Adiante Franszoon is a Saamaka who joined the Price family in New Haven in 1968, and currently lives in Baltimore, working as a professional woodcarver. At “Pricefest,” he presented a message and video sent by a group of Saamaka men and women, in honor of Rich and Sally. Their spoken message, in translation, was:
“Lisati and Sally! We heard that both of you will be honored for your work, and we are happy to hear that! But as we can’t be there to celebrate with you, we are sending you this message. We appreciate all that the two of you have done for the Saamaka people. Now our young people can use your books to learn the history of our people. We send our heartfelt greetings with this short song, which we made in front of Adiante’s Saamaka house, facing the Tapawata Falls. May you live long and happily in good health!”
The lyrics of the song, sung by a group under the waterfall, and played in Adi’s video, were: “Greetings from the Saamaka we sing to you, for all the good things you have done for the Saamaka People!”
