Emphani Aldridge is on her first trip abroad. She writes about Tonya Clark, who has been my assistant in Kingston and who has been a tremendous help to all of us. Most importantly, Tonya has been a role model to these students who have benefitted from her example. Jamaica must be known not for its tourist attractions but for its people, many of them are like Tonya, passionate and heroic. Emphani writes about Tonya’s impact on her and her fellow students. In 2014, Emphani will graduate with a degree in Political Science and Afroamerican and African Studies. It is her ambition to start a non-profit for girls in Detroit. I have no doubt she will.
Enjoy,
Nesha Z. Haniff
Director, Pedagogy of Action
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The Gift That Keeps on Giving
By Emphani Aldridge
Tonya Clark is a front-line worker for JFLAG. Those who are in desperate of need of help: medical attention if they’re HIV positive, assistance in reporting to the authorities, and are fearful of their environment and lives due to being gay see Tonya first, and she advocates for them passionately. Tonya has been our guardian angel and so much more since we’ve been here in Jamaica. After experiencing her selflessness and lively spirit, it is no wonder why Dr. Haniff asked Tonya to be her assistant while we were in Kingston. She is a nurse by profession, but serves in so many other roles for countless people. For some she is a mother, for others she is a counselor, some even call her protector– to us Tonya was all that and above. She made sure those who needed it received medical attention, we stuffed ourselves in her car for grocery store visits, and she escorted us to and through local markets.
Everywhere we went, someone knew Tonya. They all treated her with respect and reverence. You would have thought she was a huge body builder or national hero the way she walked through the city. But, you would be delighted to know that Tonya is a petite 5’1. Traveling with her through the city, it is obvious that she has impacted many lives throughout the years the same way that she has impacted ours in only a matter of weeks.
Tonya cooked for us, introducing us to ackee and saltfish, breadfruit, and porridge. She brought us handpicked mangos, and took us on exciting excursions. She was nothing but generous and giving, and treated all 16 of us as if we were her own children. This meant early mornings and late evenings, settling disputes, and making sure there was a smile on everyone’s face. Because of her work at JFLAG, Tonya couldn’t travel with us to Black River in St. Elizabeth, but we missed (and begged) her so much that she drove 4 hours to visit us in Negril before we headed home– a prime example of her big her heart. I’m going to miss Tanya dearly–we all are. We are forever in her debt for her generosity, hospitality, and over all good spirit. She is the epitome of Jamaica’s heart and hospitality. Through Tonya, we have come to love Jamaica.
