Dear Editor,

There are those who will agree that it is a paradox to celebrate Black History Month in a society that is made up of predominantly people of African descent. But, regardless of your position, it is important for us to pause and pay homage to the sacrifices of people of colour whose history has often been under-represented and underappreciated over the centuries.

Unfortunately, most Jamaicans are unaware of their backgrounds. The ongoing bleaching of the skin is directly related to this lack of knowledge of our rich and powerful historical past. Furthermore, a significant gap exists in our education policy which relegates the teaching of history as optional. This omission of history from among the core subjects directly impacts how we see ourselves as a people and speaks volumes about our cultural identity or lack thereof. Surprisingly, the movers and shakers with responsibility for curriculum development and testing, with a few exceptions, have done very little to right this colossal wrong.

Every February the USA pays homage to the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans who worked tirelessly to shape the nation. Black History Month celebrates the rich cultural heritage, triumphs, and adversities that are an indelible part of the history and journey of the USA.

The story of Black History Month began in 1915 when Harvard-trained historian Carter G Woodson and the prominent minister, Jesse E Moorland, founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), an organisation dedicated to researching and promoting the achievements of black Americans and other people of African descent. Known today as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the group sponsored a national Negro History Week in 1926. The second week of February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln, who was influential in the emancipation of slaves, and Frederick Douglass, a former slave and a prominent leader in the abolitionist movement in the USA.

Importantly, by the late 1960s, Negro History Week had evolved into what is now known as Black History Month. Additionally, protests around racial injustice, inequality, and anti-imperialism that were occurring in many parts of the US were fundamental to the change.

Over the years, the observation of Black History Month has increased rapidly beyond the shores of the USA. The event is commemorated in many schools and communities, particularly in the Americas.

Black History Month can be celebrated by establishing history clubs and hosting performances and lectures in educational and cultural spaces. Additionally, social media facilitates the sharing of information regarding black history.

The Black History Month theme for 2024 is ‘Rhythms of Resilience: One Soul, One Sound’. This month’s theme centres on the concept that black history, culture, and music embody a tapestry of diversity and interconnection rather than being a single narrative.

It is noteworthy that in 1976 President Gerald Ford officially recognised Black History Month. President Ford called upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honour the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavour throughout our history.”

Today, Black History Month is a time to honour the contributions and legacy of African American activists and civil rights pioneers, namely Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King Jr, Malcolm X, and Rosa Parks as well as leaders in industry, politics, science, culture, and more.

Among the legacies of post-slavery societies is the ability for us to build on the legacies of those who have gone before us. May we never forget the struggles of the past as we celebrate Black History Month.

In the words of Jamaican National Hero Marcus Garvey, “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.”

Wayne Campbell

waykam@yahoo.com