OK . . . I'm hoping that from my past experience with the Jamaican people proves me right and that their philanthropic sensibility will shine thru in my situation. Here's the deal: I have a wonderful biracial: half Jamaican, half cauc. child. Other than what I've researched for her, she knows little about her Jamaican culture. Her father isn't much help, so I'm considering this site as a catalyst in her education.
I'm also considering a big "Jamaican" sister if I can find her here in corn country. I've heard that Big Sisters are trustworthy; it's just hard trusting my princess to a stranger.
Any advise?

First Satari we want to welcome you to everytingjamaican with a twist.

That is so good that you are introducing your daughter to her Jamaican heritage also. What grade is your daughter currently?

In a few more days we will be adding additional information to our Jamaican Culture page.

And who exactly do you call 'big sisters'?

more to come......

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Your warm welcome and follow-up is appreciated. I look forward to learing more and sharing with my daughter.
My daughter is 11 years old and in the sixth grade.
Although my daughter has been active in school and in her community with basketball, cross country, band, choir, African-Heritage Project (thru our local University), Waldron Arts (dance, theater, etc.), her interaction with others of diversity has been limited. There is a national program called Big Brothers/Big Sisters which offers mentoring to children from young, upstanding role models. Our local university is probably the most diverse organization locally and I am looking into a potential match there for her. I am currently searching for a West Indian young woman who could provide that experience for her.
I also felt this site would be a good resource as well.

First step, educate yourself. No chemist can seperate "Jamaican blood" from "cauc. blood". Her mother is from the USA and her father from Jamaica, nothing more needed. She is an American who can also claim Jamaican heritage(legally) if she wants.

Second, I think she might be a bit too young to be on the forums of this site.

Third, basically what you want is to allow your daugter learn to see all people as equals despite the external appearances, and, to learn about Jamaican/West Indian culture.

It would be best if she could meet a group of youngsters her age from different backgrounds. That way she would meet different people, yet realize that some will be nice and some not. She has to learn to look beyond the surface and see the inner side of people. Full stop.

Does she like to read books?. There are some good books about Jamaica/West Indies and certainly a trip to the Caribbean would spice up the lesson.

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One World, One People

The opinions expressed by Samba are not the official opinions of ETJ or its owners.

Samba:
My request was one for insight into the

culture through positive interaction. My hopes are to gather that information, and deliver whatever appropriate information

I find to my daughter. I didn't ask for, nor do I need a lesson on the proper way to "categorize" my daughter's

nationality and heritage.
Also, at no such time did I intend on letting my daughter roam free on this site.
The

last portion of your reply was a little less assuming and much more positive - that was appreciated.

Any advise?

Well the first thing know

already is some of us are quite fiesty. Hehe.

Racial definitions are overused (in my opinion) in the USA. Did you

realize that while Jamaican is a nationality, "cauc" is not?. Point was a child already has enough definitions to deal with

outside the home. Is my opinion so ignoring it is a option all readers will have.

Below is a link to a daily newspaper

where you can find historical articles about Jamaica and Jamaicans.

Previous articles are on the right of the page.



http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/pages/history/

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One World, One People

The opinions expressed by Samba are not the official opinions of ETJ or its owners.

I have a site for you......

www.jamaicans.com

they have a special section for children and learning of their culture and also books, items,

and other things children might enjoy.

I got my son a few books from there and he enjoys them.

also, there is a

book called "not a copper penny in my house" WONDERFUL BOOK about life of jamaica through a childs eyes...if you are

interested in the book let me know and i will get the author for you.

hope that helps.

Attached Images

jamaica.jpg (16.1 KB, 78 views)

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"All my friends are married and I'm stuck with you. It did not take me long to realise that my dreams would not come true....but remember, I settled for you."

Eleith,

Your site and book recommendation was

wonderful! My daughter loves the site and intends on using it as a reference in a Social Studies project.
I found the

book you were speaking of on Amazon.com. Although the reading age level is 4 - 8, we'll still check it out.

Thanks

again!

Not a problem at all.......i was glad

to be of service!!!

__________________
"All my friends are married and I'm stuck with you. It did not take me long to realise that my dreams would not come true....but remember, I settled for you."

Satari, I like what Samba was leading to. A trip to Jam., if possible, could be of great assistance. As we all know, reading a cookbook and looking at a picture of a cake cannot compare with the actual consumption. There may even be relatives in Jam. who could make the experience invaluable to your daughter. Enjoy!

your child is not biracial she is black, not half this half that, black has the stronger genes you should read up on it, your daughter has color and could never have a caucs. child, never ever she will have color for life no matter what. i have a little girl who mother is indian i call her black african american-indian, she is more of me than she is indian because i am black, black people have the dominate genes it is proven. im not taking away the indian side but she is black first, i know a lot of people on here is going to attack me but i speak truth, look at halle berry a.keys, bob marley