Dear Editor,

I write this evening to share the excitement of a new publication, Bembe Vision: Leadership Notes for The Belizean Classroom.

It is a book that will be free in e-format, downloadable from http://www.imagefactorybelize.com as of 20th September, 2018, the eve of our Independence commemoration.

Researched, written and designed by Yasser Musa, Katie Usher and Lito, this e-Book takes a different approach to examining our history, society and cultural landscape though the eyes of radical and revolutionary women across time and space.

Fourteen women are featured in the book: Elfreda Reyes — revolutionary; Marisol Amaya — journalist;  Felicita Cantun — culture warrior; Desiree Diego — world music champion; Zazil Ha — Maya mother; Cricel Castillo — pro-athlete; Lisa Shoman — human rights activist;  YaYa Marin Coleman — community activist; Briheda Haylock — artist; Cristina Coc — land rights activist; Rosita Baltazar — dancer; Lupita Quan — sports activist; Guadalupe Lampella — marine mother; and Audrey Matura — activist.

The book is designed to be a proactive and provocative tool for teachers and students to ask questions about why women continue to be left out, ignored and erased from the mainstream historical narrative, and why after decades of political independence we are still in a pathetic state as it relates This book also comes less than one year before the 100th anniversary of the 1919 riots (July 22-23), and the 50th anniversary of Amandala. In my view all these matters are connected because our school system is slowly coming to terms with the teaching of African and Maya history, which must become the bedrock and foundation of Belizean Studies.

With respect,
Yasser Musa
artist/teacher