderness and humour and demonstrated the importance of maintaining equilibrium (yin/yang). Also for those who were unaware of his earlier years as a Garveyite and of his West Indian roots the talk was most informative.
It was also uplifting to be reminded that at the tender age of 28 with six children in tow, her mother, Betty Shabazz , remained a beacon of strength, guiding her children through oft times perilous waters, then went on to pursue her dreams, eventually earning her doctorate.
To me the timing of the lecture was impeccable. It came when our young people are being bombarded with all kinds of negative images and values and our young men and women are in need of powerful, vibrant, positive role models.
Thank you Ms. Shabazz, for gracing our shores with your presence. You were exhilarating!
I am, etc.,
COLETTE GARRICK
wanderer46@hotmail.com
3 Queensway
Kingston 10
Via Go-Jamaica
