410 Years After Jamestown

I have been to Jamestown, Virginia days ago. I have learned a lot about its history. I already know many things about Jamestown, but now, I have a bigger picture understanding about its existence. The first inhabitants of Virginia were Native Americans. Native Americans who lived around Jamestown back then were the Powhatan. They spoke the Algonquian language in the Coastal Plain region of Virginia (in the Piedmont region of Virginia, many Native American tribes centuries ago spoke Siouan). Centuries ago, the capital of the Powhatan tribes was the location called Werowocomoco. After the Ice Age, they greatly came into VA. Spanish explorers visited Virginia, but the English were the first Europeans to develop a permanent settlement. By 1607, they formed a settlement in Jamestown. At first, they had more cordial relations with the Native Americans. Native Americans used open arms to help the English. Later, we know the rest of the story. War existed, Native Americans were displaced of their lands unjustly, many Native Americans died because of diseases, and many English died because of starvation (it was a new climate and many of the English didn't have extensive experience in agriculture in Jamestown). Wealthy British figures wanted gold, control of land, and power blatantly. John Rolfe was an English person who expanded the tobacco trade and expanded the Virginia Colony's influence and research. The story of Pocahontas existed during the First Anglo-Powhatan war, which was about Jamestown settlers and Native Americans fighting each other. Pocahontas' original name was Matoaka. She was kidnapped and learned of the ways of the English.

She later married John Rolfe and a temporary peace existed among the Powhatan and the English. After her passing, war was on and the Native Americans suffered continued genocide, murder, and oppression. By the 1700's, most of the Powhatan were either killed or their populations radically declined. Pocahontas' father was chief Powhatan (who lived in the Tsenacommacah or Tidewater Virginia). In essence, Pocahontas was an ambassador and a peacemaker. She passed away in 1617. Jamestown was the capital of the Virginia colony, then Williamsburg, and then Richmond, which is the modern capital of the State of Virginia. I saw a gift shop, a museum, recreation of Native American homes, re-creation of ships, and other locations. It was a great trip and the older woman tour guide was very educated and knew her stuff. I saw information about Africans in the museum too (from facts about Angola and the slave trade. It talked about earlier African cultures too. Africa is the location of the origin of human life, so as a black person, I will always love Africa). It was cold outside, so I had my jacket on. The Native Americans used animals, water, trees, and so many resources to live their lives back then. They used fire to make canoes for transportation. They used advanced creative technology to build homes and to survive in Nature. So, I have a great amount of respect for the indigenous peoples of the Americas. Providentially, I came today into Jamestown in about 410 years after 1607. I took many pictures of the areas in Jamestown.


Also, festivals existed for thousands of years among many creeds. The Thanksgiving the we know about has a long history. The Pilgrims left England because they experienced religious persecution from the Church of England. The problem with the Pilgrims is that many of them were complicit in the slaughter and murder of Native Americans. Many of the Pilgrims traveled into Holland before going into America. The Puritans wanted to reform the Church of England while the Pilgrims wanted a complete break from the Church of England. At first, I got Pilgrims and Puritans confused. Now, I know the difference. The Puritans were usually richer than the Pilgrims. Yes, the Native Americans experienced mass genocide and diseases as a product of Western imperialism. We certainly know about the past, so we can make a better future. When you think about it, this story is similar to the Jamestown story. In the Jamestown story, English settlers almost completely starved to death (in Virginia. The Powhatan tribes lived there and spoke the Algonquian language. One Powhatan capital in the area was called Werowocomoco). I'm from Virginia, so we were always taught about the Nottoway, the Siouan language, and other Native American tribes in Virginia. Later, Native Americans taught them how to plant crops in Virginia. Later, the Powhatan Native Americans were mostly exterminated in the Coastal Plain region of Virginia. In New England, the Pilgrims were dying off until the Native Americans taught them to live in the American environment.



More human beings are no longer on the sidelines on this issue as a result of Kaepernick's courage. His actions has a resonance, because what he is doing is not only right, but it is necessary to address the vitally important issue of injustice. American football has been in existence for almost 150 years and Colin Kaepernick has shown that there are things much more important than a game. They are justice, human dignity, and our inalienable rights as black people. Roy Moore is a disgusting man. I do hope that Moore loses the election. Moore is a stone cold bigot who believes that certain human beings are not people. He doesn't want any Muslim to hold public office. The decent people of Alabama hopefully can vote him out. The abuse of a 14 year old girl is reprehensible. This is beyond politics and any supporter of Moore is a total disgrace. The victims of this monster Moore are crying. They are hurting. That coward Moore deserves no respect. This is why we won't be silent on this issue. This is why we will support the rights of any victim of abuse period.

Yesterday was Birthday of Brother Joseph Simmons or Brother Rev. Run. For decades, he was part of the innovative hip hop group RUN DMC. This group made history in many ways. He was born in Queens, NYC. He was raised in the Hollis neighborhood. The group RUN DMC merged rock and rap in many of their records. They were the first hip hop group to go gold, to go platinum, and to be nominated for a Grammy. They are the first hip hop group to go multiplatinum too. Joseph Simmons now has a family and he loves his wife a great deal. He was in the realty TV show Run's House from 2005 to 2009. Family, spirituality, and music are large components of his life that he enjoys to express. He is a blessed man. I wish Brother Joseph Simmons a great Birthday. One of the greatest philanthropist and young heroes of our time is Sister Monique Coleman. For years, she has not only been in TV and movies. She has been active to help communities, speak on important issues, and inspire the young generation in achieving their goals with zeal. She is 37 years old and she was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina. She is a dancer, entrepreneur, singer, and philanthropist. She has worked in theater since she was a young person. She is famous for her role in High School Musical. She was in ABC's Dancing with the Stars show as well. Monique Coleman has worked in international anti-poverty initiatives as defeating poverty is a priority in our 21st century world. She continuously inspires the youth to be active in their communities as the future belongs to them basically. Monique Coleman has traveled the world to advance international peace and the cultivation of tolerance plus justice in the world. Also, it is right to do right by fellow people and to work towards social justice. She is a very kind person and I wish Sister Monique Coleman more blessings.


By Timothy