Black History Month – Are we living up to the Jamaican Motto?
Rodney Newby
Writer – The Hidden Jamaica.
Writer – The Hidden Jamaica.
http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeixtYS-P3s&feature=related
Whiteman, Chineyman, Blackman, Syrian ...” Out of Many one people” our motto states, causing the controversy of the Jamaican society, celebrating Black History Month. But, just what is Black History Month. Is it yet another element of the Americas being used to “Americanize” the Jamaican populace? Or does it mark the struggle and the beauty of freedom from captivity of the Blackman?
The Blackman has passionately embraced his freedom, which in time past was deeply rooted in the hearts of our black African brothers and sisters. YES! Our BLACK brothers and sisters, so why then are we having the trouble of wanting to celebrate the month of freedom due to sceptics who are saying to live up to our motto.
Whiteman, Chineyman, Blackman, Syrian ...” Out of Many one people” our motto states, causing the controversy of the Jamaican society, celebrating Black History Month. But, just what is Black History Month. Is it yet another element of the Americas being used to “Americanize” the Jamaican populace? Or does it mark the struggle and the beauty of freedom from captivity of the Blackman?
The Blackman has passionately embraced his freedom, which in time past was deeply rooted in the hearts of our black African brothers and sisters. YES! Our BLACK brothers and sisters, so why then are we having the trouble of wanting to celebrate the month of freedom due to sceptics who are saying to live up to our motto.
The Real meaning of Black History Month
Black History Month is the rising celebration of a long struggle to crowning greatness. The framing beautification of African American achievements despite the bondages of disparity, mistreatment, cruelty, segregation, harsh battles, injustice and slavery. Black history month is filled with hourglass of time strengthened with resilience, endurance, strong unwithered sacrifices and courage that our African American ancestors stood up for in hostile bravery.
Black History Month is the rising celebration of a long struggle to crowning greatness. The framing beautification of African American achievements despite the bondages of disparity, mistreatment, cruelty, segregation, harsh battles, injustice and slavery. Black history month is filled with hourglass of time strengthened with resilience, endurance, strong unwithered sacrifices and courage that our African American ancestors stood up for in hostile bravery.
The Journey to freedom
The shackles bonded feet treading the plantations and toiling in complete disparity was more than our ancestors could bear. Why then did they not make the run from the time they were separated one from another off the coast of Africa? Is it that they wanted to be enslaved? The mind of the man is very complex and while we can blame our brothers and sisters for not making the run immediately we must also understand the advancement of the slave owners. Wisdom of the black man would not have it any other way, but to wait until the time was right. We also question the presence of God then and why all this cruelty had taken place but as the good book says; his ways are not our ways ours and his thoughts deeper than ours, so we leave it there as far as he is concerned.
Oh it must have been a jubilee when the sound of freedom rang in the hearts and ears of our ancestors, singing the melodious words of “Swing low” as they made their way out of bondage.
The shackles bonded feet treading the plantations and toiling in complete disparity was more than our ancestors could bear. Why then did they not make the run from the time they were separated one from another off the coast of Africa? Is it that they wanted to be enslaved? The mind of the man is very complex and while we can blame our brothers and sisters for not making the run immediately we must also understand the advancement of the slave owners. Wisdom of the black man would not have it any other way, but to wait until the time was right. We also question the presence of God then and why all this cruelty had taken place but as the good book says; his ways are not our ways ours and his thoughts deeper than ours, so we leave it there as far as he is concerned.
Oh it must have been a jubilee when the sound of freedom rang in the hearts and ears of our ancestors, singing the melodious words of “Swing low” as they made their way out of bondage.
Moving forward...
Black history month is a part of the black man’s being and a very significant part. Jamaica like the rest of the world has its due share in the celebration, so seen that we are “OUT OF MANY ONE PEOPLE” our Chinese, white, Indian brothers and sisters will have to play there part in helping the black man heal from the depressed world we once lived.
Many argue that Columbus discovered the island, but the question is, how can a place be discovered when it was already inhabited? So since Columbus discovered the land of wood and water why not celebrate Columbus discovery month and not Black history month in Jamaica since we are “OUT OF MANY ONE PEOPLE.” Let’s not misunderstand the concept of freedom, Columbus sailed across the world and landed on the Jamaican shores, he may have brought international attention to the little dot and that he is saluted for but the work of freedom gainers like Marcus Mossiah Garvey is far more significant to the growth of Jamaica and the people that call it home.
So then, are we living up to our motto? Without any racial judgement or discrimination, the black district of Jamaica is celebrating what they believe in and acknowledging what they live for. Therefore there is nothing wrong with the celebration of such. Hence the Jamaican people are living up to the motto of the country.
Black history month is a part of the black man’s being and a very significant part. Jamaica like the rest of the world has its due share in the celebration, so seen that we are “OUT OF MANY ONE PEOPLE” our Chinese, white, Indian brothers and sisters will have to play there part in helping the black man heal from the depressed world we once lived.
Many argue that Columbus discovered the island, but the question is, how can a place be discovered when it was already inhabited? So since Columbus discovered the land of wood and water why not celebrate Columbus discovery month and not Black history month in Jamaica since we are “OUT OF MANY ONE PEOPLE.” Let’s not misunderstand the concept of freedom, Columbus sailed across the world and landed on the Jamaican shores, he may have brought international attention to the little dot and that he is saluted for but the work of freedom gainers like Marcus Mossiah Garvey is far more significant to the growth of Jamaica and the people that call it home.
So then, are we living up to our motto? Without any racial judgement or discrimination, the black district of Jamaica is celebrating what they believe in and acknowledging what they live for. Therefore there is nothing wrong with the celebration of such. Hence the Jamaican people are living up to the motto of the country.
