|
Thrills
and thralls of Black History
|
Bernard Harris in 1995 became the first Black astronaut to take a spacewalk, dedicating it to the achievements of all people of African descent.
|
Oh! How I wish I could stand on the rooftop of the tallest building in London, this October especially, and echo the words of the legendary music man, James Brown – I AM BLACK AND PROOOOUUUUUD!
‘Cos I’m a proud black man. I take delight in all things that go to explain some of the misconceptions other races have of us. My chest fills up with a mixture of sweet sensations and delightful pride when I see a showcase of the achievements and dignity of great black men.
This October’s black history month, I must confess has been one that I have actually followed intensely to be able to make a critique of. The thrills have come from the many activities that have been held so far in boroughs across London to celebrate black people’s history and achievements all over the world. |
Once again, the memories of the likes of Kuntah Kinte , Kaku Aka, Yaa Asantewaa; the struggles of the likes of Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Martin Luther King Jnr., Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere, and Sekou Toure; the tribulations and triumphs of the Mississippi struggles, apartheid in South Africa; and lessons on the successes of lesser known heroes and heroines of the black race have all being invoked this month to try to educate Britons on the black race.
There have been newspaper write-ups, television programmes (not only on Channel 4 and Sky but even on “middle-England serving BBC”), Radio airings and miles of Internet expositions on black peoples history.
All these make me feel too good to have Nzema (Ghanaian), Bawulè (Cote D’Iviore), Akan, African and more importantly, a black man’s blood running through my bloody veins and living on a white man’s land. That, unlike our fore bearers, we can actually celebrate our history with the one-time oppressor and on his own land!
This is definitely a triumph for humanity in the 21st century. But sadly, how many of you could honestly say that they give a hoot to all the talk of black history month? I have wondered, during a trip to one such black history event recently, why most of us indigenous Africans here do not fully patronise and participate in such events?
Although, I do not condone apathetic behaviour, I think I would not blame any one who has not, or does not, or cannot, or will not celebrate black history month.
Any reasons? Yes! I believe that, though ‘black history month’ is a noble and justifiable conception, one that I have taken so much interest and pride in during this month, it is gradually being enthralled.
Just when it is beginning to hold people of all races spellbound in the capital it has suddenly become something to be held in bondage as well. It is being enslaved, just like our fore bearers were, for the masters’ use. I shall explain myself soon, but a word of caution: please do not write it off as just another conspiracy theorist’s hocus-pocus.
On the face of it, councils bosses, media heads, and even government support and encourage the idea of the black race in Britain celebrating its worth and substance.
However, a critical look reveals deep-seated overtures of selfish interests creeping into this noble idea. Now, some local authority bosses are using it as a means to measure their
own successes. The race has already begun for who comes out with the best ‘black history month’ programme.
Some are patronizing the black race in a wrong kind of way for their own political and professional goals. Whilst Harringey’s Leader, Cllr. George Meehan, at least, insightfully
and thoughtfully, talks about presenting, “…a variety of educational exhibitions, talks, seminars and workshops”, the MP for my own area – Hornsey, Lynne Featherstone patronizingly hails a great event line-up, “…from Hip-Hop workshops to chocolate tasting-yum”. What a thing to say? See! Sadly, the very ambitious Lynne Featherstone who has worked with and helped so many of her black constituents cannot see black contribution and aspirations beyond hip-hop music and soul food, mostly.
I do not blame anyone who knows these things and decides to stay aloof. Apart from things like these, some mainstream press reporters have either intentionally or ignorantly misrepresented facts, historical events or accounts. Any attempts at trying to promote ‘black history month’ cannot make up for the negativity created.
I sincerely believe that some black people, especially indigenous Africans have felt shortchanged on this and thus cannot give a hoot any more.
Sadly though, the most regrettable thralls come from within our lot. Some have held it to ransom for very trivial reasons and demands:
Black History Month (BHM) Jams disco nite, BHM Laaaadieees-wear-your-miniskirts dances, BHM soca, R ‘n’ B, Reggae, dancehall road shows by DJ Sayitloud, DJ whatever whatever …
Some of our own people have hijacked the opportunity to properly show to the world how beautiful and strong the black mind is and also the opportunity for us to use to correct the abuse and distortion of the black image and history.
Whatever the situation is now, cry not, we can all next year make this our own proper occasion to stand on the rooftops, in the alleyways, and the undergrounds and proclaim to the entire world that we are still black, will forever be black, and eternally beautiful.
|
