On Sunday 13th October 2013, the Afrikan communities in Britain lost the physical presence of one of our great warrior queens. Queen Mother Jessica Huntley left us to join the ancestral realm. Born on the 23th February 1927 our mother lived and fought for Afrikan self-determination, both in Guyana, her country of birth and in Britain the country she adopted as home. Never blind to the plight of her people Mama Jessica forced us, her spiritual children to expect high standards of ourselves and of others. Her example was that there is nothing that is unachievable. The more difficult the task may seem, the harder you will have to work to obtain your desired outcome. She also made us understand that quite often the outcome you desire may not be the outcome that is achievable. Every challenge is therefore a lesson which you need to learn. Once you have learnt your lesson, you will be able to teach. Mama was never afraid to rattle cages. I have on occasions found myself on the opposite side of an argument/discussion with Mama and have been forced to articulate my view with precision. She and Papa Eric cared not whether you were a recognised academic or one of the abandoned, they expected you to formulate your views and make a reasoned argument, based on your evaluation of the subject.
I was often intimidated by the company, in which I found myself, but Mama's faith in me helped me to overcome my fears.
I do not believe that most people really comprehend the trepidation felt by those of us that never finished school, when confronted by a room full of degrees and professional qualifications. Mama made us feel more at ease because she dealt with them in the
same way she dealt with us.
I am proud to have been a part of Mama Jessica's extended family and had the opportunity to drink from the fountain of her knowledge. I will miss her physical presence, though I still feel her spiritual guidance right now.
Thank you Mama for caring enough to livicate your life to us. I will endeavour to continue the work you started and pass the baton on when my time comes
Aluta Continua
