Greetings,
To answer one of the questions of Positive_Vibration:
In different words, can a person of non-African roots truly claim 'Rastafari' without always having to take a step back?
I will say first, that all the posts, particularly the last ones, are clear enough to answer your question. I think. You will have always to step back since you are in a BLACK Movement that have AFRICAN roots and that is AFROCENTRIST.
Secondly, I think that those questions should have been asked to Non-African descendent Rastas.
What I mean is that as African descent Rastas (or Black concious) it is NONE OF OUR BUSINESS to ask ourselves if a Non-African Rastas can truly be Rastas. Only YOU can answer this question. And yes, African descent Rastas are also here, on this forum, to spread some KNOWLEDGE of the History of the Movement (the roots that goes far from the day of coronation) since a lot of Non Africans haven't done research and haven't read books.
Do you overstand what I mean?
It is up to YOU to know your place. Don't expect us (African people) to tell you this or that.
What I mean is that only YOU have to know what you are looking for in a Black Movement, what are you looking for in an AFROCENTRIST Caribbean Culture? As an African descent woman, as a great grand-daughter of HAITIAN Neg' Maroons, I KNOW what I am looking for and why I want to become a RASTA Queen.
But I am not here to wonder if a Non-African descent person can claim truly 'Rastafari' without always having to step back. To be honnest, I don't care!
Everybody has to know if they are really constructing their own identity from their own roots, if they are just imitating, or if they are concious that they are identifying but know what they are talking about when they say 'RAS-ta' and know their place as Non African Rastas.
But, what I can tell you is to meditate on what Empressgong said:
Again non-afrakans have to understand WHAT THEY ARE NOT.
I think it sums up everything.
Concerning the role of Non-Africans concerning repatriation and reparations, I think they can support when asked and not take it upon themselves to lead. One has to acknowledge the correct order within the Movement. Becoz' only we, African descents, can govern our own affairs and decide for ourselves.
But once again, it's up to YOU to know what kind of help you can offer, knowing your place as a Non-African. I can't know it for you.
Are you with me so far Bro. Positive-Vibration?
I don't have time to develop more.
Paix et Amour. Valérie.