BLACK HISTORY MONTH February is known to most as Black History Month. It is a month where the achievements of Black people can be remembered for their great achievements and despair. It is a time when we voice the struggles of Blacks in our society; a struggle that never ceases with the constant reminders of the challenges our ancestors underwent. February was granted to awaken the minds of the ignorant, who continues to practice racism by denying its existence. February is a reminder that although Blacks remain tolerant of their sufferings; there will be one who is willing to stand up and say, thats enough. This february, be the voice that awakens the realities that are often stifled by the masses; be that voice that convince others of the wrongness in racism and not the voice that affords excuses for its continuance. Today our cities are still plagued with racism. Many of you still see it as racism but I see it as ethnicism. Our children still face racial challenges in our schools. Many of you reading this will be quick to say; NEVER MY CHILD! But do you know for certain? Do you know what your child does when you are not around? And ethnicism is not isolated to just our schools; its in our system, policing, the justice system, our hospitals; our fire department. Its everywhere and especially in places you may never dream. I remember not very long ago; someone said to me, am not racist, I just think Blacks should stick to their own kind and leave our white people alone. She said our God made us different for a reason, so that we can stay different. She is not alone, I am certain some Blacks think the same. But that does not make it right. Ethnicism is sometimes practised by the most well meaning individual because their ignorance governs their better sense of reasoning. I am not going to try to preach to you today; we all know wrong from right. We cant always hide behind ignorance and blame the other person because of their choice of music, etc. We are human beings and when we look at each other, that is the first and last thing we should know and remember. Join me on this day during a month that was legislated to impress on you the journey and experiences of Blacks in Canada. We loss a great hero a couple of years ago; he was my friend, Rocky Burnley Jones. Rocky stood tall and voiced the challenges that we suffered here in Canada. During the 50s, 60s and 70s etc; Black oppression was overt and unkind here in Canada. It was a time that Blacks became frustrated to a point, where they were ready to pick up arms and fight back against White hostility. It was a time when Black Power was echoed in every street corner and from every mountain top, valleys, homes and playground. We dont want to go backwards in time and there can be no tolerance of racism or racial practices in our schools or any where for that matter. Racism is still a problem in this country because of its acceptance by those in authority; who has the means to make a difference. Our Justice System today is a mockery, much like our schools and other public places and employment avenues.They make exceptions for its use and tolerance for its continuance. We cannot blame the children today, for they learn what they are taught and they practice what they are allowed. Some parents cannot be blame, for although they try to stop it in their homes; they have little control outside of their homes. The lack of effective deterrents clearly sends the wrong message and in turn may create a destruction in everything that we have built. Go well and stay classy! DeVoe Jaiikoah Dyette
Posted on: Tue, 20 Jan 2015 02:18:26 +0000