Share Your Legacy & Enrich the Future

Why We Should Write: The Miami Book Fair International 2014

How exciting and I must admit, also emotional for me, participating as a panelist on the African/Caribbean Diaspora Genealogy Panel at the 31^st session of the Miami Book Fair International. While this was my third time presenting in the 29 times I have attended the Book Fair, this occasion was especially significant as I joined a team which sought to explore the roots of our heritage and I had the opportunity to share research on my Dressekie family roots from the manuscript in progress, The Dressekie Legacy: The Roots of Life-Writing & Identity in Post- Colonial Jamaica.  

Utilizing Face Book as a major research tool, I connect with my family worldwide and focus my research on the contemporary lives of the members of the DRESSEKIE FAMILY.  My story begins with my great-grandfather Sylvester George Dressekie who arrived in Jamaica from Scotland around 1858 and bought land and settled in St. Mary, Jamaica where the town was subsequently named after him. He met and married Elizabeth Martin and they had seven children including my grandmother, Enid Dressekie who named her youngest child, my mother, after her mother, Elizabeth.

My Mother-Dezrene Elizabeth Wade

The Dressekie Legacy: The Roots of Life-Writing & Identity in Post- Colonial Jamaica

Through my story, I question the textual marginalization of people of color in academia and literature and hold myself accountable to contribute to the global discourse on genealogy & share this story of empowerment –one that I think brings an interesting perspective of the Caribbean Diaspora and emphasizes that not only are we multifaceted but our stories carry themes of historical empowerment and contemporary achievement that are relevant to all people. It is one that tells a beautifully nuanced story that needs to shared and celebrated.

Tell Your Story & Empower Your Tribe

Nicole McClean-4th Generation Dressekie Tribe

Every family has its stories; legacies that can inspire and empower future generations. Unless we write our stories, we won’t SHARE the problems they encountered; how they overcame them, their greatest happiness, and the wisdom they [could] have imparted with the passing of every generation. These ARE STORIES THAT CAN SUSTAIN & NURTURE US.

Unless we commit to writing them, Family Legacies are lost to us. Do you want your grand- children to know the lessons of your life? Will you share your wisdom? Will you inspire them to overcome their own challenges?  I encourage you to share your legacy & enrich the future. Take the time to write your scribblings, collection of anecdotes, aspirations, your stories, family jokes and remembrances. This is an invaluable reservoir that you can tap into & IMPART A LASTING LEGACY TO THE FUTURE OF YOUR TRIBE.

Unless you record them, these stories won’t be available to pass on someday. I believe that every one of us has a book inside of us.  I invite you to think about this and begin one of the most interesting and exciting chapters of your life: The exploration and recording of your life story. What’s preventing you from participating in this family legacy writing project?

A Festival of Books Words, Performances & Forging Friendships

Marva with Mitch Kaplan & Elizabeth Shown Mills

The Miami Book Fair International 2014 was an exciting opportunity to enjoy the glorious world of books and words. Certainly, this festival of books reminded us of the power of words and that books are an indelible part of our lives. Most important, it reminded me of the value of writing in all of our lives. I am so delighted to be part of this enduring tradition.

Marva with Mervyn Morris & Claudia Rankine

ONCE UPON A TIME