What Black History Month Means To Cinco Amor Ltd.
It’s October again, and there are parts of society asking what should be done for Black History Month.
Damani and I sat down and pondered this thought.
Firstly, what is Black History Month?
Here at Cinco Amor Ltd, we are of the opinion that Black History Month is a time of celebration and sombre reflection. It’s a month that should be celebrated jointly with other races as we see during the carnivals.
Whilst we acknowledge that there are dark chapters in black history, the same can be said of other races. The Jews persecuted, South Asians were colonised and abused, and some parts of Europe went through and are still going through oppression. We need look no further than Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as an example.
It’s for this reason that sharing the month of black history with our brothers and sisters of other races whilst embracing others is pivotal.
During the transatlantic slave trade, there were black freedom fighters as well as non-blacks that stood tall against an atrocious act against humanity. By acknowledging that there’s good and bad in every race, we can then start from a place of serenity when engaging with each other.
There’s an old saying …. ‘No man is an island’ and this rings true’.
The great Louis ‘Satchmo’ Armstrong was brought up by a white Jewish family at a time when racism was at its highest again proving that there’s good in every race.
Now this is by no way meant to diminish black history but, we at Cinco Amor would rather place the emphasis on a greater tomorrow where peace and harmony reigns, where brothers and sisters of different races combine to make a difference, and this is our drive.
How can we all make a difference?
Firstly, a review of the educational curriculum on history would ensure that youths will be more aware of history across the world. This would help curb ignorance; a characteristic of racism and prejudice. Encouraging children to read more, to engage more in multicultural activities and acknowledging that whilst we may all look different, we still have the same blood running through our veins.
This is a month where we should all aim to make a difference and give that some serious thought.
As we go through the month of October, let the words of the late great Martin Luther King Jr ring out.
“I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality… I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word”.
Dr Martin Luther King Jr.
