"Jamaicans" by Andre Porter

 Every Jamaican came to America with a dream All our dreams can become reality People will call you a dreamer Most lack vision or had a dream and stopped dreaming America is not what you think of it It’s what you make of it Opportunity knocks once make the best of it Believe and achieve. Trust in your ability to make your dreams reality. United we can excel and become the best of what we want to be. Opportunity used to knock Now you must search for it Good luck to all Jamaicans. Because we are Jamaicans, some fear us before they meet us Not all of us are violent Most of us get paid not played We are among the best story tellers so don’t Tell us stories None can sell us stories Always confident Talk different Wear nothing less than designer gear Never known to fear The best food Most beautiful women Our own music Actors Superstars Authors One of If not the most unique culture Jamaicans"

BIO – AUTHOR ANDRE` M. PORTER Andre M Porter was born in Kingston Jamaica on January 18, 1977. His father being a former teacher and activist, place a special emphasis on education and has always encouraged him to focus on being able to define himself in society. At age 10 Andre was awarded a Government Scholarship from Tarrant Primary to Jamaica College, and then later transferred to Cornwall College after moving to Westmoreland to live with his mother, as his father and sister had migrated to Camden NJ USA. He applied himself and later graduated with passes in various subjects then enrolled at the National Institute of Commerce to major in Pre-Law and Psychology with hopes of one day becoming a Criminal Lawyer. In exchange for tuition he would sacrifice a few hours after school to teach remedial classes to adults and he also worked with various local schools drama club. Soon Andre got his Green Card and migrated to the USA with Law school as his number one priority. While waiting for financial aid after applying to Rutgers Law School in Camden New Jersey he started working at a local Walgreen’s. One job led to another and soon the Law Degree he dreamed of began to fade. One day a friend challenged him to write a book and not knowing his life was about to change, he composed and self-published a story titled The Rise and fall of a Jamaican Don. The book is not to promote any person, gang or the negative stereo type affiliated with his culture. Famed Jamaican actor Paul Campbell, was first to read the unpublished manuscript and advised Andre it was more of a screenplay, the vision of a movie. Instead of taking a screenplay to Hollywood, Andre uses the book to create awareness and support towards having it developed into a major motion picture. Andre utilizes every opportunity to promote his work and since its publication he has appeared on various talk Radio, Urban TV shows and has been featured in numerous editorials including The Courier Post, The Philadelphia City Paper, The Jamaica Gleaner, Observer, Caribbean Life News Paper, X- News, Star, West Indian Times, Red Ink Magazine, Jamrock Magazine, Link Up Media 93.5 NY, 88.9 CT, 1170 AM in Miami, 98.1 FM VA, WKDU 91.7 PA, Power 99 PA, 100.3 Fm PA. HOT 97 NY, 95.6fm Miami, Radio West Indies.com, Whatz Up TV NY, CIN TV, Television Jamaica’s Prime Time Morning Show – Smile Jamaica and most recently on appeared on ABC TV national network talk show - Visions. In 2004 Mr. Porter was awarded Poet of the Year by the Famous Poets Society and was presented with the Shakespeare Trophy of Excellence. Later that year Andre was awarded number 1 Caribbean Author by the Philadelphia Multicultural Society at their 5th annual awards ceremony. In that same year Andre also appeared at the Medger Evers College in Brooklyn NY as a Guest Speaker at the UJAA ( United Jamaican Alumni Association) awards ceremony for students of Caribbean heritage who have excelled in various academic areas and received scholarships from numerous Ivy League colleges. In 2005 Andre won The Editors Choice award from The International Library of Poetry for his entry Dreams. On May 6, 2006 Andre Porter became the first Author to receive an IRAWMA (International Reggae And World Music Award) in its 25 years conception. Other awardees include Mr. Harry Belafonte, Danny Glover, Damian Jr. Gong Marley, Sean Paul and Bono from U2 to list a few. This award not only certifies Andre Porter as the number 1 Caribbean Author but proves he has an international audience supporting his work. Andre is most grateful and plans to use this award as a platform towards international acclaim as this is the most Prestigious Caribbean Award given. Mr. Porter faced a major set back when his second book titled Mirror The Reflection set to be released late 2006 was banned. The story is based on the life of a child captivated by a religion now a Bishop in search of immortality as the most powerful modern day Obeah man. Members of his cult feared that their identities would be revealed as they are well known established members of society. There is an ongoing petition to have the story released as a fiction as there are secrets that can’t be told. Andre’s aim is to have his first book, The Rise and Fall Of A Jamaican Don developed into a major motion picture. His most recent publication is titled Tears From My Pen and is based on the detailed confession of an investment banker who discovered his wife was six weeks pregnant for a man infected with HIV. The story will also be available on CD and Narrated by Alison Champaine, Editor of the West Indian Times News Magazine. Mr. Porter had an opportunity to do a book signing along side Reggae Icon Mutabaruka at the launch of the Philadelphia Music Festival on Sep 18 of 2005. He has met with various dignitaries in Politics including Philadelphia Mayor, celebrities, and even had multi-platinum international recording artist Sean Paul spoke about his book encouraging fans to read it on air in Philadelphia with Monie Love and Pooch Man on 100.3fm. Already in production are two kid’s books titled, Best of the next, a 70 page pocket book to inspire kids ages 8 – 16 on basic tips towards positive growth and When is daddy home? The highly anticipated sequel to The Rise and Fall of a Jamaican Don – Loyalty and Lies is expected to be the Blockbuster must read for summer 2007. Andre is now twenty-nine, lives in Philadelphia and is hoping to get the attention of someone who will be able to help him take his work to audiences across the world. His passions include cooking - meeting interesting people and learning about their cultures.