Introduction

    At the age of five, I went to live with my grandparents on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. In the early 1900’s, they immigrated to the United States from the Island of Fogo.

    Fogo is one of a group of Islands in the Archipelago called The Republic of Cape Verde, located 350 miles off the west coast of Senegal. Before 1975, Cape Verde was a colony of Portugal, and the Church suppressed the African Culture of the island inhabitants. Public expression of traditional music and dance, such as Batuku and Funana was not encouraged.

    In 1995, these cultural traditions were the highlight of The Smithsonian Institution Folk life Festival in Washington, DC. The Folk life Festival was a celebration of twenty years of independence for this Island Nation. The Festival was a pivotal event that unified and promoted pride in all Cape-Verdians  throughout the world.

    In 1995 I made a determination to someday fulfill my dream of going to Cape Verde to complete the circle of returning to the source that my grandparents were unable to do. In 2004 and 2005, my dream became a reality. I was able to make three trips in two years, traveling to the Islands Sal, Santiago, Fogo, Brava and Sao Vicente. The experiences and memories gained will be reflected in my writings, photographs and video productions.

    This collection of prose and poetry and visual images is a tribute to Cape-Verdians the world over, who have kept the culture alive.  Culture is what defines our unique human qualities and our value as human beings. It resides in our hearts, and in the core of our being, our Souls. This is the most secure place for treasures that no amount of material wealth can buy and no one can take away. The soul and spirit of our Cape-Verdian legacy is intact in our collective memories.

    The Soul & Spirit of Cape Verde, is an expression, a validation and respect for the contributions that all people of African descent have made to humanity.  It records my impressions of events, biographies, and observations that have shaped my outlook in life. It expresses my hope for the future. Its purpose is to impress on people of all ages and cultures, that each unique culture has intrinsic value and is the prime source of our humanity.

-Vasco R. A. Pires

rev. 12-29-08