Celebrating African Heritage Month

Did you know that we are in the middle of African Heritage Month? The achievements of black people in history and present day are celebrated in February.

Do you think that a single month should be used to applaud these achievements? Do you think we highlight black achievement enough or need to more often? I, for one, think that we should celebrate our history all year round.

This statue depicts Bussa, an African-born slave who led an uprising in Barbados in 1816

Anyway enough with my little rant; if you choose to celebrate this month here are some ways you can show your appreciation.

1. Events – There are events in Barbados that celebrate the achievements of black people such as the Freedom Links art exhibition featuring celebrated artists such as Ras Akyem-i Ramsay, Ras Ishi Butcher, Martine Pile, Rahseed Boodoo among others, and discussions by speakers such as Trevor Marshall and Dr. Alvin Thompson at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre every day for the remainder of the month from 10 am to 7 pm.

2. Readings – You could attend or organise a reading of a great, pioneering black author or the biography of a great leader such as Marcus Garvey, Samuel Jackman-Prescod, or Clement Payne. This would generate discussion about these persons who fought for the unification, education and liberation of the black race locally, regionally or internationally and allow these folks to be seen in a different light from what popular culture normally portrays.

3. Movies – Have your own movie fest with friends that would help you understand what many others before us had to endure. Movies such as ‘Remember the Titans’ and ‘Glory’ show black success in the face of racism and the expectation of failure. Take the time to watch ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’ and ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ – featuring Sydney Poitier, a Bahamian-American icon – which are great to show the fight for equality in marriage and the right to live anywhere we choose. You could also watch a movie such as ‘Malcolm X’ that shows the life of a civil rights activist who helped change the course of history.

These are just a few ideas to help you enjoy this month. But feel free to search for more events in your area not only this month but year-long to celebrate the contributions of black people to world history.