It was October 2012, when the community would respond to a call to come together. Seven lights (days) of I-ses (praises) at the students’ lunch cabana of Government Highschool. The zeal was high during these sessions. It culminated on a high note, with a consensus and commitments from the various Rastafari bodies present: the non-aligned, African Sisters for All Women (A.S.F.A.W.), King of Kings Missionary Mansion, Haile Selassie I Theocracy Reign Order of The Nyahbinghi, Hebrew, the Ethiopia Africa Black International Congress, and the Rastafari Development Union (RDU). The consensus birthed what we now know as House of Rastafari (HOR). HOR is a platform where all Rastafari voices are welcomed. The original consensus was also unanimous that the first Chairman would be Priest Philip Blyden. A powerhouse in unity of African people and defender of human rights. Passionate and experienced He had already earned his reputation, as he joined the trod from the 1980’s. His nurturing and persistent efforts contributed greatly toward making the organization what it is today. The facets as he named them, became the foundation of the organization: Human Rights, Land, Public Relations, and the Newsletter. It remains that way today.
To some he was Jah B, to others, Jah Blyden, and to others Priest Blyden or just Priest. His participation in previous attempts at uniting the community provided vital knowledge on establishing the structure of the organization and committing it to paper. He was very persistent about having everything documented. As the organization grows the importance of that early discipline pays a high reward. The early meetings were graciously hosted by elder Ras James Rolle, leader of RDU. The influence of Priest Blyden set the tone from early. He ensured the organization was built on action, jumping to support an incarcerated Rastafari in his quest to not have his locks cut; defense of then Princess Ariannah and the discrimination she was facing from private schools as a Rastafari youth. This was the organizations first initiative and would start with a media campaign and would culminate with a march and rally, in Human Rights Day. Eventually the group would find a home at the clubhouse of Yellow Elder park. As the weeks turned to years, the chairman could be counted on to be there on time, as he was with anything that House of Rastafari was doing or a part of. He proved himself reliable. Every African special day, or Hola-day as he called it, was to be recognized: African Liberation Day, Ethiopian New Year, Human Rights Day, Coronation of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I, and both the birthdays of His Majesty and his royal wife, Empress Menen Asfaw. These would populate the calendar of events but be tied to any issue needing to be addressed at the time.
A very encouraging leader. There was never an idea he was not willing to try or support, if it had even the smallest potential of benefitting the community. Jah Blyden was skillful at getting the right people together to get the job done. He became a bridge over the many differences that separated the community. He was not only able to see beyond but engage each side respectful, often getting them to come together to address the differences. One strategy of the organization was the Indaba. This is a community exercise, with elders as the overseeing as members of the community listening as each side shares their experience. The purpose is to seek justice for all sides involved in a manner that does not damage the community. It is an African tool for collective healing. These indabas were one the Chairman’s many successes that several people benefitted from. Activities over the years under his leadership ranged from conferences on topical matters, regional and international representation, book drives in support of public schools, engaging university/college students, at risk youth intervention programs, talent shows, dinners, concerts, and community markets. Anything that could build the community was a must not only to do but be able to repeat.
Not only did he carefully guide the formative years of the organization he played an instrumental role in establishing the organizational values, through structured programs, expressed in the 10 Point Plan. It covers areas ranging from farming to representation to efforts to deepen unity. For 8 years all of us who make up this family was fortunate to be touched by our distinguished chairman. We celebrate his life and the lessons he gave us in strength, endurance, compassion, integrity, and authenticity. As we reflect on what you have meant over these years, we count ourselves lucky to have worked with you. You are synonymous with the ongoing fight for justice and equality for the oppressed and disenfranchised. Like a father you participated in molding this organization. Like a father you never gave up of the organization. Like a father plays an important role in bringing up his child, so did you play that role for this organization, and in grand fashion. Your knowledge and experience brought the organization through rough waters, but you were a steady captain. You lived what you preached and although others may hold the office, you will always be the Chairman of HOR. We will remember to strike while the iron is hot!
Thank you, for a job well Done!
Executive Committee House of Rastafari
