First, the purpose of our website is to create somewhat of an on-line community center, if we may, to share our culture and to increase appreciation of --and participation in--the creative process. It is our hope that this exercise may help us, through your insight and input, to develop dynamic community programs that will address the communities’ needs going forward. In other words, open our eyes and take action against what we see as a slowly, diminishing, diverse culture if we maintain the “status quo.” We would like to be viewed as a community-based presenter of selected video short stories as well as selected readings regarding the details of major events in our history. Our presentations/historical accounts are also an attempt to create a sort of a temporary “literary one-stop shopping” environment for our youths, in particular, to gain knowledge and understanding of our history in Panama and our true identity. The literary/video collages attempt to interpret/summarize our somewhat “knotty” history as well as to celebrate all three sides of our hyphenated identities. We acknowledge that our video/photo presentations are “Mom & Pop” quality, but the project scope is, of course, an interim measure towards renovating and making our SAMAAP museum to be the ultimate repository of the historical treasures of the Afro-Panamanian village/community--as it should rightfully be. After all, we view the contribution of the “Silvermen” to be the most heroic event in the development of our beloved country, Panama. We realize that all historical data is no substitute for creativity, however, we believe the use of this data is crucial in order to stimulate creativity. We are often times afraid to leave our common social circle--our safety net of friends that think and act similar to ourselves--in high school. We are best able to grow when we force ourselves out of our comfort zone to befriend and learn from people somewhat different from ourselfs. In this connection/spirit, we are reaching out to like-minded individuals on both sides of the community to come forward, lend your talents and skills to the powers that be, become part of the “vision” stand up and be accountable to your compatriots; and join any community efforts for developing visionary and life-changing ideas that will help to make a difference, have an impact. We have work to do, we need to roll up our sleeves and sharpen our pencils! Our children, particularly in Colon, are under performing. In doing so, they are putting limits on their ability to succeed in today’s society. They need to be empowered with knowledge and a sense of belonging and it’s up to us to provide those tools and that environment. Our sole ambition is to see our visions becoming a reality. |