FORT-DE-FRANCE, Martinique – The Caribbean island of Martinique is celebrating Black History month through the lens of its unique identity and history, which have been impacted deeply by the actions and contribution of significant Black figures.
The Martinique Tourism Authority is leading the commemoration. They are using February to reflect on the island’s history. This month also highlights its ties to the French Caribbean and the African diaspora.
“The history of Martinique is filled with pages of stories of Black men and women who fought against the oppression, injustice and bondage they witnessed all around them. Many of them made unimaginable sacrifices to bring about changes they did not live to see. As Martinicans today, we are proud to honor their faith, resilience, creativity, and vision that made us the people we are today,” said Muriel Wiltord, Director of the Americas of the Martinique Tourism Authority.
Wiltord noted that Martinique and the Francophone Caribbean have made important contributions to Black history. These contributions include poetry, literature, political thought, and art. During Black History Month, the Martinique Tourism Authority is focusing on people who have influenced the island’s identity. They are sharing this on social media.
A Legacy of Black Excellence
Martinique has been home to some of the most influential voices in Black thought and cultural expression. Aimé Césaire, poet, playwright, and politician, was one of the founders of the Négritude movement, which sought to empower Black identity and resist colonial oppression. His works continue to inspire and define the struggles and triumphs of Black people worldwide. Today, his legacy continues at the Aimé Césaire International Airport in Martinique. There is also a plaque in his honor at the Panthéon in Paris.
Another towering figure is Frantz Fanon, whose revolutionary writings on decolonization and race, including Black Skin, White Masks and The Wretched of the Earth, have influenced liberation movements across Africa and the Caribbean. This year marks the centenary of the birth of Frantz Fanon, and “Année Frantz Fanon” is being commemorated with various events and activities, including an international symposium scheduled for later this year. His work remains a cornerstone for discussions on Black consciousness and resistance.
Édouard Glissant’s literary and philosophical work greatly enriched Martinique’s culture and history. He promoted ideas of créolité and cultural diversity. These ideas still influence Caribbean identity today.
A Shared History of Struggle and Triumph
The challenges faced by Martinique are deeply connected to those in the Caribbean. Their fight against oppression sparked the struggle for freedom in the region. This shared history brings together the people of the Caribbean, Africa, and the diaspora. It highlights the need to recognize and honor these important connections.
“As we reflect on the incredible legacy of our forebears, we must continue to educate and enlighten our younger generations so that they, too, will honor the rich, complex history of Black identity and achievement and our unique Martiniqualité, which continues to shape our island and the world,” stated Wiltord.
