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Opinions and features
To the groundings
Strange. My thoughts have turned to autumn, though summer has yet to wane. But it is understandable. I'm stocking up on books and web sites to review for October's Black History Month. Black history is of course an autumnal celebration in Britain. Been so since the 1987 African Jubilee Year and Marcus Garvey Centenary. And, over the years, several key themes have emerged. For some the event "is an occasion for celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of Black people and their contributions to British culture and society", advises Desrie Thomson, senior campaigns officer, Commission for Racial Equality. But for many others it is a time of libations and praise giving, of retelling the achievements of Black people in leadership, creativity and invention across the continents of their heritage. Black History Month is also a time, as one gentleman said to me, to tell your children about the kinfolks in Kumasi or Kingston, Port Harcourt or Port of Spain. Indeed, "to take stock of where we are and who we are as peoples of African Caribbean origins". Pop star Des'Ree summed up this sentiment when speaking of her childhood memories. "My parents would teach me about the traditions, rituals, religion and culture that have been so unifying for Black people. "I found that very powerful and very inspiring. It gave me a real sense of where I come from, and taught me that I have a lot to be proud of." Nevertheless, memory alone is not sufficient for freeing the African Caribbean mind in Britain. That task requires two further actions: "Attacking the myths [about Black people] and getting in touch, working with the people." This was the rallying cry of the slain Guyanese academic Walter Rodney in his insightful work "To the groundings with my brothers". Come autumn The Chronicle will be joining the debate about critical issues of Black history: affirmation, memory, deconstructing myths and the role of public figures and intellectuals. As in the "Blackly glowing" poetry of Gwendolyn Brooks it is time to be "roused and ready". In-depth knowledge of the pride, the legacy and the tremendous achievements celebrated in Black History Month is a power that cannot be denied in the march towards self-respect and equality in modern society.
Thomas
L Blair (Photo by Correy Ross)
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