Jamaican Girl
Irie Contemplation: Art work by Kayli A. Harris, 14 years old, May 2020
Always soak the salt fish overnight and boil it so it’s not too salty; when you cook rice and peas, use half a bag of kidney beans and wait until the peas burst, season it up good and then add rice, cook on low heat so the rice don’t get di bun bun on di bottom of the pot; Girls can do anything they want; You don’t HAVE to do anything just because you're a girl and you CAN be and do everything as a girl; Perfection is the meaning of your name but not an expectation; Always do your best; Go to church and Sunday school every week, if you want to party Saturday night and bleach until early Sunday morning don’t come home to sleep, mek sure you bathe put on your church clothes and get there on time! Work hard; Be responsible; Be kind; Remember to PUSH: Pray Until Something Happens; Always drink a cup of hot tea first thing in the morning; Know that with God all things are possible. Don’t sit on the sidewalk or outdoor steps you will catch a cold up under besides that is not ladylike; Stand up straight; Don’t let you lip bottom hang; Don’t spit in public; Don’t eat while walking on the street; Don’t walk barefoot on the dirty ground; cross your legs at your ankles when wearing a skirt or dress; Always behave like a nice young lady. Be proud of your Jamaican heritage; Take care of yourself; take pride in how you look; keep your nails clean and trimmed; brush your teeth daily 2-3 times; Stop sucking your thumb you will get buck teeth! Keep your surroundings neat; Mediocrity is unacceptable; Work hard; Be smart; Never drink from a punch bowl at parties and always stand with your back against a wall when outside at night; Stand up straight; Walk up on your height; Show your teeth when you smile; Never wear shoes that are too tight you want pretty feet; N.O. is a very good word use it OFTEN
About Kamilah Drummond-Forrester
Kamilah Drummond-Forrester is a mother, wife, daughter and sister. She is the first born in the US from Jamaican born parents. Growing up Kamilah was surrounded by all things Jamaican, food, music, language and culture. She spent much of her childhood summers and school vacations back home. She is grateful for the duality of her cultural experience and credits this to her unwavering commitment to a Black consciousness and social justice. Kamilah is the Director of a social and emotional learning program for children in grades K-5 and is a trained facilitator who guides conversations with year long cohorts on topics related to social justice and equity.