The inaugural Write-Tukubuli Virtual Literary Festival, held from September 15 to September 20, featured a compelling Authors Showcase spotlighting Kathy Casimir MacLean, a Dominican-born writer based in the UK. During the event, MacLean shared a poignant excerpt from her memoir, “Black Man Listen,” which delves into the life and legacy of her grandfather, J.R. Ralph Casimir. The memoir serves as a tribute to a man whose contributions to Dominica’s cultural and literary history had been largely overlooked.
In a November 2022 interview with Dominica News Online, MacLean revealed her inspiration for the book, stating, “I wanted to write ‘Black Man Listen’ to honor my grandfather and to tell his story, as it has been absent from our island’s historical narrative.” J.R. Ralph Casimir, a native of St. Joseph village, was a multifaceted figure—poet, editor, journalist, and bookseller. He is celebrated for publishing Dominica’s earliest poetry anthologies and for his pioneering Pan-Africanist ideals. Casimir was also a founding member of Marcus Garvey’s Universal Negro Improvement Association, further cementing his influence on global Black empowerment movements.
Beyond her grandfather’s biography, MacLean has contributed to the anthology “Montage Dominik,” showcasing her versatility as a writer. Her participation in the Write-Tukubuli Festival not only highlights her literary talent but also underscores the importance of preserving and celebrating Caribbean heritage through storytelling.