Consequently, Black solidarity movements now show signs of understanding that Black means people of color. A much more encompassing term which includes those of African roots who do not consider themselves black in color but rather belonging to the African continent even more than those of the Diaspora.
I know Garvey today would understand the challenge we face in our thinking as we try to hold onto what we think is right. So let us not fall into the trap of jumping to conclusions about each other as we hear rumors. Or preferring to say “Oh I am so useless., I am nobody because I am black’ rather than “It’s good to be alive in these days with all the opportunities to chose from ” or I am a beautiful child of God. I am someone special”, and in this way attract all the positives that finally are being freed into the universe
Whether we are on an island or on a continent at home or abroad, saying we are Black i.e skin color, has little meaning. As anyone will tell you there are different shades of Black ranging from olive through light brown, dark brown to black. To me, it all depends on the people around us, the people who we want to or chose to be with. The people who contribute to our way of seeing the world. That’s why Garvey must be important to us.
We need to know our history as written by our people not the colonialists. The continent was torn apart by People who agreed to put their personal wants and greed in front of the development of the indigenous peoples. That is why Black Like Me can happen. Black Lives Matter can happen.
This corona virus pandemic is teaching us a great deal about ourselves as human beings. People are trying to show a sense of responsibility for others especially those fighting to keep life going. Knowing our culture and our historical advances and contributions to where we are now, simply helps to make us feel proud of who we are. In this way we can reach out to others more humanely and without having to consider their color.
So in anticipation of Black History Month, keep a watch for this book for kids, Marcus Teaches Us soon to be published. Also take a look at the facebook page which has lots of posts that increase our knowledge
One God One Aim One Destiny!