South Florida – I have more or less concluded that Black History Month ought to be observed by everyone other than Black Americans.
That is for the simple fact that their very lives, especially in the overt racism of these days, that constitutes Black History. It is they who have lived the grief and agony that so many of us have virtually no understanding of.
And maybe the ones who ought to study this Black History the most are Jamaicans, who not only think they know everything but who continue to berate Black folk without for a single second beginning to fathom the injustices endured for more than four centuries in this country. The demand for example that one does not use the same water fountain, or the same hotel, or try on shoes or dresses when they go shopping!
I do not seek to make any excuses for laziness, shameful behavior or plain selfless, but if people like Jamaicans allow themselves into believing the lie that “you’re not black, you’re Jamaican”, they are not only contributing to a lie but they are being deluded about themselves.
In this Black History Month it would do us all well to return to the teachings of Marcus Garvey, a man who paid the very dear price of reminding of the fact we are all one, whether we are from the jungles of Guyana or the hills of Georgia.
If 2016 United States does not remind us of that, maybe there is no hope for Black folk.
Voice your opinion on the “Open Line” with Winston Barnes daily on WAVS 1170AM or listen on-line http://wavs1170.com/
Photo Credit: Leroy “Dreamy” Riley
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