The Adoration of Hiroshima” that was part of the peace protest march in Washington DC on the 40th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima in August 1985.
In this article, the author shares her personal reflections on how the Adoration of Hiroshima Mas, presented by Peter Minshall and his team of Trinidad and Tobago Carnival MAS Artists, forever changed her life. The author reflects on her pursuit of the American Dream, her introduction to the world of Mas through her late brother, and her pivotal moment of experiencing the Adoration of Hiroshima Mas presentation. She describes the powerful message behind the costumes and how it inspired her to pursue her own creative passions and embrace the world of Mas as a way to connect with her roots and forge new paths of self-expression. The article highlights how the Mas tradition brings people together and promotes peace, and how the Adoration of Hiroshima Mas was a major milestone for Minshall and for the Mas tradition as a whole.
A Journey Towards the American Dream: Stepping Foot in Dulles Airport, Virginia in 1973
I stepped foot in Dulles Airport, Virginia, USA on a chilly winter evening of December 22nd, 1973, eager to embark on my journey towards the American Dream. As a 17-year-old, I was uncertain about what lay ahead of me in the land of opportunities.
In February 1974, I secured my first full-time job in the USA as a teller at American Security Bank, located at the intersection of 15th and Pennsylvania Ave, just a stone’s throw away from the entrance to the White House in Washington DC. After my son’s birth in April 1980, I transitioned to a career in sales and became a New York Life Insurance Agent in June of the same year. Being the youngest and only black female agent at that time, I attained Star Club status, which epitomized the American Dream.
However, my obsession with the illusion of wealth and prosperity led me down a path of reckless spending, causing both financial and personal loss. My pursuit of material gains made me lose sight of my own emotional and cultural values. I had become consumed by the American Dream, blinded to the essence of what truly mattered.
