Whew! I barely had time to sit down and write this article as our committee has been run off its' feet preparing for next month's festivities. I am excited and gleeful about the upcoming events. Some of the events will make you laugh, some will make you cry but all will make you think. I would also like to take this opportunity to personally extend my thanks to each committee member and corporate sponsor for organizing and supporting the upcoming events. Please see page 3 for our calendar of events.
On a more serious note, I think we, as a community should sit back and reflect on what Black History Month means to us. Essentially, what can we do as individuals to make the journey to cultural and racial harmony shorter? Black History Month is not only a celebration of the past and present accomplishments of our people; it is also a means to forgive the atrocities and indignities of the past. To hate those who have discriminated against us is a distraction and prevents us from concentrating on what's reallyimportant - working together to build a brighter future.
It is easy to forget that we have this responsibility in the light of higher taxes and higher unemployment, but we have to remain vigilant. Taking care of our social wellbeing should have as much priority as our economic. This means supporting steps towards valuing and recognizing the contributions of all Canadians. This also means standing up and guarding against groups and individuals that pander to the idea of equality in order to justify bigoted and racist attitudes. For what is the true worth of a community that lacks compassion or respect for others different from us?
Diversity is a great thing! A community that fosters racial and cultural harmony ensures that each individual is proud of who they are and encourages that person to participate fully and positively in society. Would you like to be like everyone else? I most certainly would not. I am a Black woman with a Jamaican heritage and I am very proud of it. I will say it proudly and loudly. I will say it before, during and after Black History Month. I will also do my part to promote cultural and racial harmony.
So with this in mind I would like to invite each and every member of the community to come out and support our events. See you next month!
Claudette Grange
Chair, Black History Month Committee