The Caribbean Association gives tribute to legend

By: Ella Fowler

Posted: 2/23/07

The camera captures Bob Marley, a dread locked, Rastafarian man singing his song titled "Rebel Music" - in the documentary "Rebel Music: A Bob Marley Story."

The documentary was a tribute to the life of the legendary musician and singer.

The Caribbean Association, assisted by the Black Student Union, held the event "A Tribute to Bob Marley", where the documentary was played. Participants watched the documentary and afterward enjoyed free food and drink and, of course, reggae music in the Pub.

The Caribbean Association used to hold "A Tribute to Bob Marley" event every year, in which live reggae bands would perform. But the event has been absent since 1996.

"The Bob Marley tribute wasn't a priority for past presidents," said Dellareese Higgs, president of the Caribbean Association.

"But for me, I was going to make a tribute to Bob Marley."

But the main reason the event was brought to campus was to not only celebrate Bob Marley but to celebrate Black History Month.

"We wanted to do this in conjunction with Black History Month," said Anamita Gall, treasurer of the Caribbean Association.

Bob Marley is an important figure in history because he is one everyone can relate to in one way or another, she said.

"Cultural diversity is so important to the campus as a whole and Bob Marley is somebody people can connect and relate to both him and his music," Higgs said. "His music expands across race and class. He is diverse."

Throughout his life, Bob Marley made a pledge to his fellow Jamaicans and others around the world that he would always fight. To him his life meant nothing unless he was fighting and helping others.

"Bob Marley is not a Jamaican icon, but a icon for all," said Chanel Griffith, president of the Black Student Union. "He is for all people."

Celebrating Bob Marley's life is "spreading his music, views and his calls for unity and solidarity," Higgs said.