Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide's mission statement reads: "R.A.W. is an international network of Committed Reggae Enthusiasts who have joined forces to spread the positive vibe of Reggae music. Whether intentionally or not, the broad nature of the organization's stated purpose has become possibly its single most defining characteristic. Begun in 1992, as the brainchild of Papa Pilgrim, a deejay and writer based in Salt Lake City, and Rastaman Nane, a deejay and promoter then based in Michigan, RAW has in its four short years of existence far exceeded the dreams of even its creators. In the process, it has provided a medium for Reggae lovers around the globe to meet, greet, and share in their common love for Reggae music. 

     How has RAW fulfilled and exceeded this mission? Members have rallied around the concept for which RAW stands. Made up of bands, fans, promoters, club owners, record labels, producers, writers; a healthy cross section of the music industry, RAW'ers proudly unite forces for any cause which may help further their favorite music and those who bring it to us. Since its inception, RAW has demonstrated time and time again that when people believe in what they are doing, there is always time to lend a helping hand. No voice is too small to be heard, and no man is an island. A RAW member in need is a lucky soul indeed.

     This spirit of collective work toward a common goal represents a phenomenon too seldom seen in this modern world, where it is money money money money. "Some people got to have it, some people really need it," and me oh my, what it can accomplish. Case in point, many of us in the Reggae/Rasta community may be forgiven our disgust at an Anheuser-Busch commercial, touting Bud-wei-ser, and using the music of Bob Marley to do so! Excuse me? We are not amused. The Marley Estate needs to be very careful with whom it finds itself as bedfellow. It is easy to take funds from all sources, provided the funds are put to righteous use. 

     Aren't these not the same "big fish, that eat up the small fish?" Livity inna Babylon is still about protecting your integrity, your credibility, and about not selling out. Be aware of your influence and power, and be careful whose ideals you perpetuate. 

     Currently, Reggae seems to be jammin' with the strains of "Greedy Reggae Party." Think about it! "How many people can fit into one hundred percent?" According to some artists and management, it must be about a hundred and fifty percent worth. Yes, how easy it is to sing of unity and harmony, of peace and love, when the biggest helping is on your plate. How humbly we extol the virtue of sharing as long as we, and we alone, are well-paid. Read Aesop lately? Remember the greedy dog? I say let the greedy dogs go jump in the river together to fight over the other, non-existent, bone.

     In a money-hungry society world where the mighty dollar speaks loudest, RAW succeeds at being a decidedly un-money thing, "As long my membership number is one," says Pilgrim, "RAW is not and will never be about money." Admirable, sure, but realistic? Absolutely! This is RAW's strongest trait. Time and time again RAW'ers have proven that they hold this value dear to their hearts. The sentiment is not only a slogan, it is a mode of operation. This is RAW - it is about all of us, not only a few. And its greatest strength lies in our individual contributions to the whole.

Irie and one love.