Below are Extracts from
Karl “Aray” Miller’s Reprint of Negro Slavery.
Karl “Aray” Miller’s Reprint of Negro Slavery Release Documents
1. WhatsApp Message https://www.aray2.co.uk/pages/kamrons2-release-whatsapp-jest/
2. Press Release https://www.aray2.co.uk/kamrons2-press-release/
3. Extracts https://www.aray2.co.uk/kamrons2-extracts/
3.1 About the Author https://www.aray2.co.uk/kamrons2-about-the-author/
3.2 Reading List https://www.aray2.co.uk/kamrons2-reading-list/
3.3 References https://www.aray2.co.uk/kamrons2-references/
4. Flyer https://www.aray2.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/KAMRONS-leaflet-A5-V1.pdf
Front Matter
A Disclaimer
“Mi throw mi corn, Mi noh call no fowl,
Who the cap fits, let them wear it.”
Bob Marley and The Wailers, A Jamaican proverb.
A Warning
The past is history. Do NOT read this if you are of a weak, vengeful, or emotional disposition or suffering from mental behavioural disorders defined by ICD10 F00-F99 (see Wikipedia – ICD10, or expand section V at https://icd.who.int/browse10/2019/ev#/V). Side effects of reading this could include anger, rage, hate, guilt, depression, cynicism, retribution, and embitterment.
Human history is replete with great suffering and atrocities. In every country throughout the ages there have been atrocities and depravations.
We are living in the Anthropocene geological epoch, where humanity is causing mass extinction and degrading earth’s systems threatening all life on earth.
Dedication
To my African Family, descendants of my maternal Great Grandmother. To my Great Grand mother Miss Clea, who cured me using African / Jamaican bush medicine when as I baby and most had given me up for dead. She cared for me after I fell asleep in a coconut tree, and drop to the ground like a dry coconut. She worked from the age of 8 years old when her mother died. She cultivated and sold ground provisions (especially Afoo yellow yam) and made and sold at market the best chocolate (from cocoa pods) and coconut oil.
“To those many Jamaicans. Here and abroad, who have excelled internationally in so many different fields … and to all Jamaicans everywhere, whose achievements may not YET have been recognized, but nevertheless have no doubt whatsoever that they’re the Greatest “
A Plea
I am angry that in this day and age, in some countries I could be killed because of the colour of my skin; especially, if I walk in the wrong neighbourhood. Also some people of all races would like to harm my family or me, for advocating
Perhaps many of the changes advocated below may not happen during the 21st century but I hope great progress will be made in the next 200 years.
About The Author
See https://www.aray2.co.uk/pages/kamrons2-about-the-author/
Preface to Second Edition
I apologize for the quirks and foibles contained within this tome; and the breaking of some book writing standards. (I don’t know what I am apologising for, if you are a purist and not a superior Person (see The Ethics of Confucius by Miles Menander Dawson) you probably won’t reach this far). I am not a perfectionist. I rationalized that dilemma years ago after reading “Good enough is good enough, Good enough beats perfect” in “Good Enough” Security: The Best We’ll Ever Have”
I would like to pay homage and send BIG respect to the many people who are doing whatever they can to improve the lives and conditions of the African Peoples. I apologise to Bob Geldof with whom I verbally clashed at a meeting on development in St. James’ Church Piccadilly several years ago. Reducing or eliminating poverty will reduce conflicts. I have met many people doing such meritorious actions; whether it be collecting for charities, building schools, adopting (African) children or other such laudable activities. This is in contrast to some of the rich black patty people in the UK; who ostentatiously parade their wealth and of whom it is said their only contribution to the black community is to periodically visit the poorer black areas and buy a (Jamaican) patty.
I1 – Aims of this publication
I1.2 My niece travelled the world after graduating from university. One day she asked me something akin to “Why are Black people always in the bottom strata of societies in the African Diaspora, especially in the Americas and the Caribbean”. She described the poverty and deprivation she experienced amongst black peoples in several countries she had visited. Although post slavery effects are partly to blame, some of the current factors such as institutionalised racism, inequality, skin colour prejudice, need to be and are possible to overcome. We discussed the issues and concluded that much progress needs to be made in improving the lives and conditions of Black Peoples. Year after year African countries languish in the bottom / worst positions of most indices detailed in the annual United Nation’s Human Development Report. (https://hdr.undp.org)
I understand the argument that it is less than 100 years since many of those countries gained independence after over 400 years of subjugation, slavery, colonialism, neo-colonialism and imperialism. But in this age of rapid technological and social advances, more could have and should have been achieved to improve the lives of the poor. Some expectations may be too optimistic; but at least provide the environment and give them the ability to help advance themselves.
I1.4 To give Black people courage. I postulate that many professional black people (especially those who achieve high office) are at some times cajoled into denying their heritage or denigrating their race. When visiting New York many moons ago, I attended a March and demonstration to protest at the killing of two young black boys who took a short cut walk through an Italian neighbourhood. Instead of joining one of the two streams of demonstrators coming into Brooklyn I decided to wait for them where they merged. The Police and authorities had banned the marches and were determined to ensure that they did not merge. While looking at the massed police officers, with their shields and guns, I noticed an elderly Black Man in high ranking uniform. I Shouted “Chief, How many Niggers are you going to kill today!” I proceeded to cuss them. I think in my ranting I made the point that they could make the demonstrations merge peacefully or have a field day killing Niggers often repeating “Chief, How many Niggers are you going to kill today!” Despite having guns pointed at me, I only became scared when I noticed a TV camera pointing right into my face. I bolted and ran. I am pleased to say the police did not stop the marches, which went peacefully through Brooklyn city centre.
I1.6 With examples such as the abolition of Slavery, the Second World War fight against the Nazi racial purity doctrines, and election of President Obama, I have hope that there are enough good people in the world to achieve a better future for all poor people. Respect goes out to my Lecturer at university who despite being a ginger haired white Canadian was on the Selma to Montgomery with Martin Luther King Junior in 1965.
I1.9 Since the election of “Republican Shame – Trump” and advocating his policies, my past hopes of a positive future for poor and African peoples have greatly diminished. My disillusionment is comforted by the great social and other progresses humanity had achieved amidst such dominant ideas. History is replete of examples where sufficient good people peacefully act to overcome nefarious systems. I’m thinking of the ending of slavery, the granting of civil rights, the increase in living standards for the vast majority of people (especially between 1945 and the 1970s), the global increase in life expectancy and (the greatest revolution during my lifetime) the empowerment of women. I have been alarmed by the worldwide rise in overt Racism, cynical policies such as “the tail wagging the dog” and trickle down economics (which over 90% of Economists agree does not work) and other policies to the detriment of the poor (and the environment). I have reduced the amount of USA TV shows and films I watch because I have come to the conclusion that a large percentage of them are about 1001 ways to kill or justify killing people. With the amount of TV I watch I must have seen more people killed than all my ancestors summed together saw. I am embarrassed and angry at how in my youth I used to support the Cowboys who were party to genocide committed against the Native American Indians.
I1.10 To promote peace and tolerance worldwide. Some non-blacks seem indoctrinated against blacks to the extent that some are arming themselves. Like slaves of haughty kings, who heedless of their own liberty, seek to overthrow the liberty of others. The plethora of news and videos of killings of innocent black people (especially in the USA) has made me despair. Even some deeply religious people are against improving the lives and conditions of the poor. Some think they are smarter than their God. Some use their religious scriptures to justify hate and violence against those they consider others. They have taken Pascal’s wager, yet still do not live as good a life as those who have taken the Atheist’s wager (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atheist%27s_Wager).
I1.18 To inspire academics to perform analysis and suggest effective evidenced solutions that will improve the conditions of the African peoples (wherever they are and especially those in Sub-Saharan Africa). I wonder if the powerful elites that run the world will allow Africa to develop, like countries such as Saudi Arabia, South Korea and China, or at all. Whilst recognising the poverty of many people in the African Diaspora, I believe the sustainable development and improvement in the lives of the African Peoples (wherever they are) should be a top priority today. My perception is that the resources of Africa are being plundered and the people are not benefiting from them. The conflicts, violence, sufferings and untimely deaths of Africans fill me with sadness. It grieves me to see the common news stories of the deaths of those desperate Africans who try to escape from Africa. The contempt that the wealthy elites have for the poor populace is abhorrent.
I1.20 I remember the high hopes and positivity I felt when on the eve of the Millennium in 1999 when a white African Correspondent on the BBC world service said one of his main hopes for the 21st century is that an African life will (matter) be reported and mourned as much as European lives.
I1.21 Over ten years ago, while in my fifties, I was appalled to learn that the average life expectancy of people in Sierra Leone was 48 years old. That meant that more than half of the people in Sierra Leone died before their 49th birthday, while I (living in the UK) stood a good chance of living into my late seventies (77.8 years). At the time of writing (September 2023) average life expectancy is 60.1 years in Sierra Leone. However the situation is bleak. Of the 202 countries listed on Wikipedia in 2021 only two of the lowest 43 countries are not African.
I1.22. During the anti apartheid struggle I wrote “As a black man living in the UK, I wish to express my feelings about South Africa.
There is no hope or future for Black people in Britain, or anywhere in the world, while the slavery of apartheid prospers in South Africa. How can Blacks expect fairness or equality anywhere when apartheid is shown to be profitable and supported by the USA and UK governments? South Africa is a reminder of the past slavery and a constant warning to say that is how Blacks can be ill-treated. Black is a natural fact. South Africa is a racist pact. I dislike racist name calling; but just thinking of South Africa makes my blood boil with anger.”
As an aside, one of my most cherished memories of my mother is of us meeting up (independently, without any prior planning) in Trafalgar Square outside the South African Embassy celebrating and dancing at the news of the release of Nelson Mandela.
I1.27 I think Reparations for Slavery is a moral categorical imperative. But I am concerned about the form it will take. It should be used for the betterment of the African Peoples on programs such as education, infrastructure development, acquiring tools and skills, social entrepreneurship, health, increasing life expectancy, poverty reduction, empowerment of women, children welfare, providing physical and security needs.
I1.30 Now I see the military coups in those countries as the slave owners changing their overseers. Indeed many operate as Autocracy (or at best Anocracy), acting as the overseers described in Negro Slavery, doing what they want, when they want, stealing, and ignoring laws and orders. …
The current opaque financial and business practices enable some corrupt government officials to sell assets, borrow or create debts and liabilities for their populations in secret, with the people not having inkling or the means of finding out their obligations. It is like aiding, abetting and facilitating massive thievery.
I1.31 I hope that despite the harrowing contents of this book you find hope, courage and inspiration to increase your Positive Future Footprint.
I2- Avoiding War in Niger
many of the news items I have read recently has me thinking that War against Niger has a high probability. The consequences of such conflict fills me with trepidation and dread. Not withstanding the lost of life, casualties, retrogression in the lives and conditions of the people of Niger, I fear such a conflict may be perceived by some as “Black people killing black people, at the behest of White people, so they can control the resources of the country, to the detriment of the local people who have populated the land for many generations”.
I3 – EDX Free Internet courses with certificates
Whilst visiting Ghana, in May 2024, I was deeply saddened to find none of the dozens of people I spoke to about edx free internet courses with a certificate knew about it. All were very interested; from waiters to CEOs, shop staff to church leaders responsible for education. Whether this ignorance was due to the lack of money getting opportunities or sheer incompetence or pragmatism, I don’t know. But I am still furious. A great inexpensive opportunity to develop our young people, for those thirsty for and willing to work very hard for knowledge, betterment, and self improvement has not been communicated to them.
I4 – Some Aray Suggestions
Here are some ideas pertaining to the development of the African Peoples. However, please be mindful that I am only a 70% person. With some thought and a sincere social conscience you will be able improve upon them and devise some more effective initiatives. Just like how some will dismiss / reject this book because Zachary Macaulay was a white man, some Africans will not countenance these ideas because I was not born in Africa.
I4.1 – An Aray of Suggestions
I4.1.1 Countries to establish a Mentoring scheme, where by more developed countries mentor least developed countries. Perhaps it can be based around increasing achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). All government departments and public services should be mentored by similar organisations in the mentor countries.
I4.1.4 Encourage Africans to copy things (systems, processes, ideas, approaches, technology) that are successful and improve upon them. Much of the development and advancement of western societies came from then adopting African ideas and systems, and improving on them, adapting them to their realities. Some African countries have adopted effective laudable systems.
Increase productive capacity; so that people are employed producing the goods and services they use; and goods and services are produced that can be traded with the world.
Increase productive capacity. So that people are employed producing the goods and services they use; and goods and services are produced that can be traded with the world.
Foster a culture of African is brilliant.
I4.1.6 Be prepared for opposition and criticism. Especially from the selfish powerful elites who will take a dim view and oppose any initiatives or changes that they perceive could possibly affect their status. Whether it be Climate Change, Reparations, changing the philosophy of rapacious consumerism and endless growth, reducing plastics pollution, sustainable development, empowerment of women, Human security, reducing the resources expended on things to kill people, reducing extinction, reducing environmental degradation, sufficiency, reducing inequality, etc, and even Africa developing; they will oppose and cause great harms and sufferings. Even if your do 99 things right but one thing wrong, some politicians, some journalists, and some academics (the hound dogs of the elite) will criticise, berate and ridicule you for the one mistake. Sometimes even if they have committed the same or worst acts, they will chastise you. Even if your actions are for the benefit of millions of people, some of the morally deficient will demonise you, if they do not perceive it to be in their financial and power interests.
I4.1.8 Meet people’s needs (e.g. Mazlow’s Hierarchy of needs: Physiological, safety, social belonging, esteem, Actualization).
Manage expectations. Note no matter how well off people are they will still complain and grumble and not be satisfied. They need hope of a better future.
I4.1.8 All Governmental agreements should be available on the internet. It is morally wrong, even reprehensible, for governments to enter into agreements that affect their people yet their people have no way of finding out what is in those agreements. Some agreements commit the people to be responsible for and expend vast resources for many years.
I4.1.15 I cannot understand the lust for power that afflicts some people. The concept of using their talent and capabilities for serving and the betterment of their people seems alien to them. In some countries political leaders seem to seek office so that they can take their turn to thieve and impoverish their people. Sometimes a pork barrel mentality, nepotism and favouritism practices prevails among politicians. Their supporters expect to be rewarded for their support; to the detriment of the populace as a whole. Several years ago I read on the internet that over 40% of African wealth is abroad. So that wealth cannot be used to benefit, develop and improve the lives and conditions of the African Peoples
I14.1.17 Change the economic model. “European industrialists perceived Africans on the continent as that market (for finished goods) and should be allowed to remain at home, cultivate raw materials to feed European industries and consume processed European goods. … Furthermore, the social instability created by the frequent wars and raids contributed to an over-reliance on finished European goods leading to the collapse of indigenous economies. This new economic order defined specific roles for Europeans and Africans. While the former supplied items like metals, guns, tools, mirrors, tobacco, molasses, soft drinks, liquor, and so on, the latter provided gold, ivory, captives, and other primary products in return. The ready-made European goods, to a large extent, killed Africa’s technical ingenuity to develop its economy. … Rather unfortunately, the Trans-Atlantic Slave trade created a new paradigm for Africans to over-rely and depend on Europeans for approval and assistance. This situation to an extent has also led Africans to lose their originality and self-esteem; and thus leading Europeans to regard Africans as inferior. This mistaken opinion has contributed to the racial discrimination Africans endure to this day.” (Shackles in Darkness by Nguah and Kugbey).
I14.1.18 Ensure all African and Diaspora countries covered by stock exchanges with the capability for people around the world to invest in such countries development.
I14.1.20 Implement and enact effective Mechanisms for international arrest warrants for embezzlement and for recovery and return of cash. Include sanctions and restrict trading with countries that harbour and facilitate thieves from African people. Name and shame organisation and individuals, both the thieves and those that assist them. It’s a pity that British overseas territories or tax havens do not invest much in Africa. Especially, considering much of the looted wealth of Africa is laundered through them. In May 2024 it was reported that “Nearly 40% of the dirty money in the world is going through the City of London and other Crown dependencies. (https://www.amp.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/14/nearly-40-of-dirty-money-is-laundered-in-london-and-uk-crown-dependencies).
I14.1.24 If laws are not fair, immoral or inappropriate (especially when aimed at enriching some groups more than others) or if implementation of laws are not fair then the laws will not be respected. I read on the Internet that over 70% of laws passed in the UK and USA since the 1970s have been for the benefit of the wealthy. This has increased the wealth of the super rich 1% and increased inequality and poverty.
I14.1.26 African Countries should reduce their military / Arms spending on things to kill people. Ok leaders will be reluctant as it may be a great source of money. According to a Professor Britain, in a lecture at LSE several years ago, over 50% of annual corruption worldwide is through the arms trade. The waste of Human and financial resources spent to have fit and able people march up and down in pretty uniforms while fields remain unplanted, people are starving, and the national infrastructure remain in a state of disrepair is unconscionably absurd.
I14.1.28 African Countries to report Economic GDP Growth according to defined percentiles of the population (e.g. wealth / income of the richest top 1%, top 90 to 99%, top 75% to 89%, top 50% to 74%, top 25% to 49%, Bottom 25%). Despite the praises lauded in the media for positive growth in some countries, they fail to mention that most positive growth goes to the top 10% while negative growth is experienced by the bottom 25% (I.E. Private positive growth, Public Negative growth).
I14.1.30 Africans should develop their own moral and political philosophies. The prevailing selfish philosophy of me first, me second, God third and me next if anything left; is at odds with African traditional values. Some communities are more societal and community centred, where concerns for others retains a position of high priority. The dissonance experience by some trying to adopt the selfish philosophy as opposed to community centred philosophy often leads to crude depravity, resulting in them committing heinous acts.
I14.1.32 Provide greater support for the Empowerment African women. One of the things that pleases me most is the revolution in the empowerment of women during my lifetime. Sadly some African countries lag behind and are remiss in implementing United Nations agreements regarding women. e.g. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convention_on_the_Elimination_of_All_Forms_of_Discrimination_Against_Women)
See also UN Women (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UN_Women and https://www.unwomen.org)
I14.1.39 The need for a peaceful coexistence convention / compact / Resolution for groups in Africa; wherein they commit to non-violence and peaceful resolution of conflicts. The idea is to have a website where groups can sign up to and pledge agreement to certain principles of non-violence and conflict resolution. Groups such as sectors of Government (executive, legislative, judiciary), Army, Police, Charities, Religious, Political, Tribal, ethnic groups, youth gangs, Corporations etc).
I4.2 – Inequality
Like a beautiful youth who heedless of their inevitable aging, looks on their wrinkled aged grandparents with shame. Or even worst, disowning their ancestors (or cousins), stealing from them and impoverishing them.
Come on! You can pick sense out of nonsense. I am confident you can make a positive contribution, especially if you use the principles of Longtermism.
Oh Africa, the Cradle of Human civilisation. Africa has given the world humanity. Some 70 thousands of years ago Homo Sapiens left Africa and went on journeys to populate almost the whole globe. Some deny they are African descendants, some are ashamed, some use their technological advancement to subjugate, enslave, steal from and impoverish their distant cousins whose ancestors remained in Africa. In some ways similar to the dystopian nightmare described in George Orwell’s book 1984, economic wars are now being fought by the world’s major power blocs for the control and looting of Africa’s resources, to the detriment of its peoples and environment.
In recent years a promising approach of Sufficiency has been discussed pertaining to Inequality. A fierce academic debate is in progress. Although I know little about Sufficientarianism, I am drawn to the concept through personal experience. I am not rich; nor have ever been rich (partly due to a misguided thought in my youth that “If life is judged by wealth, then the lives of 99% of humanity throughout the ages would have been meaningless”), but I have experience much contentedness (when I’m not broke and many of my meals are “grease and air pie”). My impression throughout the years is that most people (although mostly wanting more money) are content to peacefully get on with life, seek happiness and have fun once their basic needs are met.
Adam Smith for example – “Wherever there is great property, there is great inequality. For one very rich man there must be at least five hundred poor, and the affluence of the few supposes the indigence of the many”
There is much misunderstanding over redistributive growth. Many confuse it with “taking from the rich and giving to the poor”. There is a case for this – especially when some redistribution of land or other assets is needed. But this is not implied by redistributive growth. Under redistributive growth the better off and the poor gain. The key point is that the incomes of the poor increase at a faster rate than hose of the better off. In addition, under redistribution with growth the much of the increase of the poor is in the form of adding to their assets, assets in the form of education or training for human capital or assets in the form of tools and equipment for their own production, thus increasing their production and incomes over the longer run. Redistributive growth in this form needs to be better understood.
We need a whole new mindset towards security – in developed as well as developing countries. Thinking needs to shift away from traditional thinking about armies and military as the main means to achieve security –and towards the real threats which are threats to people. This will take a shift of analysis, political priorities, professional effort and resources towards human security. Central must be the protection of people, from a diversity of threats, with the emphasis on prevention rather than on response to emergencies.
I5 Some Quotations
I5.1 – MARCUS GARVEY Quotations
Side note: When I visited the W.E. DuBois Museum in Accra Ghana, I was surprised to learn that DuBois spent his latter years in Africa. I interpreted this to mean that Garvey had won one of the big arguments they had, about returning to Africa. I also learned of “their differing outlooks on the destiny of the African American race”
- We are going to emancipate ourselves from mental slavery because whilst others might free the body, none but ourselves can free the mind. Mind is your only ruler, sovereign. The man who is not able to develop and use his mind is bound to be the slave of the other man who uses his mind.
- A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.
- Always try to associate with people from whom you can learn something. All the knowledge that you want is in the world, and all you have to do is go and seek it.
- The Black skin is not a badge of shame, but rather a glorious symbol of national greatness.
I5.2 – Martin Luther King Jnr. Quotations
I5.2.3 “I have decided to stick to love…Hate is too great a burden to bear.”
I5.2.5 “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
I5.2.7“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”
I5.2.36 “People fail to get along because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don’t know each other; they don’t know each other because they have not communicated with each other.”
I5.2.69 “Not everybody can be famous but everybody can be great, because greatness is determined by service.”
I5.2.70 “We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there “is” such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.”
I5.3 – Music from my Era Quotations
“Many more will have to suffer, many more will have to die, don’t ask me why“
I5.3.1 We came the long way, and I thought you knew.
I5.3.4 He who seeks of only vanity,
And no love for humanity,
Shall fade away, fade away.
I5.3.9 While the poor man slave and suffer
To see the children crying
It really keeps me sighing
My sistrens I’m not lying
Nuff time man feel like crying
I5.3.20 If Africa Noh free
Black man can’t free.
I5.3.21 In Times like these where survival is the game
Let’s play on
I5.3.23 I believe the children are our future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier
Let the children’s laughter remind us how we used to be
I5.3.37 Are you sure there’s nothing you can do
To help someone worse off than you?
Think before you answer, are you sure?
Are you sure?
I5.3.37 But me I’m so glad and so sure
That I love life and I’m grateful
for the air that I’m breathing
and each day that I wake I know I’m here for a reason.
I5.3.48 Everybody is talking about hard luck and trouble,
Seems like the whole world is in a great big muddle.
Sitting down felling sorry for yourself
ain’t gonno solve the problem no way no how.
Gotta make hay while the sun shines
I5.3.49 I was taken from Africa,
Shackled and chained to a pirate ship,
I was held in captivity.
Taken away to far away lands,
to slave in the plantation.
I5.3.52 Black is the colour of my skin.
Black is the life that I live.
And I’m so proud to be
the colour that God made me
I5.3.63 I know you don’t know, what life is really worth
It’s not all that glitters is gold, half the story has never been told
So now you see the light, stand up for your rights
I5.3.71 One love, one heart
Let’s get together and feel all right
I5.4 –Quotations from Me
I5.4.3 In tribute to our ancestors.
We are our ancestor’s Positive Future Footprints. Your African family are the descendants of your maternal great grandmother.
Peacefully and Honestly increase your Positive Future Footprint
for your African Family, descendants, life and the environment on planet Earth.
Consider Longtermism: positively influencing the long-term future
is a key moral priority of our time.
I5.4.8 My Friend: Are you all right Karl.
Me: No; of course not. I resent that.
My Friend: Oh dear. What’s wrong?
Me: Nothing. I’m complete.
I have a left and a middle as well as a right.
I5.4.9 “In considering this proposal, please be mindful of the fact that human beings are organisms and that most micro-organisms / bacteria die from the toxic effects of their waste products, before their food runs out.”
I5.4.11 This is based on Article 26 of the UN Charter which states “In order to promote the establishment and maintenance of international peace and security with the least diversion for armaments of the world’s human and economic resources, the Security Council shall be responsible for formulating…, plans to be submitted to the Members of the United Nations for the establishment of a system for the regulation of Armaments
I5.4.15 “In considering this proposal, Please be mindful of the fact that 9.2 millions people have died in Africa in the last 10 years (1994 to 2003) due to the effects of conventional arms in conflicts. 9 millions dead in the last 10 years. That’s like the whole of London or New York, or Yokohama and Los Angles, or Sydney and Uruguay, or Ireland and Central African Republic dead in the last 9 years. 9 Million dead, over 70% being civilians; mostly women and children. 9 million dead, yet incredibly, not one person has been prosecuted for supplying the weapons of their destruction and death. It’s like legalised aiding, abetting and facilitating mass slaughter of the innocents.”
I5.4.20 “Every gun, every warship, every tank and every military aircraft built is, in the final analysis, a theft from those who are hungry and are not fed, from those who are naked and are not clothed.”
Dwight D Eisenhower, General Commander Allied Forces, World War 2 and US President 1952-1960 (from Peace New’s Nonviolent Action Issue 22 June 2001
I5.4.21 “Our vision is of ….. a world where peace and human security, as envisioned in the principles of the United Nations Charter, replace armaments, violent conflicts and wars….
I5.4.25 I have met some people with such beautiful souls that I find it impossible to explain why they would work on weapons.”
I6 – Zachary Macaulay
“Zachary Macaulay (Scottish Gaelic: Sgàire MacAmhlaoibh; 2 May 1768 – 13 May 1838) was a Scottish statistician and abolitionist who was a founder of London University and of the Society for the Suppression of Vice, and a Governor of British Sierra Leone. …
I7 – Zachary Macaulay Bibliography
I7.23 A review of the principal proceedings of the committee of the London Anti-slavery Society subsequent to the Abolition Act of 1833 : with a brief reference to the present state of the anti-slavery question : to which is subjoined A concise sketch of the life of Zachary Macaulay Esq.
Anti-slavery Society (Great Britain)
London : Published at the office of the London Anti-slavery Society by J. Hatchard & Son, [1838]
I8 – A quote from Huracan, illustrating Zachary Macaulay’s experiences in Jamaica
The slaves themselves were emaciated and disfigured from beatings indiscriminately applied to every part of their bodies. Zachary began to feel angry.
He saw a slave girl in the stocks. She was naked. He could not see her face, but he judged her to be no more than twelve. Her back was torn and bloody and her head hung low. Her legs were spread. “Her? She’s dead,” Maguire said, following Zachary’s stare. “Had her myself before her flogging two days ago, though. Young black meat. Tell them to bury her. No matter how much I beat them; they flout my orders. Winchester!” he bawled to an old man, walking around the side of a building.
“Did I not tell ye yae bury the verminous cunt? Do ye want tae join her in the grave?” Winchester did not answer but walked over to the stocks and released the girl. She fell limp into the dirt and he squatted beside her, stroking her hair.
“His fifth daughter,” said Maguire. “A good stud”
I9 – A Review of Negro Slavery
My review is a review of a book of reviews. Negro Slavery is mostly a review of pamphlets, books, articles of the time as can be seen on the content page. Negro Slavery is a reasoned impassioned appeal to influential West Indians, Parliament and the public for the Abolition of Slavery. The Reader should consider skipping this review and just read the book, Negro Slavery by Zachary Macaulay.
The book is in two parts.
- “The Negro Slavery of the United States illustrated by a review of the Travels of Hall and Fearon”
- “The Negro Slavery of the West Indies, especially in Jamaica“.
His declare aims in the first part are:
“Our main purpose, in the present review, has been, by exhibiting a series of facts, to fix the value of certain general principles which apply to the state of Negro slavery in all parts of the civilized world, and to demonstrate that, in its leading characteristics, and more prominent tendencies and effects, it is, when uncontrolled by some external influence which shall make the emancipation of the slave the ultimate end of its regulations, the same revolting institution, whether administered by Spaniards or Portuguese, Frenchmen or Dutchmen, Englishmen or Americans.” (P30)
The rationalisation, hypocrisy and justification for slavery are highlighted in several ways.
“Such is the code by which Christians govern Christians” (P4)
“The consideration of this terrific subject very naturally leads our ingenious author to inquire how it has happened that “slavery and slave dealing,” … which is calculated to convince the judgement or captivate the affections, should have found advocates, not merely among slave-traders and stave-holders, but among men of cultivated, and apparently liberal, minds. Without any natural sympathy with cruelty, and without any interest in the question, they still defend these hideous practices, as if they were worthy of being embraced and cherished for the sake of their own native loveliness. Many of them would shudder at inflicting on a single fellow-creature a particle of the privations and sufferings, which they nevertheless uphold in argument as fit “to be the portion and daily bread of thousands.” (P8)
I wonder how much humanity has advanced in this respect over the last 200 years. Especially with regards to the pillaging of Africa; the dis-empowerment of women in some parts of the world and the non implementation of some aspects of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We are also ambivalent to some of the wrongs of our time. The acceptance of ills by some as habit or inevitable during our current Anthropocene geological epoch. Ills such as climate change, over fishing, destroying the environment, the extinction of species.
So between 1790 and 1820 the population of Jamaica was over 400,000 lower than would be statistically expected if they had the same birth rate (and levels of oppression) as in the United States.
The power of the overseers and the abuse of power by overseers are discussed. Overseers were a law unto themselves, flouting laws and even ignoring instructions from the plantation owners.
“These punishments are inflicted by the overseer whenever he thinks them to have been deserved. He has no written rules to guide his conduct, nor are the occasions at all defined on which he may exercise the power of punishment. Its exercise is regulated wholly and solely by his own discretion. An act of neglect or of disobedience, or even a look or a word supposed to imply insolence, – no less than desertion or theft or contumacy, may be thus punished; and they may be thus punished without trial and without appeal, — at the mere pleasure and fiat of the overseer. Doubtless, any slave may, after having been punished, complain of his overseer to the attorney of the estate, or to a magistrate; but such complaint often does him more harm than good.” (P48)
“White women, who are owners of slaves, will, in general, without any scruple, order their slaves to be flogged, and some of them will even stand by to see them stripped bare, and punished in the usual disgusting manner. (P53-54)
The Treatment of their own flesh and blood by some White men was unbelievable, despite being avowed Christians.
He summarizes the Second part thus:
Pages 80 to 89 details “some particulars, of vital importance to the well-being of the Negro race, in which there is manifestly no real improvement.” (P80) These include:
1. The Negroes in Jamaica are still driven at their work by the impulse of the cart-whip, as cattle or horses are driven in this country.
2. They are still liable to severe punishments, inflicted in the most revolting and disgusting manner, at the mere will, uncontrolled by law, of the master, or of the overseer who acts for him.
3. In Jamaica and the other islands the evidence of slaves is still wholly inadmissible, not merely-in cases implicating their owner, but in all cases whatsoever, whether civil or criminal, affecting persons of free condition.
4. The slaves in Jamaica and other colonies are still regarded by the law, and treated, in point of fact, not as human beings, but as chattels; and, as such, are liable to be seized and sold for the delis of their master, with as little ceremony as a horse or a cart, or a piece of furniture, would be seized and sold in execution in this country.
5. It is a further proof of the hitherto unmitigated degradation of the African race in Jamaica and our other colonies, that, as we have already shown, a black skin, or even the visible tinge of African blood in the countenance, furnishes a legal presumption of slavery, and exposes the unhappy individual, who cannot repel that presumption by legal evidence, to all the pains and penalties of a cruel and interminable bondage.
6. Besides this, nothing has been done during the last thirty years to promote the gradual manumission of the slave-population, or to remove the obstructions which impeded it; but, on the contrary, those obstructions have in some instances been materially increased†.—While in the colonies of Spain and Portugal, and particularly of the former, the manumission of slaves has been liberally encouraged; in our own colonies, it has every where met with discouragement, and in some of them the infatuated policy of the local authorities has even imposed heavy fines on manumissions. *.
7. But let us further look at the moral condition of our slave-colonies, and we shall be better able to judge of the real progress of improvement as contrasted with the boasts to which we have alluded, The marriage of slaves has not yet been legalized in Jamaica or in: any one of our slave colonies, The most unrestrained licentiousness prevails, almost universally, on estates, among all classes, whether White or Black, The face of society presents, with few exceptions, one unvarying scene of open concubinage and prostitution, The Christian Sabbath, instead of being a day of rest’ and religious observance, continues to be the universally authorized market-day, and in almost all the colonies, and especially in: Jamaica, a day of compulsory labour for the slaves;—we say compulsory labour
He ends with hopeful appeals and pleas to Parliament, supporters and the public.
“We shall abstain from any further observations on the present occasion, although the subject is very far indeed from being exhausted. But we are anxious, before we conclude, to take this opportunity of calling upon influential West Indians in this country, and especially upon such of them as sit in either House of Parliament, to consider dispassionately the facts we have brought before them, and to ask themselves whether they have done their duty in permitting a state of things, so repugnant to every principle of humanity and justice, to continue so long unredressed”. (p90)
We would also remind those distinguished friends of justice and humanity in both Houses of Parliament, (our Gloucesters, Grenvilles, Greys, Lansdownes, and Harrowbys; our Wilberforces, Smiths, Cannings, Broughams, and Mackintoshes,) who have toiled so ardently in the cause of the wretched African, that a great duty devolves upon them ; and that to them will the public, when their eyes are fully opened to the enormity of the system which prevails in our slave colonies, naturally look for the zealous and consistent prosecution of the principles which animated them in their struggles to suppress the Slave-trade.
But let the public also do their duty. Let them strengthen the hands of their leaders by a general, distinct, and concurrent appeal to the Legislature on this momentous subject. If, through their supineness in making their wishes known, the dreadful evils of colonial bondage “should be indefinitely prolonged, will not the guilt become theirs? They cannot plead ignorance of the existence of these evils. Proof has been produced, sufficient to satisfy every reasonable man, that at least a parliamentary investigation is indispensable . (p91)
NEGRO SLAVERY
With its own Contents page and original numbering.
I10 – Reading List
See https://www.aray2.co.uk/pages/kamrons2-reading-list/
I11 – Some African Voices
As the saying goes ‘Many are called but few are chosen’. I believe my message is for those who are chosen; and who believe they can increase their Positive Future Footprint and we can make the world a better, safer, less violent, more secure and peaceful place.
“Are you sure there is nothing you can do to help someone worse off than you? Are you Sure?” (The Staple Singers) Some will reject the message; many others will not hear the voices, screams, anguish or wailing of the poor African People (where ever they are) in the wilderness of the many sounds of modern life. Remember. “with all its” poverty, suffering, violence, “sham, drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world. Be Careful. Strive to be happy” (Desiderata);
And Enjoy! Whatever you do.
I12 – References and Hyperlinks
See https://www.aray2.co.uk/pages/kamrons2-references/
Karl “Aray” Miller’s Reprint of Negro Slavery (KAMRONS) Release Documents
1. WhatsApp Message
2. Press Release
3. Extracts from the book
3.1 About the Author
3.2 Reading List
3.3 References
4. Flyer
5. For spoken extracts see An Oratory Aray
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