THE WRITERS’ CORNER…Poet, Teacher, Activist – the many hats of Imo Bakari

Aug 21, 2016 Book Review…, Features / Columnists

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By Dr Glenville Ashby

It was during a 2013 Black History Month function at Sri Trimurti Bhavan temple in Queens,

New York, that Imo Bakari’s passionate call for justice and activism resounded through the auditorium. His high voltage delivery was a far cry from his phlegmatic personality. The audience was overwhelmingly captivated. It is the driving tenor of that rivetting speech that Bakari has injected into his book, ‘Conversations’, an inspiring collection of poetry that emphasises collective responsibility and nationalism.
A one-on-one interview with Bakari demands introspection. Hýe can be profoundly incisive.
The southern Trinidad resident lectures at the University of the Southern Caribbean in the north of the island. Hardly a political dilettante he was a member of the National Joint Action Committee (NJAC) up until 1991.
Before discussing his work, he expressed sadness over the recent passing of NJAC’s founder, Makandal Daaga. Daaga, of whom he said, “symbolised one of the most important, transformative periods in the history of Trinidad and Tobago.”
In 1983 Bakari contested the Point Fortin Central seat at the local level. In the 1986 General Elections he vied for the Fyzabad district. Although unsuccessful, the experience cemented his vision for an equitable society based on opportunities, honest work, and industry.
He held that his many years of public speaking served him well in his present incarnation as a psychology lecturer and training provider for the last eighteen years in the areas of leadership, entrepreneurship, cooperative development, and conflict resolution.
In 1983 he produced motivational cards – a business venture that was well received, although many customers believed that his philosophy would be better served in book form.  It is at this juncture that the seeds of authorship were planted and the concept of Conversations was born. Publishing, though, took its toll.
“It took me two years to complete this project,” he recalled. “This involved not only the writing but the many exhaustive editing exercises; the work done by the graphic artist; the doing and redoing of various aspects of layout and designing; along with actual printing of the book, and its subsequent shipping from Florida to Trinidad and Tobago.”
But his labour bore fruits. His book signings have attracted large audiences in Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana. Events in other Caribbean islands are being discussed. He credited the success of Conversations to his ability to meaningfully connect to others.
“Simple words can be weighty,” he noted. He was unequivocal in his belief that there is an indescribable profundity about story-telling that should be explored.
“Our indigenous history is grounded in storytelling and the oral traditions. I am committed to identifying, addressing, and correcting the ills in society, and the most feasible medium used to convey my messages are through stories. There is a magical element to this methodology.”
He was buoyed by the emergence of spoken word poets and the growing popularity of literary festivals. The artist must become the voice of reason and an agent of positive change, according to Bakari.
“The more locals reflect on their own reality and write, the more the literary industry will grow in social and economic importance. If the world must appreciate who we are it is imperative that we promote our own,” he emphasised.
Bakari believes that “young writers must be provided with opportunities for training, and be open to mentorship and peer reviewed,” and that “they should be eager to participate in local, regional and international festivals.”
He is driven by what he calls, “a deep philosophical view that man and society can become better and achieve greatness.”
An activist that spurns armchair radicals, he was avidly involved in political and social causes throughout his teenage years. His views have been tailored by Caribbean intellectual giants that include, Dr. Walter Rodney, CLR James, Frantz Fanon, Dr. Ben Jochannan, Dr. Tony Martin and Ivan Van Sertima.
“Their ideological positions and concern for the condition of Africans, and their candour as they sought to remedy social ills still resonate with me. I really share their bold vision.”
Bakari has never stopped advocating for the disenfranchised. At the same time he has called for self- reliance and personal responsibility. This is evident in his writing.
“My book is unique in that it speaks to all age groups, genders, ethnicities and races,” he offered assuredly. “It addresses fundamental human values such as making the required effort to guarantee your success in life, the need for courage, determination, faith and hope. It encourages readers to reflect on themselves and society and come up with solutions to improve overall conditions.”
When Bakari is not engaged in teaching, writing, or activist worký, he spends “quality” time with his wife and two children at his Point Fortin residence. Daily meditation and exercise are also part of his disciplined regimen.
Months after its release ‘Conversations’ continues to enjoy robust sales regionally. He sees himself as a “blessed soul,” with a clearly defined mission. And as he moves to improve society, he is mindful of his own well being.
“I am unrelenting in my quest to become a better me both socially, culturally, physically, economically, psychologically.” he stated. “While I must be a leading voice without fuss or fanfare in improving the condition of mankind especially the downtrodden in society, I am must ensure that I am at peace with myself.”

Feedback: [email protected] or follow him on Twitter@glenvilleashby

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