Community News
A Chronicle of Enslavement and Resistance; Launch of Enslaved: A Chronicle of Resistance
BY PAUL JUNOR
Friday, January 26th, 2024, was the release of a four-book series titled, “Enslaved: A Chronicle of Resistance.” It was an interesting and exciting event. In attendance were many: well wishers, guests and friends of the author and poets.The launch of the series of four books chronicles the story of: African enslavement, segregation,racism and systemic racism. Brian Sankarsingh was the primary author and poet. The book features poetry by: Loretta Fisher, Sherman Francis, Jason Rehel and Janet Wheat-Kaytor.
The welcome remarks at the book launch were given by Neil Gonsalves. Neil and Brian have partnered together as part of Sankarsingh-Gonsalves Productions. Next, there was the introduction of the books and their themes by Sankarsingh. This was followed by an opportunity to meet the authors and poets.There was an opportunity to interview: Neil Brian, Loretta Fisher, and Jason Rehel as well as readings by each of them. After a vote of thanks by Neil, many of the guests engaged in networking and conversation.
I spoke to Sankarsingh at the conclusion of the book launch. He was pleased with the turnout and told me that the four-book series was not available at the bookstore, but will be available at a later date. He is a Trinidadian-born Canadian immigrant who published two previous books: “A Silver of a Chance,” and “The Human Condition.” The website:www.sgproductions.ca describes certain aspects about his influence. It states, “With renewed vigour and unapologetic style, Sankarsingh is committed to screaming his poetic ponderings from whatever rooftop, or soapbox he can find.” He does not shy away from controversy. The website states that he “Skillfully blends poetry, and prose into his storytelling creating an eclectic mix of both.”
Neil Brian writes, “It is the first modern book of its kind. It is a chronicle of enslavement and resistance told in an exquisite blend of prose and poetic verse. Through the esthetic rhythms and rhymes of poetry, it chronicles the establishment and institutionalization of systemic racism.”
The first book, titled “Enslaved: A Chronicle of Resistance Book 1: The Lamentation of the Enslaved,” describes the onset of: challenges, difficulties, and hardships that certain enslaved Africans faced from the 1700’s to the mid-1800’s .it shows the power imbalance inherent in chattel slavery and what slaves had to ensure as a result of barbaric acts.
The second book, “Freedom Bells are Ringing,” traces the freedom that was obtained between the mid-1800’s and 1900’s and how: unjust laws, programs, and practices still kept many in chains, and how freedom fighters and civil rights activists fought hard.
The third book, “Hidden in Plain Sight,” explored the contemporary world in which systemic racism permeates many levels of institutions, organizations and environments.
The fourth book, “Enslaved, A Companion Reader,” is a companion to books one to three and it provides a historical context without poetry that connects the poetry by book to chapter content.
Itah Sadhu celebrated: author, storyteller and co-owner of the BlackHurst Cultural Centre states, “Enslaved is a very worthy book series! Especially for educational institutions.I am indeed happy to endorse and promote The Enslaved Series.”
James Baisden: educator, author, music producer and author penned a few lines of support before his premature death. He wrote, “I reiterate at the outset that I am extremely impressed with the general work and the power that flows off the page. It brings to mind, by virtue of its strident courage and creativity, poets like: James Baldwin, Maya Angelou, Lorraine Hansberry, and George Jackson (whose “Prison Letters” I was privileged to read in my early teens very many moons ago).”
Anyone interested in obtaining the Enslaved paperback and hardcover series along with Sanjarsingh’s other books can check Amazon.com.