Jamaicizms

This book is written from the perspective of a first-generation African-American who was raised by immigrant parents, one Jamaican and one Ghanian. The author often heard parables over the years which her parents would often recite as it pertained to life circumstances as applicable. The parables were often expressed using words to live by or conveyed as cautionary tales.

Dr. Fay Gyapong-Porter is a first-generation African-American raised in Brooklyn, New York by immigrant parents. Her mother was born in Cuba and raised in Jamaica. Her father was born and raised in Kumasi Ghana, West Africa. From an early age, the importance of education was instilled in her life by both parents. She had a curious mind, a very active imagination and many interests as a child. Her parents often quoted parables to live by from their respective cultures. In addition, her mother, Enid, a.k.a. "Nen", along with her Aunt Sybil and other Jamaican family members often recited old sayings which depicted life circumstances- big or small. These sayings always resonated with Dr. Fay, and she is happy to finally be able to fulfill her long-cherished dream of sharing some of her most salient memories of them with others in this whimsical way.