RARF - GIVING ADDITIONAL MEANING TO A MAN'S LIFE
The launch of the Roy Anthony Reid Foundation
The life and times of Roy Anthony Reid will have alot of commonality for those who have come to know and shared it, during the just 50 odd years which the gods have decreed that he should spend with them, before calling time on Roy on that shocking and sad day in October 2014. That was when they were forced to cope with the realization that, henceforth, Roy would only live in the poignant and happy memories they would continue to have of him.
Probably most or all the people who have had the good fortune of spending time with and sharing the life of Roy Anthony Reid, would describe him as a quiet, kind, respectful, probably a bit introverted, and thoughtful person. You might also say Roy was a 'thinking person's' man. One of those people who, without being obvious, is observing what is happening around them and taking note of and analysing it. Roy was a man who dressed well and was not into being pretentious or popping style; he was rooted in substance, which is indicative of his career as an electronic engineer and his commitment to pursuing his love of photographic artistic representation.
Roy's life, like that of millions of other people, was not without struggles and setbacks, and he has had to fight to overcome them and succeed in achieving the goals he had set himself; whether it was to keep abreast of the continuing training and performance reviews which he had to do to keep himself abreast of the latest developments in his work as an electronic engineer, or the retraining which he had done when fate intervened and challenged him with having to make a career change.
The Drum Centre, where the launch took place.
And so, while acknowledging the touching life of Roy Anthony Reid, a man who, most probably did not think of himself as exceptional, and certainly did not show or claim exceptionalism, the RARF is really not about the life of Roy, but about helping to transform the lives of young men and women within the black diaspora, whether they are in Roy's native Jamaica, or in the West Midlands of the United Kingdom, by giving them that bit of support which could enable them to realise their self-improvement goals.
Although RARF has been doing a lot of organizational work for some months now, its official launch took place at The Drum, on Friday 27/05/2016. The turnout was very good, with inspirational speeches by the Revd. Eve Pitts, and Desmond Jaddooo, as well as some well sung songs and inspirational presentations from other contributors.
In order for RARF to achieve its objectives, of supporting and advancing the personal and social achievements of young people within the black diaspora, will need the support of people from all walks of life, and of the different communities and businesses with whom these young people interact in their daily lives.
It is a cause worth of support; if you are able and want to contribute towards the realization of the Roy Anthony Reid Foundation's objectives, then please make contact with the organization.
https://www.facebook.com/royanthonyreid/
This brilliant musical troupe provide some very touching music for the RARF launch event.
OWOHROD
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