Dr. Clayton Lawrence honors Trinidad's rich culture and independence

WASHINGTON - Feb. 21, 2018 - PRLog -- Dr. Clayton Lawrence, president and CEO of LEAP Foundation DC, recently explored his roots with a journey to Trinidad. Born in Manhattan, Dr. Lawrence is the son of Trinidadian immigrants who instilled in him the desire to never stop learning.

It has been years – about 15, to be exact – since he has visited the Caribbean Island that is about 6.8 miles off the northeastern coast of Venezuela, but he embraced the opportunity to spend time with extended family. Although his mother and father passed away some time ago, he was anxious to connect with those who share the same ancestry and who could pass on traditions of generations who have come before.

Most make an immediate connection when thinking about Trinidad to the famous Carnival. The famed two-day festivities are celebrated in various local forms throughout the world, known best in the states as Mardi Gras. But in its native country, Carnival is a sight to behold. Playing mas is the ultimate goal, earning participants the right to shuffle and march with a masquerade band. Dr. Lawrence was welcomed into the YUMA Vibe Band, with which he donned a blue costume adorned with feathers and beaded embellishments. He joined thousands of shufflers, including those in the most impressive demonstrations of Carnival glory to revelers whose costumes, while small, made the largest of statements.

But, in the end, it wasn't a trip about elaborate costumes, steel bands or perfectly bronzed bodies. For Dr. Lawrence, it was much more than that. It was a cultural exploration that dug deep into the heart of the Trinidadian history and even deeper into the physician's own strengths.

The tradition of Mas began in the late 18^th century, when French plantation owners organized masquerades and balls before the fasting of Lent would begin. Carne vale – farewell to meat – slowly made its way to Brazil, where African rituals fused with European ones to create the famed Carnival. Although French colonists introduced Carnival to Trinidad, slaves were restricted from participating. In retaliation, they created their own parties, marching and shuffling to calypso music and burning sugar cane, or Canboulay, as a way to mock the French. After the emancipation of slaves in 1838, Canboulay became the symbol of freedom and defiance and the masking and rituals continue as a symbol of Trinidadian culture during the independence movement.

"I felt truly honored to march for everything that Carnival symbolizes," Dr. Lawrence said. "To see videos and photographs of the spectacle is one thing, but to wear such a meaningful article of clothing that stands for something so great – the freedom to participate – was truly special. Marching with my Yuman brothers and sisters and the many others who participate in this amazing event brought with it a feeling of unity, justice and empowerment."

On the most popular beach – and at a much slower pace – in Trinidad, a visit to Maracas Bay was marked as a place of conquest for the visiting physician. Dr. Lawrence faced his personal fear of snakes by having a rather large one placed around his neck by an island native. With more than 40 species of ophidians recorded there, the population of these sneaky creatures is the most diverse in the Caribbean. Even so, it is rare to see snakes in Trinidad, but with four venomous ones found on the island, it is wise to have a knowledgeable friend nearby when meeting one face to face.

"This was definitely a true test of my own strength, but the surf of Maracas lended a calming backdrop for a day of exploration and self-discovery," he said. "In the end, I felt victorious having held a snake around my neck during such a meaningful visit to Trinidad. It truly was the perfect setting and an amazing way to end such a tremendous journey."

To view Dr. Lawrence's Trinidad Homecoming video recap on Vimeo, visit https://vimeo.com/256354528.



ABOUT LEAP FOUNDATION DC

LEAP Foundation DC, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt public charity, was founded in 2009, by Dr. Clayton G. Lawrence to address the unmet social and health needs of the people of the District of Columbia. By providing educational and training opportunities, LEAP's programs advocate for the health and wellness of community members, deliver services to individuals and families in need, support local organizations in their efforts to improve their community, and provide a stage and voice for those who are overlooked and disregarded.