A BLACKMAN’S PRAYER ---POETRY OF RESISTANCE

 

Don’t judge me
By my ebony Black skin
Telling me I am black as sin.
Don’t judge me
By my rough
Coarse Black hands 
By my dirty-white shirt stain
Or heartfelt Black pain 
That rush from my heart

From year to year
I am sitting here
‘Pon this hot tar roof
My pants on fire
I am your striking goose
Being cook in a tar oven
Burnt crispy Black.

Look! Take a good Look!
What do you see?
Do you see a man?
Do you see a leper?
To be scorned?
And yet, despite
My strange mother tongue
My foren voice
That you use to judge me
You eat what I cook
You drink the coffee I make.

My wife sings a lullaby to your baby
My sister gently nurses your infirm mom
Cleaning bruised bedsores
Turning her, from nite-to-nite
Changing a nappy, you scorn
Ingrate, reckless ingrate you ---
Scorn your birth mom!
Yes! Here I am,
A Caribbean Blackman
A strapping Black Jamaican
Getting lustful glance
From your wife
Behind your foolish back ---
She sweats as she
Brings lemonade
To the hot tar roof....

The sun beats down! O!
I am a iceberg
Torn from its’ berth.
I am sitting on your roof
Good God! It’s so hot!
Yet I hear you cussing me;
You say I steal your jobs?
Come now! Be a big man!
Get upon this striking hot root!
Come take this lousy job
You begrudge me
Ungrateful ingrate.
Did you see my brother
Fighting crocodiles
Running for his darn life
In the Everglades?

Life’s wretched.
Did you see Miguel
My Mexican cousin
Afraid of snakes;
It’s not a sweet life
Cutting cane
In Okeechobee.
I on bruised knee---
I kneel and pray to God
The Almighty hears me
Trying to escape this
Wretched life ...
Dear God --- 
Hear my humble prayer!
Help me to have a contrite heart
Help me to have inner strength
Hear this prayer O Lord!  Yes! 
It’s mi di same one! 
Di Jamaican Black man, from di sweet Caribbean!


BOOKS
The Myth of the Black Ancestral Curse: Religion, Race, and the Psychological Legacy of Slavery! Essay In Honor of Professor Sheldon 'Uwezo' McDonald 
by Norris R McDonald, DIJ 

For centuries, Black people have been told that their suffering is divine punishment—ordained by God and passed down through a mythical “ancestral curse.”

In this powerful, eye-opening work, Norris R. McDonald, DIJ, dismantles one of the most enduring and damaging lies in Christian history: the so-called Curse of Ham. From the hymnals of colonial churches to the halls of modern academia, this myth has been used to justify slavery, colonization, and systemic racism.

With clarity, historical depth, and spiritual conviction, McDonald traces how scripture was distorted, how Black history was erased, and how liberation must begin with truth.

Drawing from the Bible, classical history, and Black theological thought, this short but impactful book challenges readers to confront religious indoctrination, reclaim their dignity, and break spiritual chains that have lasted for generations.
Whether you're a student of theology, an activist for racial justice, or a seeker of historical truth—The Myth of the Ancestral Curse will inspire, inform, and empower you.

The Myth of the Black Ancestral Curse is a bold and revelatory work that exposes how colonial powers distorted Christian doctrine to justify the enslavement of Black people. From the Curse of Ham to papal decrees that sanctioned genocide, Norris R. McDonald, DIJ dismantles centuries of theological manipulation and calls for spiritual truth, historical clarity, and psychological healing.

This book is a journey—from ancient African greatness to colonial oppression, from religious lies to liberation theology. A must-read for seekers of justice, students of history, and defenders of faith rooted in freedom.

We are not cursed. We are called.
The Myth of the Black Ancestral Curse is a bold and revelatory work that exposes how colonial powers distorted Christian doctrine to justify the enslavement of Black people. From the Curse of Ham to papal decrees that sanctioned genocide, Norris R. McDonald, DIJ dismantles centuries of theological manipulation and calls for spiritual truth, historical clarity, and psychological healing.

This book is a journey—from ancient African greatness to colonial oppression, from religious lies to liberation theology. A must-read for seekers of justice, students of history, and defenders of faith rooted in freedom.
Order Your Copy Today
Available in paperback and digital formats.
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Read the Story the World Needs
Experience the Journey
Start Reading Now
Own This Powerful Memoir
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https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Black-Ancestral-Curse-Psychological/dp/B0F44GHBM5/

Ghetto Life in Kingston, Jamaica: Struggles, Survival, and Hope | A Powerful Memoir by Patricia N. McKenzie

Patricia McKenzie honors the unsung heroes—mothers, fathers, students, vendors, and dreamers—who rise above adversity. She paints vivid portraits of community unity, cultural pride, and the pursuit of education against all odds. At once a memoir, a social commentary, and a call to action, this book reminds us: where you come from does not define where you can go.  

This book is a powerful and deeply personal reflection on the resilience of a forgotten community, Ghetto Life chronicles the daily battles, survival strategies, and enduring spirit of those living in Kingston’s urban ghettos. From pothole-filled streets to homes lit only by streetlamps, this gripping narrative explores poverty, discrimination, and the overlooked brilliance of people striving for a better life.

A Nurse’s Perspective on Poverty and Health Inequality

What sets this memoir apart is McKenzie’s professional lens as a registered nurse. She connects the dots between systemic inequality and health disparities.

Poverty impacts:

• Maternal health
• Childhood development
• Mental health outcomes
• Nutrition and chronic illness
• Access to preventative care

Her insight reveals that inequality is not abstract — it manifests in hospital rooms, emergency calls, and silent suffering.

This intersection of healthcare and social justice adds depth and authority to her storytelling.

Community Strength: The Heart of Kingston’s Inner City

Despite hardship, Kingston’s ghetto communities are not defined by despair.

McKenzie honors:

• Mothers who stretch limited resources to feed their children
• Fathers working multiple jobs to create stability
• Students determined to rise through education
• Vendors and entrepreneurs building micro-economies
• Neighbors who protect and uplift one another

Hope is not naïve optimism — it is daily resistance.

The memoir paints vivid scenes of cultural pride, unity, and resilience that challenge one-dimensional stereotypes about “ghetto life.”

Why This Book Matters Now

In an era of global conversations about systemic inequality and economic disparity, Ghetto Life arrives as both documentation and call to action.

Readers seeking authentic voices from marginalized communities will find depth here. It contributes to broader discussions around:

• Structural poverty
• Healthcare inequity
• Urban neglect
• Education access
• Community-driven empowerment

The memoir urges readers not only to witness but to reflect.

Who Should Read Ghetto Life?

This book is ideal for:

• Readers of powerful memoirs
• Social justice advocates
• Caribbean diaspora communities
• Students of sociology and public health
• Book clubs seeking meaningful discussion
• Anyone who believes in resilience and hope

Its emotional depth makes it both educational and transformative.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ghetto Life: Struggles, Survival, and Hope in Kingston, Jamaica about?

It is a memoir by Patricia N. McKenzie, RN, detailing real-life experiences growing up and working in Kingston’s inner-city communities, highlighting poverty, resilience, and systemic inequality.

Is this book based on a true story?

Yes. The memoir draws from the author’s lived experiences and professional observations as a registered nurse in Jamaica.

Who would enjoy reading this book?

Readers interested in social justice, Caribbean culture, urban survival stories, and memoirs similar to Angela's Ashes and Born a Crime.

Does the book focus only on hardship?

No. While it addresses poverty and violence, it strongly emphasizes hope, resilience, cultural pride, and community strength.

What makes this memoir unique?

The author’s dual perspective as both a community member and healthcare professional provides rare insight into the health and human impact of systemic inequality.

Perfect for readers of social justice, memoir, Caribbean life, and those who believe in the power of hope.

Ghetto Life is a deeply personal and unflinching memoir revealing the struggles and strength of Kingston’s inner-city communities. Written by Patricia N. McKenzie, RN, it is a powerful story of poverty, survival, resilience, and hope that will challenge perspectives and inspire change. 

Because stories like this deserve to be read. 

And communities like this deserve to be seen.

• Get Your Copy Today
  
• Read the Story the World Needs
• Experience the Journey
• Start Reading Now
• Own This Powerful Memoir

SCAN QR CODE HERE: 👉

 in paperback and digital formats.

👉 Buy now and experience the powerful story readers are calling unforgettable.

👇

https://www.amazon.com/Ghetto-Life-Struggles-Survival-Kingston/dp/B0F2N697K6/

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Nurse. Author. Storyteller. Advocate for Healthy Families.

Patricia N. McKenzie, RN is a registered nurse, caregiver, and passionate storyteller who combines her healthcare experience with a love of writing to promote healthy families and positive values. With over eighteen years of experience in a Step-Down Cardiac Unit, Patricia uses both education and storytelling to inspire compassion, resilience, and wellness in children and adults alike.