The University of Toronto’s William Doo Auditorium had the honor of hosting the largest audience for a single viewing of the film, “W.A.R. Stories: Walter Anthony Rodney”. Hostess and Chair of the Department of Caribbean Studies, Prof. D.Alyssa Trotz remarked that she had never seen such a diverse crowd for anything at the location. In truth, they were young, not so young, of African descent, of Indian descent, Africans, Euros and others not so clear and from all over the world. It really was a tribute to Walter Rodney and, of course, the organizational skills of the Caribbean Studies Department.
Over 250 people sat through the film, cheering at the appearance of Dr. Rex Nettleford, in the film of course, and laughing at Denys Vaughn Cooke’s ginep tree story. I believe I saw a few tears too. Oh ..and the panel was superb: Drs. Honor Ford-Smith, Pablo Idalhoso, David Hinds and Nigel Westmaas. Prodded by a knowledgeable and determined audience, the youth central among them, the panel added context and texture to the film and to a discussion that sought to describe the man and the time as well as well as seek ways to continue the discussion and maintain the energy going forward.
I left Toronto for Montreal and was greeted by a smaller more intimate crowd which lent itself to a more concentrated discussion. Without the help of a panel we shared our thoughts on issues like the meaning of self emancipation, the role of armed struggle, the relevance of Rodney and the conflict of living in Babylon and wanting Zion. The discussion went on forever but never lost its value. The conclusion was that this brother was a true revolutionary who we would do well to emulate. The Alfie Roberts Institute, headed by David Austin, is doing good work and you will hear much more soon.
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