Tribute to the Matriarchs and Patriarchs
September 3, 2002
by Ras Forever
A Tribute to The Matriarchs and Patriarchs of Rastafari: The Elders, The Statesmen and Women, The Defenders of the Faith. On the Celebration of The Ethiopian New Year. Sept 11th 2002.
Hail Rastafari, Blessed and Glory be to all in this the month of the Ethiopian New Year, especially to the ones who stood up and represented Rastafari under the leadership of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Sellassie and the banner of the ites, gold and green. They gave the only thing they could ever give, they gave the only thing they ever had, they gave their pain, their blood, their sweat, their tears, their lives. It is to this select band of men and women that we pay tribute to, for their memories, presence, and contributions and we are eternally greatful to them from this.
From this day onward they would continue to live in I an I hearts for generations present and for generations not yet born. To their families who stood alongside them as they struggled on, rest assured that Rastafari extend thanks to you also, and all the others with names unknown, who played what ever part, however small, to bring Rastafari to this day, much respect and thanks is due to you also. So no one is forgotten, when we pay tribute to the Frontline Warriors, the Elite Troops, the Standard Bearers, the Holy of the Faith.
We select for special mention, Leonard Howell, Joseph Hibbert, Archibald Dunkley, Robert Hinds, Altamont Reid, Paul Erlington, Vernon Davis, Ferdinand Ricketts, Bongo Watto, Sista Bubbles, Ras Pidow, Jah Bones, Rasta Headful, Papa Dyer, Peter Tosh, Jacob Miller, Bob Marley, Bongo Shep, Sam Brown Ras Mack, Ras Planno, Ras Alvaranga and the countless Matriarchs and Patriarchs not mentioned here, that you should add to the list.
No honor is to great, no tribute is to small as we make sure that the new generations of Rastafari, the world over, in every nation, among every people, and in all corners of the earth, hold steadfast with the sacredness of the memories of those who brought I an I to this day and to this hour, in this here hostile, unrepenting and unforgiving environment, where many would try to distract, deny, deter and destroy Rastafari.
In this light all Rastafari are reminded to be aware of the danger of mindless activities and discussion, with which those who would like to change I an I focus away from that which advances our cause.
In Africa today like elsewhere, a devastating bomb called HIV/AIDS, is being exploded everyday and it takes over eight thousand lives per day and we can expect to be flooded on the day of the Ethiopian New Year Sept 11th, with news of the American tragedy of the same date, which focuses on the lives of four thousand people lost at the World Trade Center, in unfortunate circumstances, that compares in no way, with what is taking place in Africa today.
On September 11th the Day of the Ethiopian New Year, we must keep our focus and remember the grave threats that Africa faces, while the Babylon system inundates the world’s communications networks with the one day tragedy of Sept 11th, World Trade Center in New York City, U.S.A. While at the same time billions upon billions of dollars are being spent on weapons of mass and further destruction and the tragedy and urgency that is HIV/AIDS receives mostly verbal platitudes and token resources, from those who have historically sucked Africa dry of her resources and wealth, and continues to do so, to this today.
Oh Rastafari in the month of September especially on the 11th, the Ethiopian New Year, the spirits of our Matriarchs and Patriarchs must prevail, the will to battle and solve the HIV/AIDS disease in Africa, the Caribbean and elsewhere, must prevail, the concerns of the world’s poor must prevail, the concerns of I an I people must prevail. Give thanks and praise to His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Sellassie I. RASTAFARI. Everytime.
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