I had already penned the lead caption when I realized that today being only the first day of February 2013, might make my offering both preemptive and premature. But I decided to proceed. So you would still be reading this right now. So what I am going on about?
It’s the Fenty curiosity about the celebration/observance of Black History Month, alternatively called African Heritage Month. Concomitant with the Republic Anniversary activities here, February was/is (?) the month set aside for African- descended Guyanese citizens – and People of Colour elsewhere – to reflect upon their origins and heritage, their achievements, challenges and plans for a satisfactory future.
So is the month still on? Will the established and newly-created Afro-Guyanese representative organizations roll out their programmes for all to see? I hope I’m not rebuked and told that that is none of my (non-African) Business! I love all groups occupying the Guyana space. (I might even be described as “black-minded” by a few who “know” me.) And I have discerned in recent years, a definite falling off of the intensity, variety and importance regarding this particular ethnic-specific activity. I wonder why.
Rebellion and Achievement…
Any national observance of such occasions as Black History/African Heritage must eschew arrogance, or intimidation of other groups.
The celebration should be robust but dignified and invested with lasting meaningful, practical lessons and projects. There must be activities- both celebratory and cerebral, to benefit participants beyond any one designated day, week or month.
I’ve always griped over the one dimensional nature of “African” celebrations