The US Review of Book gave the last edition of Marcus Teaches Us, a huge recommendation, a Gold Seal in fact. And now it’s a new day as we begin the 3rd edition of this awesome little book. It’s not so little any more. One day, Ireka Baker, that great artist from Jamaica, sat with me to create the 1st of its kind, a book for kids about Marcus Garvey. It went to the Institute of Jamaica. in 2012 I published the 2nd edition as we tried to inform a larger public about this famous Black philosopher who was much more international than just a National Hero of Jamaica.
Now in 2021 here comes the 3rd edition with an all black cast of illustrators, authors and book formatters in salute to this far-seeing man.
As I work I am beginning to miss some great artistes like Nina Simone. I was feeling her song.. It’s a new day.
Feeling Good Birds flying high you know how I feel
Sun in the sky you know how I feel
Breeze driftin’ on by you know how I feel
(Refrain:)
It’s a new dawn
It’s a new day
It’s a new life
For me
And I’m feeling good
Fish in the sea you know how I feel
River running free you know how I feel
Blossom on the tree you know how I feel
(Refrain)
Dragonfly out in the sun you know what I mean, don’t you know
Butterflies all havin’ fun you know what I mean
Sleep in peace…
Even though Marcus sleeps in peace he is still with us. Reminding us to remember the kids as they are the future. Reminding us that it is up to us to be so strong in our self-determination that together we become effective power wielders changing the balance of power in the society.