Bob Marley week in New York
THE US-based Americas Society has just wrapped its inaugural symposium on Bob Marley and his legacy, in New York.
The three-day event, exploring the life and work of Marley the musician, composer, Rastafarian and world cultural icon, brought together associates and compatriots of the first third world superstar including musicians, poets, and scholars.
Among the highlights was a conversation between Chris Blackwell, the founder of Island Records who launched Marley and the Wailers internationally and John Farley, author of Before the Legend:Rise of Bob Marley (2006).
It also featured Ibo Cooper music instructor of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, Herbie Miller of Jamaica Music Museum/Institute of Jamaica, scholars Robert Hill in a panel discussion on Marley as a consummate musician and as national hero of Jamaica. The discussion was moderated by Queens College’s Christopher Winks.
Related events, was the launch of Review 81 Bob Marley and His Legacy, featuring guest editors Lorna Goodison and Christopher Winks as well as poets/writers including Jacqueline Bishop, Kwame Dawes, and Shara McCallum.
The Americas Society is the premier forum dedicated to education, debate and dialogue in the Americas. Its mission is to foster an understanding of the contemporary political, social and economic issues confronting Latin America, the Caribbean and Canada. And to increase public awareness and appreciation of the diverse cultural heritage of the Americas and the importance of the inter-American relationships.