Meditations of Empress Salifa

From The Rastafari Expression,
A regular column by Kaya I IsesaJah, Sep 25, 2005         

I have heard primarily two viewpoints on the Repatriation of Africans, particularly Rastafari online. Some are of the idea that white Rastafarians as well as blacks should repatriate, if they feel in their hearts, that this is something they should do. I have also heard the idea that white Rastafari should not endeavor to make the journey.

I am always quite amused to hear the ideas that many Rastafari have either for or against white Rastafari repatriating. Some make the case that in order to "re" patriate, you must have first been directly descended from Africans. As H.I.M is directly descended from Solomon, and as an example all of we are not, white Rastafari can only claim their African heritage at the biblical beginning of the world. They may also believe that if whites repatriate, it is in direct disagreement or intent of H.I.M will for the land. Blacks may feel that to allow whites to repatriate is again a way for whites to try to control and hoard the black man. Perhaps it does.

Others make the case otherwise. They feel that white Rastafari should indeed repatriate, and those who disagree, in a sense are committing "reverse racism". White Rastafari make clear that if their Kings or Queens are of two different 'races', would they not follow their spouse to the land, if he or she is intent upon leaving this Babylon? They will usually quote the 'War' speech of Haile Selassie, especially the part that tells us "...until a mans skin is of no significance of the color of his eyes..." as a defense supporting their cause. Perhaps it does.

My meditations may surprise some. As I said I am of Haitian descent. I have gone through the prejudice, and the discrimination and hate. I have had to assimilate into a culture which was not that of my forefathers. But in truth, I have benefitted by being born here. I am educated. I am content with my place in life.

ADVERTISEMENT:

Of course there are things that need to change. There is evil here. But there is evil everywhere. Could there even be evil, disunity, backbiting, harmful vibes in Shashamane? Truly sin does not distinguish color. I have truly meditated on this.

Although the Rastas in Shashamane are a tightly knit community, I know ones who will tell you that they have differences, of opinions, which leads to ill will from time to time.

Knowing these things, and being a black Rastafari myself, I meditate upon them quite frequently. I have family who are 'biracial', sistren and my best sistren who are 'multiracial', and they are all just as affected by sin as I am. I have white friends and even loved ones. How could I possibly distinguish these friends and loved ones, when it comes to Rastafari repatriation.

But how could I be untrue to my own heritage that for centuries whites tried to take away from my people? While meditating these two prominent feelings, I get so hurt and confused. I know that confusion comes from the evil one. Why do the scriptures not talk about our repatriation, why are we not guided by Jah?

I find I am double minded about the whole topic. And when I am double minded and confused, I go to Jah to pray. So within my meditations, and my prayers, for many months, finally I came upon the answer, the answer for me that made such sense.

We as black Rastafari must change our mindset about whites repatriating. We must encourage them to repatriate as we encourage our black Rastafari family to repatriate.

You see in order for my land to be my true Zion, it must be as close to how perfect Jah wants our heaven. It must be perfect when He comes back. Of course there is sin, and will always be. Human beings havent begun to figure out how not to commit sins. Perhaps that is why things seem to be going slow for our repatriation. He is giving us some more time to get more unified. More accepting and more loved, and more loving, toward all of our brothers and sisters, coming from all the races.

Once we can show Jah that we can live amongst one another in unity, and the ties that bind us are Rastafari, then He will be satisfied. He knows our trouble, all 'races' with sin. But perhaps our beginning of redemption will start with our own effort in showing Jah that we can live amongst all Rastafari people. These are my meditations and the result of my prayers.