The Importance of Diasporic Individuals Reconnecting with Their Cultural Heritage

Brian Sankarsingh reflects on his most recent visit to his birthplace in Trinidad

I recently made the trip back to the land of my birth. Unlike most of my previous journeys back, this one seemed to resonate with me on a different emotional level. Where in most of my other trips back after the first week, I was longing to return to Canada, this time that yearning did not present until the last day of my trip. I was caught up with family events, reconnecting with friends and enjoying the food, music, dance and culture of the island. On the trip back home, to Canada, I reflected on this change in mood and sentiment. Was it because I was getting older and yearning to be in the place of my youth? Or maybe I just missed the constant oppressive heat of Trinidadian weather.

We live in an increasingly globalized world. One where borders are blurred, and cultures intermingle. A world where the concept of diaspora is a prevalent theme. Diaspora refers to the dispersion of a group of people from their homeland to various parts of the world, often resulting from factors such as migration, or displacement. These individuals, known as diasporic members, carry with them not just their physical presence but also the cultural heritage, traditions, and values of their homeland. Sadly, amidst the hustle and bustle of adapting to new environments and embracing diverse cultures, the significance of reconnecting with one's roots can often be overlooked. Yet, rediscovering one's cultural origins can yield profound benefits, both personally and communally.

First and foremost, reconnecting with one's roots provides a sense of belonging and identity. For many diasporic individuals, navigating between multiple cultures can lead to feelings of displacement or alienation. By exploring and embracing their cultural heritage, they can find a sense of rootedness and belonging that transcends geographical boundaries. Whether it's through language, cuisine, music, dance, or traditions, reconnecting with one's roots offers a reaffirmation of one's identity and a connection to a community that shares similar experiences and values.

Reconnecting with one's roots fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity. In today's interconnected world, diversity is celebrated as a cornerstone of societal enrichment. By engaging with their cultural heritage, diasporic individuals not only preserve their traditions but also contribute to the mosaic of global diversity. Through cultural exchange and dialogue, they can bridge gaps between different communities, promote cross-cultural understanding, and challenge stereotypes and prejudices.

Furthermore, reconnecting with one's roots enables diasporic individuals to preserve and pass down their cultural heritage to future generations. As the world continues to evolve, there is a risk of cultural homogenization, where unique traditions and practices are overshadowed by globalization. By reconnecting with their roots, diasporic individuals become custodians of their cultural legacy, ensuring that it thrives and endures for generations to come. Through storytelling, festivals, education, and other forms of cultural expression, they can instill a sense of pride and appreciation in their descendants, preserving the richness and diversity of their heritage.

On a personal level, this can have a profound psychological and emotional benefit. Research has shown that individuals who maintain strong connections to their cultural heritage exhibit higher levels of self-esteem, resilience, and overall well-being. By grounding themselves in their cultural identity, diasporic individuals can draw strength and inspiration from their ancestors' experiences, navigating life's challenges with a sense of purpose and resilience. This emotion was so profound for me that I wrote the poem below, in its entirety, in about ten minutes. This poem represents the conclusion of a book to be released in March 2025 titled A Treatise on Decolonizing the Trinidadian Mind.

Explanation of some of the terms used in this poem

Kiskadee – Great Kiskadees (pictured above) are a treat for bird watchers who visit Trinidad. They are lively birds with a black bandit’s mask and a yellow belly. Kiskadees sit out in the open and attract attention with incessant kis-kis-ka-dee calls.

Tassa – The tassa is an Indian drumming ensemble

Burglar proof – the crime rate in Trinidad had caused many people to put burglar proofing around the windows and doors in their entire homes

The Call of the Kiskadee

Wandering amid 
Fevered dreams
Of endless beaches 
Dried up streams
A mysterious sound
Breaks through 
The reverie
A melodic call arises
The kiskidee rings in
The morning air  
Calls of 
Kis kis ki dee 
Here I stand surrounded by 
Sun blasted plants and people 
Rays burning in to our 
Collective bodies 
Cooking up ideas that bubble 
To the surface 
Then disappear 
An endless stream of 
Vehicular traffic 
Monotonous
Gaseous 
Fumes 
Assaulting senses
Kis kis ki dee 
Sings the 
Vivacious avian 
Bring me back to reality 
The sun has toasted me 
Roasted me 
Inside out 
Oh lord I’m hot
The floor is lava and 
Heat above 
And 
Below
But we endure 
Me and 
My fellow Trinidadians
Kis kis ki dee
She sings in her open air aviary 
Coconuts on the tree 
Screaming pick me pick me 
I can cool you down 
They yield their 
Thirst repelling juice to the 
Coconut man’s blade 
Rushing into my mouth 
Running down my 
Arms 
As I anticipate the luscious jelly
Hiding within its 
Hardened skull
Kis kis ki dee
Sings the bird up in 
Her tree 
Sights and sounds 
Colours and smells 
Taunts the senses and 
Stirs them well 
Memories of a
Bygone time
Making new memories 
And feeding new 
Rhymes 
Fruits and vegetables 
Duck and goat 
Fresh fish
Bought from the man
Right off 
The boat 
Overwhelmed taste buds 
Crying in delight 
Over filled bellies 
Late in the night 
Kis kis ki dee 
Our feathered friend sings 
As she takes once 
To the wing 
This is Trinidad 
Jewel of the Caribbean 
Standing tall to the 
Burning sun 
Concrete jungle 
Wave lapped beaches
Verdant jungles 
A lake of pitch but
Rocky roads still
Rough and tumble
Riddim section 
Pulsing beats 
Bodies writhing 
With the 
Tassa’s heat
Accompanied by
Our feathered friend
Kis kis kid dee
From the island’s 
Southern beaches to the 
Mountainous 
Northern range
Surrounded by
A burglar proof jail
Bandits in the night
Prevail
Kis kis ki dee 
Beauty
Violence
Music and 
Dance 
The island’s 
Dichotomy 
Filled with contrast
Haunting melody
Calling the diaspora 
In sultry tones 
Come back babies 
Come back home 
Kis kis ki dee
Kis kis ki dee

Bio: BRIAN SANKARSINGH is a Trinidadian-born Canadian immigrant who has published several books of poetry on a wide range of social and historical themes including racism, colonialism, and enslavement. Sankarsingh artfully blends prose and poetry into his storytelling creating an eclectic mix with both genres. This unique approach is sure to provide something for everyone.

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