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Popular Jamaican radio and television host Jenny Jenny, also known as Jennifer Small, has been thrust into the spotlight after delivering a fiery and deeply personal response to questions posed by sports commentator Oral Tracey about the relevance of Black History Month in today’s society.
“Just got out of studio with Oral Tracey, the one y’all call Maverick, and he just riled me up a while ago,” she said.
According to Jenny Jenny, Tracey questioned why Black History Month continues to be emphasized, asking, “Why do we keep emphasizing this Black History Month? Is it not more important to know where you’re going than where you’re coming from?”
Her response was immediate and unapologetic. “What a question,” she declared. “And I’m going to answer the Oral Tracey, whether you’re Black or you’re white.”
Jenny Jenny stressed that Black History Month exists for a reason, even if other groups do not observe similar commemorations.
“It is okay if you don’t have a White History Month or a Chinese History Month or an Indian History Month. We have to celebrate Black History Month, and there are a number of reasons.”
She went on to describe the horrors of slavery, emphasizing why remembrance is essential.
“May we never forget where we come from. Once you are dark-complexioned, most of us were snatched, taken, and ripped from our homes, ripped from our lands, and brought to the Western world, where we were told that we’re not human.”
Addressing younger generations directly, she added:
“I want especially our youngsters to listen to why slavery took place, because we were told that we were animals… you’re not a name, you’re a number.”
She described enslaved Africans being stripped of identity and dignity.
“They stripped us of our clothes, our hair was shaved, and then they shined us up nicely in the squares for auction… you were property to be auctioned.”
Jenny Jenny contrasted that painful past with modern Black excellence, pointing to inventions and innovations credited to Black people.
“You are inventors of light… stoplights, refrigerated trucks, the vacuum, AC, the cell phone… the GPS system. Black people invented those. Should I keep going?”
She explained that Black History Month celebrates the journey from dehumanization to global contribution.
“You celebrate that because you’re coming from a place where you were nothing but a number, to a people who invent necessary, important items in this generation.”
The outspoken media personality also warned against forgetting history.
“It is important that we never forget what ugly looks like so that if it meets us again… we say we’re not going to spend 100 years to burn down the sugarcane.”
Reflecting on her own upbringing, Jenny Jenny shared personal struggles that shaped her resilience.
“When I think about how I used to carry water on my head… when I had to go to school without lunch money… it empowers me and strengthens me to never forget where I’m coming from.”
She said remembering hardship fuels her strength today.
“It makes me strong because guess what? I will not fold. I will not break. I know what rough is.”
Quoting Jamaican National Hero Marcus Garvey, she reminded viewers:
“A people without the knowledge of your past is like a people without roots.”
Jenny Jenny ended her message with an affirmation of Black identity and pride.
“We are Black. We are proud. And every February, we are shouting it loud. Big up Black History Month.”
Her remarks have since resonated widely online, drawing praise from supporters who applauded her raw honesty and educational approach, while reigniting national debate around history, identity, and the responsibility of media voices in shaping cultural awareness.
English (US) ·