Many times we ask ourselves why history and culture are so important. We often believe that the only thing that matters is the future, and that is why we forget the past and do not live in the present. Well, the reality is that we need history and culture in order to understand our present and make good changes to our future. If you think about it, what we do now will later become history for future generations.
Knowing the history of your country tells you about the culture and ethnic diversity. It also helps you to understand the international position, laws, and the outcomes of the country.
We bet that you already know a famous Jamaican. For an island of less than 3 million people, there are a lot of famous Jamaicans. Our community has so many important people in its history. Not only they are many of our famous icons here at home, but also they are known internationally. They are people who have had an impact on the culture of the country and the world. Some of them are:
Usain Bolt
He is one of the most recognizable Jamaicans today. Born in 1986, Usain is a sprint runner considered the fastest person in the world’s history. He is the current Olympic Champion and the first to win six Olympic gold medals in sprint.
Bob Marley
Born in 1945 and died in 1981, Marley is the best known and most loved performer and writer of reggae music in the world. He is known as a “freedom fighter with a guitar”. Furthermore, his promotion of peace and tolerance continues to resonate with a global audience.
He was a very admired person due to his way of seeing life. He was always relaxed and said phrases like “Don’t worry about a thing, ’cause every little thing gonna be all right.” Bob Marley is an inspiration for many because he gave back to the people who are in need of help. His story of becoming an inspiration begins when he was young lived in a dangerous part of Jamaica. Marley had to fight through the gang violence to find his escape in music.
Harry Belafonte
Inspired by Martin Luther King, he became an important and popular actor and singer who championed social and political causes. He initiated the “We are the World” recording and was named the goodwill ambassador of UNICEF.
Louise Bennett
She was a Jamaican folklorist, writer, and artist who lived from 1919 to 2006. Bennett traveled all around the world striving to promote the Jamaican culture. She is well known internationally for having received the Order of Jamaica in 1974 and being appointed as a Member of the Jamaican Order of Merit in 2001 for contributions to the arts and culture.
Bennett is considered the mother of Jamaican culture!
Jimmy Cliff
Born in 1948, Cliff is a singer, multi-instrumentalist, actor, and living musician. He is the only one who was awarded the Order of Merit by Jamaica’s Government for his achievements in the arts and sciences. He was instrumental in introducing reggae to an international audience and became one of the Jamaica’s first international superstar in the 1960’s, scoring hits in the US and Brazil.
If you wish to listen to his top 10 songs, click here!
In summary, understanding our country’s culture is a valuable sign of respect. It reminds us that we are part of a history, shapes who we are today and who we are likely to become in the future. Knowing our history and culture prepares us to interact in a global society and makes our communication more efficient.
Now that you know a bit more about Jamaica, it’s your turn to spread this information among your social circle to make everyone learn more of our community!
You can also learn more about some national heroes in the Jamaica’s history by clicking here!
