uJunkanooing©
Tolerance Tourism: Seeing Through Eyes of Simplicity.
 | The Bahamas from Space  |
An Unlimited Perspective Changes the Narrative and How You See Me.
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"Shhhh! I don't really see color!"
"No need to be silent or embarrassed...We can talk about it"!
If we talk about us, we can unlearn hidden biases.
"We all have stereotypes that limit our perspective. Hidden biases can be costly and embarrassing, but we can change the legacy we leave behind."
uJunkanooing© is appreciating African Diaspora through the indigenous celebration of Bahamas Junkanoo. As mediation art, uJunkanooing juxtapositions the African next to the European to open mindsets to the rich vibrancy of difference. Participants stepping outside of their bubble into the culture of this Black nation discern that blackness is not a crippling synonym for inferiority. Educultural activities include Junkanoo mask-making for critical self-analysis and developing intracultural skills.
• ABLE (American Bahamian Literary Entities, Inc.) uses the transformational concept called uJunkanooing© from The Bahamas to meet you where you are on your diversity journey. It follows ancient West African traditions for inner cleansing to help you understand how to see others in their true potential, so you do not have to engage in more polarization from uneasy silence.
• The Caribbean waters are sprinkled with small island nations like The Bahamas with an ethnic diversity imprint of Africa, Europe, Asia, and traces of the Carib and Taino Indians, the original inhabitants of this territory. Although people know this area most as a tourist destination, cultural diversity is the specialty this region excels in. Whether the nations here are a melting pot, fusion of cultures, or a distinct ethnicity, this locality has positioned itself as a teacher in the complexities of racial harmony.
• The Bahamas as more than "sun, sand and sea" is an educultural experience for the one who wants a complete transformative change. This comprehensive, on-line course uses the culture of The Bahamas to demonstrate how to combine the power of privilege with the potency of difference for a new vista. Here, new content titillates creatives:
The writer learns how to write in Junkanoo. Thought leaders re-discover the connection to think limitlessness. The earnest seeker finds an in-depth application of the social-economic principles of equality, inclusion, and equity, learnt from practical attempts at better race relations that is more than social conditioning or subjugation.
For Writers, Thought Leaders, and Earnest Seekers
Icelyn Russell Cate, Educator, shares each of the 12 major islands of The Bahamas in a unique teachable message about the power of difference and the healing beauty of contrast. Born on Mayaguana, the least traveled island of The Bahamas, she had opportunity to study as an exchange student in the United States, earning her first degree in Inter-American Studies.
This uJunkanooing© course has twelve (12) series divided into six (6) sections. It powers your curiosity because it is as an educultural exchange in tolerance tourism in a premier destination, while informing more about The Bahamas' true historical position as place.
Islands of The Bahamas
Explore this ancient pathway to healing in a cultural space that is not contentious.
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| NEW SESSION BEGINS NOVEMBER 5TH, 2023-DECEMBER 9TH, 2023. 2 live on-line sessions with guest speakers. | PART ONE: RE-DISCOVERY New session starting soon! |
- SERIES 1. NOV. 5th, to DEC. 9th, 2023- NASSAU-"Intro to uJunkanooing©"
- SERIES 2. JAN. 7th, to FEB. 11th, 2024- ELEUTHERA- " Difference: Tryst or Truce" Love celebration Feb. 10th, 2023
- SERIES 3. FEB. 25th to MARCH 16th, 2024- BIMINI- "Discovering a Blue Mind" Writing in Junkanoo included.
SERIES 1. NASSAU -INTRODUCTION to uJUNKANOOING© | |
Immersion into the Intriguing Methodology of Bahamas Junkanoo | |
West African mores influence this spiritual experience in a progressive Black majority-ruled nation, dismantling the ingrained negative narrative that blackness means inferiority. Participation in the indigenous "Shack Experience" helps peel away any superficiality, readying hearts for the pinnacle turnaround of finding "me." This uJunkanooing© experience re-connects us back to ancestry.
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UNDERSTANDING DIFFERENCE
SERIES 2. ELEUTHERA- DIFFERENCE: TRYST or TRUCE | Eleuthera means freedom. Cigateo is its original Arawak name. |
REMOVING THE MASK TO DEAL WITH HARD THINGS: Loving the difficult requires more than strength, but rather discernment, some distancing, forgiveness, and redemption. |  |
Pink sands and colliding waters of the dark blue Atlantic Ocean against the calming azure Bight waters of Eleuthera create a natural phenomenon of nature shaping how differences can co-exist not as inclusion or hostility but simply as the aesthetic beauty of contrast in harmony in close quarters.
| "Difference as Contrast" Pink Sands of Harbour Island near the island of Eleuthera.  |
CREATIVE BAHAMAS
SERIES 3. BIMINI "IMAGINATION AT NEW HEIGHTS" |
| Unleash the creativity of a Blue Mind in healing Bahama waters. Bimini with its deep mangrove forest demonstrate the co-existence that nurtures diverse life above and below the surface. |
The Bahamas nurtured the ability to dream...
This segment explores the hidden attribute of The Bahamas as "place'' in literature instead of merely a tourist destination. As place, it is a reconciliatory safe space to inspire change and discourage the narrative of ''othering." Three iconic personalities were affected by the blue waters of Bimini, Bahamas. Hemingway relaxed from writing with fishing. Jimmy Buffet's escapism to his imaginary non-places provided psychological release. MLK's inspirational speeches mushroomed from drawing from imagination at new heights in an environment that stimulates the unique creativity of a Blue Mind. | |
 Hemingway's Bimini  Hemingway's works were almost non-fictional; at least one character mostly always represented him and his life experiences. He won the Nobel Prize for literature for his impressionable, The Old Man and The Sea, after previously winning the Pulitzer Prize for this same novel. Buffet's Escapism/ Margaritaville Escapism is the stuff of fantasy when there is no real secure place to escape in reality. This non-place is more engaging. Sensory perceptions (hearing, smelling, touching, tasting, and seeing) are more heightened in the region with waters called the most beautiful place on earth from space. | MLK Jr.   "I refuse to accept the idea that man is mere flotsam and jetsam in the river of life, unable to influence the unfolding events which surround him." At 35 years of age, this Georgia born minister was the youngest person then to receive the Nobel Peace award. Martin Luther King Jr. received inspiration for his acceptance speech from writing in the mangroves of Bimini, The Bahamas. The Big Game Fishing Club is where MLK frequently stayed during his visits to Bimini. Film: The Life and Legacy of Bimini’s Ansil Saunders in Mighty Waters– The Venturing Angler. Provides an in-depth encounter of MLK's inspiration from his visits to the mangroves of Bimini. |
| "We didn’t have time to fish because he wanted to just write at that time. He came to Bimini to feel peaceful.” Ansil Saunders, legendary Bahamian fisherman. | |
| SPECIAL BONUS: How to write in Junkanoo: Resetting a Fractured Identity. Writing in Junkanoo helps convey feelings of respect, trust, safety, and well-being because Bahamas Junkanoo is not only the medium to relay new information without hostility, but is also the source of transformation from a fractured identity. | |
PART TWO: IDENTITY CREATION Dealing with Change |
- SERIES 4. JULY 3rd, to JULY 29th, 2023 San Salvador- " Changing the Narrative
- SERIES 5. AUGUST 7th, to SEPT. 2nd, 2023 Cat Island-" Mystics and Semi-primitive Spirituality"
- SERIES 6. SEPT. 11th to OCT. 7th, 2023 The Abacoes- "Identity Creation and Nationalism''
| SERIES 4. SAN SALVADOR: What Columbus Missed | SERIES 5 CAT ISLAND: Mystics and Semi-primitive Spirituality | SERIES 6 THE ABACOES: Identity Creation and Nationalism |
| Europeanism and New World Controversy | Back to the Bush...the hard part is getting there! | Case Study: The British Loyalists Resistance-More than mere Indoctrination? |
The conquest of the westward route to discovery funded with aid of the Christian alliance.  Explore the opening of the New World and its lost cultures from the perspective of primitivism. Build on lessons learnt so that we don't repeat the same mistakes. San Salvador or Watling Island... Guanahani is the name the indigenous Taino Indians called the island.... | Cat Island is a time capsule of fierce West African mystical intrigue and lingering fusion of European influence. A reclusive healing space for urbanites, difference here means "going back" to natural faith life skills for that special inner cleansing.From locally grown bush medicines to native Rake and Scrape music full of folk rhythm and rhymes, Cat Island with its rituals is a cocoon for that needed wellness and reflection for metamorphosis.  Sir Sidney Poitier (1927-2022) "The Elegant King" HOW HUMBLE CAT ISLAND CHANGED AMERICA Those from the humblest beginnings can change the way America sees itself. |  Loyalism versus Nationalism and Majority RuleThis study highlights vocal pre-and post-independent Bahamas resentment to the creation of a newer identity outside of colonialism. Fervent Abacoenian resistance, even now, almost 50 yrs. since Bahamas independence in 1973, characterizes the local narrative voice, revealing how deep the exceptionalism theory of former colonial powers influences ability to embrace difference.   |
PART THREE: EARTH HONORING FAITH Social Responsibility |
- SERIES 7. OCT. 9th, to OCT. 21sth, 2023- The Exumas " Natural Communities in an Era of Responsibility"
- SERIES 8. OCTOBER 23rd, to OCTOBER 28th, 2023-Mayaguana-"The Search for 'Old Mayaguana.' Refiguration After the Ideology of Supremacy"
| SERIES 7. THE EXUMAS: "Natural Communities in an Era of Responsibility." Ecology Conference October 8th-11th, 2023 | SERIES. 8 MAYAGUANA: " The Search for' Old Mayaguana.' Refiguration After the Ideology of Supremacy" |
| Examines the conflict between human needs and nature in a global economy. | Chaos versus calm in a place of solitude. The natural world against the ideology of supremacy. |
 Awe inspiring first sight of the pristine Exuma Cays with its BLUE- GREEN WATERS expands the mind to see flux instead of scarcity, and that care of nature is what will set the outer limits of a peaceful human existence. This eco-spirituality tests the fervor of industrialism against moral concerns of what should be kept as sacred.  Modernization verses the preservation of natural communities stimulate this thought-provoking discussion series on diversity as respecting vulnerable community rights. | This least developed and hardly visited island has a sparse population of less than 400. It still retains its primitiveness, even its original Lucayan Indian name. Yet, modern life has touched it and left its decaying scars. The glaring ruins of the American military base of the 50's, leased to facilitate a US missile tracking system for Nasa's Apollo space programs, has crippled imagination of " What do we do with isolated Mayaguana?"  * Case Study Refiguration exercise. Picture or imagine using the principles of diversity to make suggestions for the future development of this island in light of its history. |
PART FOUR: MUTUALITY and DIFFERENCE MAKING DRUMM Principle |
- SERIES 9. NOV. 6th, to NOV. 22nd, 2023 -Long Island "Social Engagement and Difference making
| SERIES. 9 LONG ISLAND: Social Engagement and Difference making |
Residents honor excellence in action, greatly respecting local talent who practice administering justice and mercy with humility. Hard work, determination, and a willing spirt to face and override hardships govern the ethics handed down to younger generations.  Honoring Excellence Long Island inhabitants are known locally for farming sheep and goats on this sixty- mile- long narrow landscape with rolling hills. But Long Islanders are noticeable for their enthusiasm for social engagement and community development. For decades, their Long Islander's Association has been the fundraising unit for the success of local projects and entrepreneurial projects.  Equality, Equity and Inclusion for personal development to further empower their community is the motto: "Saving for a rainy day'' is a modest catch phrase here compared to the deep-rooted principle of community that surpasses racial distinctions. Long islanders do not adhere to the rigid separation in race relations. "People empowerment" is this island's wealthiest asset. Cousin "So and So" can be fair and blue eyed as well as black, but the "we is family" always seem to apply to their unspoken no color barrier. Long Islanders love Long Island because it is a healthy nourishing environment where most thrive. We study this island community to learn its unique principles of difference-making to understand how humanitarians with the pull to do more can learn how to take their power of privilege to provide help but not disturb the status quo of a person's ability to uplift themselves. There are no long-term missions here outside of long-established churches; help is self-help from an indigenous spirit of personal responsibility not disrupted by modern social ideologies that destroy incentives. DIFFERENCE MAKING PRINCIPLE Humanitarian assistance must help unlock the personal development of the locals for a region to thrive, otherwise any initial aid rendered will only create a " bleeding cause" of mission work with no sustainability. We study Long Islanders and their difference-making formulas to emulate application of this dimension of gift-giving that stimulates a lifestyle of limitless growth. |
PART FIVE: INNOVATION vs. EXPLOITATION Entrepreneurship |
SERIES 10,11.12, DECEMBER 4th, to DECEMBER 22nd,2023
- SERIES 10. Grand Bahama " Freeport the Unbending Social Order "
- SERIES 11. Andros " Difference as Synergy. Fusion Marketing"
- SERIES 12. Inagua "Preservation vs. Exploitation"
| SERIES. 10 GRAND BAHAMA: "Freeport'' The Unbending Social Order | SERIES. 11 ANDROS: "Difference as Synergy. Fusion Marketing" | SERIES. 12 INAGUA: Preservation vs. Exploitation. Commerce and Naturality |
| Privilege+ Power: The Hawksbill Creek Agreement of 1955 | Innovative Entrepreneurship | Corporate Social Commitment When a Company Employs the Whole Island |
"Freeport'' was created as something out of nothing from the pine fields of Grand Bahama. Much foreign investment perpetuates a tight hold on the economy of this area.  Diversity case study:
 |  Fusion of African and Indian traditions created these world renown baskets and artifacts in an isolated existence.  Blue Holes of Andros  Black Seminole |
Morton Salt and its Commitment to Racial and Social Justice. This is the moment of truth for our country, for our communities, and for our company...And the time is now to step up and unite in the fight against racism and social injustice. Like so many others, we’ve been reflecting, listening and learning about how to make our impact felt, not just heard. That’s why we’ve been taking time to thoroughly and thoughtfully address how we will help drive progress towards racial equality in our society. While we do not have all the answers, we are committed to driving positive change within our company and communities… The Delicate Balance WALK HER WALK |
Walk the Walk. Click Below:
BONUS DISCUSSIONS:
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ACKLINS, CROOKED ISLAND, RAGGED ISLAND: SOUTHERN BAHAMAS SUSTAINING THE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF DIVERSITY FIGHTING ADVERSITY | “Forward upward onward together” These local communities are examples to the world in how to commit to cultural diversity as respect for the heritage landscape we should protect and pass on to future generations when social change means globalization and the possibility of destruction from loss of preservation. | SPANISH WELLS: EXPORTING EXCELLENCE AS THE MODEL FOR SUSTAINABILITY |
THE GROVE: BAHAMIAN INFLUENCES IN THE FOUNDING CITY OF COCONUT GROVE As multicultural tourism becomes the new thrust of the orange economy, ethic neighborhoods like West Coconut Grove, Overtown, and Little Haiti are playing a larger role in South Florida's multi-billion-dollar tourism industry. This is a major step for these ethnic neighborhoods as heritage tourism.
In 2014, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau's new Multicultural Tourism Department's marketing plan focused on luring visitors to the city's Black and ethnic neighborhoods, understanding these are untapped markets to add more Florida tourism dollars. West Coconut Grove was among the 5 Black neighborhoods targeted by the bureau's Multicultural Department. However, the Black Coconut Grove with its prized stories and its invaluable contributions to the development of Miami is threatened with gentrification. Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove: Preserving this Special Collection of Cultural Historical Value
Proposed Jumbey Destination Event: Annual West Coconut Grove Family Reunion Festival during Black History Month. Jumbey in the Streets is a taste of the Bahamas through celebrating the reunion of legendary families in the area. The proposed Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove and West Coconut Grove Family Reunion embraces the new model of polyculturalism that showcases creativity in diversity while respecting traditions. Recognizing that art and culture drives business development, the aim is to attract creative capital to bring new money into the local community by designing a destination event that brands this region’s Afro- centricity. This cultural amalgamation proposes to create concept-based curations telling the heritage story of who we really are through local near centurions and childhood memoirs of outstanding residents, offering a multi-disciplinary and interactive engagement for the cultural tourist. “Let me tell you my story” is the collaboration of African- Americans and Bahamian descendants of British colonial influence, creating a unique poly-cultural visitor experience through voices of authenticity. Stories are documented with the visual and passionate tales from the heart to understand the social issues and identities of this close-knit neighborhood. The Bahamian row houses, which still punctuate the West Coconut Grove, area attest to the quiet strength of Bahamian principles that still thread through the community. Itt combines with and does not overshadow the Georgian and Carolinian African-American presence. Both ethnicities bonded through a traced heritage trail of African presence through the arts. Whether it is the lure of the West African originated Bahamian Junkanoo practices or distinct African-American ethnicity, the Coconut Grove Family offers up a concierge for the cultural tourist of discriminating taste. |
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13 Videos
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1 Quiz
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9 Worksheets
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7 Files
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Bahama Roots Don't Die, They Go Deeper to Tell You Better
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Junkanoo as Creative Space to Appreciate Difference
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Freedom: Bahamas Junkanoo the Transparent Medium for Diversity Storytelling
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Freeing the Mind of Hidden Biases: Bahamas Junkanoo as Mediation Art for Transformation
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Difference as the Beauty of Contrast
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Blundering Hidden Biases
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The Blue Mind...Nurturing the Ability to Dream...
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MLK and the Mangroves of Bimini
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Europeanism and New World Controversy: The Lucayans
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Reconciliation: The Shift
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Bahamianization- Male Pride
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The Loyalists
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Identity Creation and Nationalism
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Hope so Strong
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The Ethical Dilemma of Earth-honoring Faith and Moral Complacency in an Era of Responsibility
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The Conflict of Equality: Human Needs vs. Eco-spirituality
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Earth as Necessary Play
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Old Mayaguana
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Mayaguana Case Study: What do we do with Mayaguana?
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Case Study: An intimate Portrait of a Community with the Passion and Formula for Difference-making
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Equality: The intimate Dynamics of " All of We is One!"
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Equity: Indepth look at Social Engagement and the Vibrant Local Civil Society of Long Island
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Inclusion: The Depth and Quality of Inclusion as " We vs. It"
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The Unbending Social Order and the infamous "Bend or Break " Speech
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Innovation and Entrepreneurship
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Black Seminoles of Red Bays, Andros
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Blue Holes
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Corporate Social Commitment When a Company Employs the Whole Island
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THE SYMBOL: COMMUNITY AS DIVERSITY OF BELONGING
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THE MEANING OF THE FLAG OF THE BAHAMAS