Acclaimed poet Edward Kamau Brathwaite, one of the godfathers of modern West Indian literature, who coined the term ” nation language” in championing creolisation in Caribbean culture and thought has died, four months short of his 90th birthday.
He is credited with extensive writing and thought in developing the concept of Creole identity, a predominantly Afrocentric mindset.
This now leaves novelist George Lamming as the sole surviving Barbadian contributor to post-war Caribbean English literature, following the death of novelist Paule Marshall in the US.
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Kamau will be greatly missed around the world.
That said, a photo credit would have been nice.
My heart IS saddened at the
Sudden passing of ED KAMAU BRATHWAITE.
I met him at a Lecture/Seminar around1985 at St.Matthews Church, Brixton London
We had a discussion afterwards and he told me
Of my Great Ancestor
Dr.J Albert THORNE…Who was the forerunner and teacher of Marcus GARVEY.
Ed gave me a copy of Caricou magazine and put me in touch with John Wickham….Who in turned connect me to Professor Robert Hill at UCLA (Head of The Garvey Papers).
Ed had no equal as a black Historian….A true PAN AFRICANIST,Who spoke for and fully understood what it meant to be a black cultural
Pioneer..In the diaspora.
My hope is that the PM and my fellow Bajan. . in this year of “We Gathering” will truly HONOUR ED KAMAU BRATHWAITE .In A Special and long lasting Featured way.
May He Rest In Peace.
OSRICK THORNE
Bajan from BRIDGETOWN
Now residing in Britain.