Blue Lagoon Children: A Hard Landing Into Key West’s Racial Divide

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Feb 142014
 

Bhajan and Naomi

Naomi and Bhajan grew up on boats anchored behind Wisteria Island.  Like many other kids living on the anchorage, they explored the island, sang for tips at Mallory Square, and rowed back and forth on kayaks to boat sleepovers.   When Hurricane Wilma sunk most boats, the families moved onto Wisteria Island for a time.  With no TV or computer, Bhajan and Naomi became avid readers and, of course, in keeping with the tradition of their bohemian lifestyle – they never went to school – until this year that is.

In 2013 they both decided that at 16 it was time to start wearing shoes and meddling with those “house kids”.  They both enrolled in Key West High School.  But, this new experience was met with very differing results.  At this point it is important to mention that Bhajan is white and Naomi is black (at least half black; her father is steel band musician and singer Toko Irie.)

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The Blue Paper #49

 The Blue Paper #49  Posted by  # Full Issues #  Comments Off on The Blue Paper #49
Feb 142014
 

Issue #49 — Friday, February 14, 2014

Blue Lagoon Children: A Hard Landing Into Key West’s Racial Divide

Naomi and Bhajan grew up on boats anchored behind Wisteria Island.  Like many other kids living on the anchorage, they explored the island, sang for tips at Mallory Square, and rowed back and forth on kayaks to boat sleepovers.   When Hurricane Wilma sunk most boats, the families moved onto Wisteria Island for a time.  With Read More...

Blue Lagoon Children: A Hard Landing Into Key West's Racial Divide

Naomi and Bhajan grew up on boats anchored behind Wisteria Island.  Like many other kids living on the anchorage, they explored the island, sang for tips at Mallory Square, and rowed back and forth on kayaks to boat sleepovers.   When Hurricane Wilma sunk most boats, the families moved onto Wisteria Island for a time.  With Read More...

Charles Eimers Preliminary Autopsy Report Released

Monroe County Medical Examiner E. Hunt Scheuerman, MD on Thursday released his preliminary objective report following the autopsy of Charles Eimers. Charles Eimers, 61, tourist for a day in our island Paradise, died on Thanksgiving day while in the hands of Key West police officers.   The arrest took place on South Beach in front of multiple Read More...

Yard Waste Plan Inflames Opposition

Contravening a report by a hired consultant, Monroe County seems to be pushing ahead with a plan to burn yard waste in the Lower Keys. Even by skewing the information provided to consulting firm Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc., that firm recommends composting yard waste over three other alternatives including incineration. It’s an important issue because Read More...

CITY FINALLY SETTLES LONG-RUNNING LAWSUITS

Jim Young is head of the city’s Code Enforcement operation– or Code Compliance, as they like to call it. By most accounts, Young is fair but firm in enforcing the city codes. But do you remember when then-City Manager Julio Avael fired Young back in 2006? You see, Young got caught treating all code violators Read More...

BIRD MATING DAY

Today, of course, is Valentine’s Day, that special day of the year when many people celebrate their romantic relationships and school kids across this country and probably many others exchange Valentine’s Day cards in a sort of popularity contest where whoever gets the most cards wins. (I never did, which I’m sure has scarred me Read More...

Mother Earth Sustaining Wounds—Shall Her Cry Be Heard…

Lighted cigarette butts, beer bottles, cans, fast food debris and fecal ridden diapers tossed from vehicles traveling along US1 has significantly increased since the construction of the new Jewfish Creek Bridge in Key Largo. Combined with the present epidemic of noise pollution, along with the exhaust and engine contaminates discharged from every make and model Read More...

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KWHS Art Students Create Gymnasium Sized "Shark Tank"

Under the guidance of Key West High School art teacher Shannon Perkins, students are earning community service using their artistic talents to beautify the gymnasium at Sugarloaf School. The aquatic mural was designed by KWHS juniors Clementine Girard d’Albissin and Brittany Henson. They sketched the conceptual design after conferring with Mr. Pete Tirado, Sugarloaf School’s Read More...

KWHS Art Students Create Gymnasium Sized “Shark Tank”

Under the guidance of Key West High School art teacher Shannon Perkins, students are earning community service using their artistic talents to beautify the gymnasium at Sugarloaf School. The aquatic mural was designed by KWHS juniors Clementine Girard d’Albissin and Brittany Henson. They sketched the conceptual design after conferring with Mr. Pete Tirado, Sugarloaf School’s Read More...

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  NOWHERE TO RUN:  NEW VIDEO DEVASTATING TO KWPD CREDIBILITY [CHIEF LEE DEPOSITION VIDEO] EIMERS IN-CUSTODY-DEATH UPDATE: MISSING VIDEO SURFACES KATHY SMITH, LEAD FDLE INVESTIGATOR IN CHARLES EIMERS CASE PUT ON ADMINITRATIVE LEAVE KWPD & FDLE, PARTNERS IN CRIME? CHARLES EIMERS UPDATE: Police, Death, and Missing Videotapes   THE BURGLAR, THE VIGILANTE, AND THE AXE OF Read More...

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DEATH IN PARADISE:  A YEAR LATER [CHARLES EIMERS MEMORIAL] NOWHERE TO RUN:  NEW VIDEO DEVASTATING TO KWPD CREDIBILITY [CHIEF LEE DEPOSITION VIDEO] EIMERS IN-CUSTODY-DEATH UPDATE: MISSING VIDEO SURFACES KATHY SMITH, LEAD FDLE INVESTIGATOR IN CHARLES EIMERS CASE PUT ON ADMINITRATIVE LEAVE KWPD & FDLE, PARTNERS IN CRIME? CHARLES EIMERS UPDATE: Police, Death, and Missing Videotapes   Read More...

An Open Letter to the Sanctuary Advisory Council (SAC)

SAC Members: As a former SAC member for six years, a current member of the Mote Marine Advisory Board and a consultant who is working with the Sierra Club and NRDC on national air quality issues, I share your love and concern for the environment.  Over the last thirteen months I have questioned the economics Read More...

KEY WEST: A LIVING CITY [PRIVATE HOME TOURS THIS FRI AND SAT]

Despite its reputation as an historic district, Key West has never been frozen in time.  Life went on, times changed, and housing changed to suit.  Come tour five private homes illustrating that point.  Somewhat ironically, they form a ring around the Cemetery. The tour is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, February 14 and 15, from Read More...

MOST AMERICANS SUPPORT ACTION ON GLOBAL WARMING Republicans and Democrats Agree on Several Climate and Energy Policies

A national survey conducted in the final months of 2013 finds that most Americans support national action on global warming: Most Americans (83%) say the U.S. should make an effort to reduce global warming, even if it has economic costs. Majorities of Americans say that corporations and industry (65%), citizens themselves (61%), and the U.S. Read More...

Exercise Solid Curtain – Citadel Shield 2014 / February 18 – 28

Exercise Solid Curtain-Citadel Shield 2014 will be conducted at Naval Air Station Key West and naval bases and installations throughout the continental U.S. Feb. 18 – 28. This annual exercise is designed to enhance the training and readiness of Navy Security Forces to respond to threats to installations and units. Solid Curtain-Citadel Shield 2014 is Read More...

Special Forces Underwater Operations School Receives Safety Excellence Award

Instructors pull Army Staff Sgt. Stephen McNally out of the pool during a casualty simulation at the Army’s Special Forces Underwater Operations School at Fleming Key Wednesday. Commanding General Brig. Gen. David Fox of the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School honored the dive school, formally known as Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, Read More...

ANNE MCKEE ARTISTS FUND AUCTION

Attendees can choose from the work of 63 Florida Keys artists, ranging from renowned masters to emerging talents, at the Anne McKee Artists Fund fine art auction Saturday, Feb. 15th. The annual auction and its associated gala raise money for project-based grants to Keys visual, literary and performing artists. This year the auction gala will Read More...

Please Join Us For the Sandy Cornish Memorial Dedication

On Saturday February 15 at 10:00 am, the newly installed memorial to Sandy Cornish will be unveiled and dedicated in a shady corner of the historic Key West City Cemetery. Sandy Cornish was a freed slave who lived in Port Leon, Florida and whose freedom papers were destroyed in a fire. Slave hunters tried to Read More...

Wesley House Annual Valentine’s Gala – a Key West Tradition [TONIGHT!]

Wesley House Family Services presents its 31st annual Valentine’s Gala – a Key West tradition – Friday, February 14, 6:30 to 9:30 pm, on and surrounding the elegant grounds of the historic Curry Mansion Inn, 511 Caroline Street. Gala highlights include abundant dining and libations included in the ticket price. General Admission tickets include open Read More...

Florida Keys Council of the Arts Cultural Calendar Thursday, November 6 thru Wednesday, November 12

Visit keysarts.com, Cultural Calendar for more listings and events throughout the Keys. Key West Happenings ARTISTS RECEPTIONS / EXHIBITIONS Thursday Polar Opposites Opening Reception, 6 PM Lucky Street Gallery, 540 Greene St. 294-3973. Luckystreetgallery.com James Barr-Nobles, B. Lucy Stevens. (more…)

Poetry Guild Celebrates Black History Month

In honor of Black History Month, the Key West Poetry Guild will host an open reading of the work of famous Black American Poets on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 5:30 p.m. at the African cemetery at Higgs Beach. “I feel very passionate about this particular type of celebration of poetry and was encouraged to share Read More...

Impromptu Classical Concerts Welcomes Return of Trio Solisti, February 16th

The highly acclaimed Trio Solisti returns Sunday, February 16, 4:00 pm to St. Paul’s Church. The Trio – Maria Bachmann (violin), Alexis Pia Gerlach (cello), Adam Neiman (piano) – eagerly anticipates its visit to Key West. “The members of Trio Solisti are thrilled to be returning to perform once again in Key West for the Read More...

Florida Keys Southernmost Car Club (FKSCC) Holds its Monthly SHOW & SHINE this Sunday

The Florida Keys Southernmost Car Club (FKSCC) holds its monthly SHOW & SHINE this Sunday, February 16th. This event is for the lovers of classic, custom, and street rod automobiles of all years and makes. Fords, Chevys, trucks, sports cars, and chrome loaded motorcycles. If it cool and on wheels it will be here. This fun afternoon Read More...

Florida Keys Southernmost Car Club (FKSCC) Holds its Monthly SHOW & SHINE this Sunday

The Florida Keys Southernmost Car Club (FKSCC) holds its monthly SHOW & SHINE this Sunday, February 16th. This event is for the lovers of classic, custom, and street rod automobiles of all years and makes. Fords, Chevys, trucks, sports cars, and chrome loaded motorcycles. If it cool and on wheels it will be here. This fun afternoon Read More...

David Garrard Lowe at Next FOL Lecture, Monday

Cultural historian David Garrard Lowe will take his audience to the French Riviera in this season’s next Friends of the Key West Library lecture—Monday, February 17, 6:00 p.m., Studios of Key West, 600 White Street.  Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Lowe’s program, entitled “The Invention of the Riviera”, will trace the transformation of a region Read More...

FIRM ANNUAL MEETINGS OPEN TO PUBLIC, Next Meeting This Tuesday in Key Largo

Fair Insurance Rates in Monroe (FIRM) invites the public to their Upper Keys Annual Meeting at the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo on Tuesday, February 18, 2014 from 5:30 – 6:30 pm.  FIRM President and County Commissioner Heather Carruthers and FIRM Executive Director Chic Wagner will provide an update on FIRM’s recent successes Read More...

League of Women Voters Celebrate Successful Forum / More To Come

Lower Keys League of Women Voters President Joan Wallin, at left, thanks Womankind Executive Director Kim Romano, certified ACA application counselor aka “navigator” Carlos Guttierrez and Herman Koch, senior educator with Florida Blue for participating in the LWV’s recent forum, “Affordable Care Act: Just the Facts.” The chapter’s annual membership meeting is set for Feb. Read More...

A Cemetery Stroll Honoring Black History Month is Planned for Saturday, February 22

A Cemetery Stroll honoring Black History Month is planned for Saturday, February 22. During the stroll, groups of visitors will be escorted to gravesites where interpreters will tell the stories of the deceased in brief monologues. Gravesites to be visited include: George Adderley, Willie Ward, Roosevelt Sands, Sr., Frank Adams, Nelson English, Thomas Romer, Ellen Read More...

Love Lane Gang: Their Just Plain Fun!

The Love Lane Gang plays music that spans generations as well as embodies them. With an age range among the members of over thirty years, they bring a wide variety of experience and musical tastes to bear. They’ve brought back skiffle and updated it for the present. The emphasis is on ragtime and swing: classics Read More...

Southernmost Magnolia Will Get Your Head Boppin'

Southernmost Magnolia, the Key West version of the renowned New England band Magnolia, plays a unique blend of Cajun, country, and bluegrass music. Led by singer and guitarist Maggie Moniz, with local fixtures Steve Gibson on mandolin and Chief Billy on bass, and world-famous Chuck Sherman on pedal steel, they play good time music sure Read More...

Southernmost Magnolia Will Get Your Head Boppin’

Southernmost Magnolia, the Key West version of the renowned New England band Magnolia, plays a unique blend of Cajun, country, and bluegrass music. Led by singer and guitarist Maggie Moniz, with local fixtures Steve Gibson on mandolin and Chief Billy on bass, and world-famous Chuck Sherman on pedal steel, they play good time music sure Read More...

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The expressed opinions, informational content and links displayed on https://keywestthenewspaper.com/ pages do not necessarily reflect a position or policy of Blue Pimpernel LLC, Key West The Newspaper [The Blue Paper] or its affiliates. No official endorsement by Blue Pimpernel LLC, Key West The Newspaper [The Blue Paper] or its affiliates of the viewpoints expressed on Read More...

CONTENT DISCLAIMER

The expressed opinions, informational content and links displayed on https://keywestthenewspaper.com/ pages do not necessarily reflect a position or policy of Blue Pimpernel LLC, Key West The Newspaper [The Blue Paper], its affiliates, or advertisers. No official endorsement by Blue Pimpernel LLC, Key West The Newspaper [The Blue Paper], its affiliates, or advertisers of the viewpoints Read More...