THE MONTHLY GLEANER | FEBRUARY 14 - MARCH 16, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 6 Natasha Henry/Contributor “We are Africans not because we are born in Africa, but because Africa is born in us.” ~ Kwame Nkrumah THEWORD‘home’ conjures upmany different ideas and feelings – a sense of place, love, loss, acceptance, dispossession, togetherness, homeland, identity. This year, we mark our 34th annual observance of Black History Month with virtual programming exploring the theme of ‘Home’. Home symbolises many cultural, social, political, spiritual, and economic meanings for people of the African diaspora. We look forward to contemplating‘home’ for Black History Month 2022. This year, we return to presenting Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) awards to community members who are so deserving of recognition for their selfless commitment to community, excellence, and honouring our extensive black history. Our notable keynote speaker, Ginelle Skerritt, brings her perspective to our theme that will provoke learning, conversation, and action.We are pleased to be able to unveil two commemorative collection pieces to our attendees, the 2022 Canada Post Black History Month Stamp and a Royal Canadian Mint coin that recognizes black history. The line-up includes a number of talented artistes who bring aspects of our culture through song and dance. Our programme is topped off with a mouth-watering dinner prepared by Chef Selwyn Richards and the Art of Catering. We hope to bring to you a sense of fellowship and community right to your home. During the month of February, we are pleased to offer our second annual Black History Month Speaker’s Series that will include a launch for Lawrence Hill’s debut youth novel, a panel on newly released film productions on Black Canada, and a dialogue on black and indigenous solidarity. We continue our endeavour to realise a permanent home for the Museum of African Canadian History & Culture and will be forging ahead full force with our campaign in 2022. Learn how you can support our initiative and make a donation on our website. - Natasha Henry, is president of the Ontario Black History Society. Rev Dr Karen R. Green/Contributor ASWE unite and celebrate the contributions black Americans have made to the development of this country, let us do so by celebrating the pioneers who paved the way for our generation. Black History Month is celebrated not to set black people apart, but to recall the many achievements and accomplishments we have made. After more than 200 years of independence, our community celebrates the firsts achieved by black people. It should not be so. It should be a given that people achieve because of their ability, given a level playing field, something that black people are still fighting for in a country where our blood, sweat and tears are embedded in the soil. Black History Month had its genesis in 1915, when thousands of black people from across the country travelled to Chicago to see exhibits highlighting the progress black people hadmade since the abolition of slavery. The three-week exhibition, which saw huge crowds, was the inspiration for the formation of an organisation to promote the scientific study of black life and history. From as far back as 1920, black civic organisations were encouraged to promote the accomplishment of black people. First came the Negro History and Literature Week which later evolved into Negro AchievementWeek. February was chosen for history and reform. The month was also associated with two great Americans who played distinguished roles in black life - Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Black History Week evolved into Black History Month during the 1960s, at the height of the civil rights movement. Today, Black History Month has moved from its traditional roots. While it was founded to teach and highlight black achievements, one could be forgiven if one questions whether Black History Month today is meeting the lofty goals set out at its genesis. We still highlight the achievements of blacks, but many younger generation blacks seem to have lost the true significance of why Black History Month is recognised and celebrated. We, as a people, have made significant progress and strides. The fields of entertainment, sports, culture, business, science, technology, education, among others, are littered with the achievements of black people. Blacks can be found in every sphere of the society making their contributions to the continued development of this country. So, as we celebrate another Black History Month, let us celebrate the achievements of a people, both individually and collectively, who, after years of slavery, are pioneers in every aspect of American life. So, as we celebrate Black History Month, let us recall the words of Marcus Garvey: “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.” Rev Dr Karen R. Green is the former director of the Caribbean Diversity Coalition. She currently serves as a vice-president of the Florida Democratic Party and is a former board member of the former Jamaica Federation of Musicians. Let us celebrate black pioneers, achievements Karen Green Exploring ‘home’ for Black History Month 2022 Natasha Henry, president of the Ontario Black History Society
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