Tag Archives: caribbean

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Why I Do What I Do

This photo by Gordon Parks is so beautiful to me. Every time I see it I stop and ponder. So many thoughts run through my mind. The pain and beauty is awe inspiring. Although it’s sad, to me, it’s also very powerful. 

This past weekend, my husband and I had a chance to spend a few hours together for a quick lunch. Time alone is a little rare. When we get some time together usually chat about our girls, catch up on businesses items and make plans based on some short or long term goals. We also laugh a lot and exchange our funniest stories from the prior week. As we shared some funny stories about our girls, the conversation shifted to their future and my goals for them. The conversation shifted. I then told my husband something I had unintentionally never shared with him before…the burden I carry. I know burden is such a deep and heavy (literally) word, but it is the truest description of what I feel. 

I am responsible for many things. My family, our home, my business,etc. More importantly, I am responsible for raising three girls into women. I carry the burden of raising strong, independent women that are kind, empathetic and emotionally intelligent, among a plethora of other traits. In order to do so I have to provide a solid foundation, be present and continuously supportive. That requires an all-day every-day mentality and focus. There is never a time I am not thinking about that responsibility. I carry the burden of those that have come before me. My parents, and the sacrifices they made to bring my sisters and I to the United States and make a wonderful life for us. I also carry the burden of the people who have fought for the rights of black people in this country and the Caribbean and those that continue to work hard to break down barriers and create change.

All of that I carry. It may sound like a lot but I am grateful for it. Knowing that without the sacrifices of so many I would not be here, able to do what I’m doing, is very humbling and yet inspiring. It’s the driving force behind my work ethic and mission to accomplish so many goals. There are too many people to let down, including myself. 

When people talk about their goals, but do nothing to reach them or don’t take time to do quality work. It confuses me. I am working for all of those that came before me, my girls, and all of the people that will follow. With that mindset, I consider everything I do to have great meaning and great impact. Therefore, I have no choice but to always work hard to reach excellence. When I think of my mother and her continued hard work, my father and his strive to do what he loves, the mothers and fathers that shielded their children from violence during the civil rights movement and the many, many lives lost fighting for freedom and justice around the world…with all that I have, and the opportunities I have been given, how can I waste that? How can I not achieve?

“Being a mess is just not an option!”

Before I was an entrepreneur, I spent many years in a management position. It was in this role that I learned about human behavior. Everyday, before work, I would review my job description and work towards achieving  every requirement of my position. I held myself accountable and focused on achieving every goal put upon our team. I put great pressure on myself and my team to succeed in our roles. I quickly realized that although I had that passion and drive for achievement, not everyone shared that philosophy. Many were completely okay with producing mediocre results.

Trying to understand their mindset was overwhelmingly difficult. I didn’t understand how there could be clearly placed goals set and someone not try their all to achieve it. I noticed they felt no pressure. No responsibility. Failure was an option and many people are okay with that. 

Well, I feel great pressure. When I look at my children, study our history, or speak with my parents. I feel great pressure. It’s my life’s work. There’s no work-life balance, just life. I work all day and all night. Whether it’s consulting, performing, or teaching my daughter to read. Nothing is optional. I do it all. It all matters. Yesterday, today and tomorrow. What you choose to do and what you choose not to do. It all matters. So I will continue to work hard for the people of the past, the people I share this present with, and the people that will come after I’m gone. And, because of my passion and the work I choose to do, I will always feel accomplished. 

Black History Month 2016

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With Steelpan, Quality and History Matter

There is so much happening in the world of pan. With social media and the Internet we can see it all. Which in the areas of awareness and support, can and should be great for the instrument. The problem is, it seems that quantity has overcome quality and I’m seeing a lot more bad than good. Even though there is a lot of good.

When speaking to audiences about the Steelpan I always remind them of a few things:

1. The Steelpan is a very new instrument, and with anything new, extinction is a possibility.


2. There has to be a standard of quality.


3. The correct history must be told repeatedly to avoid the twisting and misconceptions of the story. 

4. There is exceptional craftsmanship involved with building a Steelpan. This is still a man made instrument.

I’m concerned about the state of pan, primarily in the U.S but even back home in the Caribbean according to some. I know that across the world there are thousands and thousands of Steelpan players, bands, school programs etc. which should make me very happy and to a degree, it does. However the quality of many those programs and and instruments is greatly concerning. I’ve heard steelpans that sound like wood on untuned metal. That’s not good.

The Steelpan is an instrument of the Caribbean, invented by people of African decent and European influence in Caribbean nations like Trinidad and my country, Guyana. Many of the Steelpan builders today especially in the US, are not people of African decent. Which is okay except what does that mean for the past, present and future of this Caribbean instrument? And, as the history develops through generations, how and to who, is it being taught to?

To understand how this may impact someone like me let’s go back a few decades. I have been hearing Steelpan since birth, before birth, and grew up with it my entire life. I didn’t learn it in high school or take a course in college. I know the Steelpan just like I know anything I learned literally like walking, talking and ABC’s. There’s no course you can take to feel the way I do about the instrument. It’s another family member. It’s a daily topic. There is no label, no title that suits that. We don’t exist without it.

My father makes the Steelpan. He makes exceptional instruments. I grew up seeing his expert craftsmanship and hearing the beautiful intruments his time and effort yielded. There’s no doubt to me (and I am certainly not the only one) that Phil Solomon is one of the best Steelpan builders and tuners the instrument has known. And no, he is not the only one. He is not the only great Steelpan builder, and hopefully will be one of many greats in the years to come.

When I see a Steelpan program at a school or steel band performing, I get excited. When I hear the poor quality of the instruments or technique. I get sad. I feel disappointed. Just like anything else, but especially with the Steelpan, quality matters. The instrument cannot survive without quality craftsmanship being passed from one to the next. Why support makers and players that don’t truly understand and respect the instrument?

Barrels to Beethoven began as a way to recognize the impact Phil Solomon has had on the Steelpan and the city of Pittsburgh through Steelpan and Steelpan education. Through a year of research the organization pivoted to also include education and innovation. A necessary component for sustaining and growing the instrument. Our hope, our goal is that quality craftsmanship, exceptional education standards and history of the instrument will strive over all else.

Why try to compare the variation in quality to anything? Because quality should and does matter. Especially when it’s new. Mortons vs. McDonalds. Whole Foods vs. Bottom Dollar. Ralph Lauren vs. H&M. There’s a difference. Of course, all of the companies listed, whether good quality or just quantity can survive because there are enough consumers on both sides to sustain both. The Steelpan does not yet have that luxury. Quality. Quality. Quality. In both the instrument, instruction and presentation. That’s how the Steelpan will grow, develop and sustain over time.

When you are involved in something new, something that needs to be nurtured, it is important to make sure the quality is exceptional. That’s what we are dedicated to.