To Celebrate the Colour in All of Us. Black History Month

Until recent history the contributions black peoples of all countries, in all walks of life, have made to the world have been for the most part, ignored or discounted. Considering the history of people of any colour in the United States, and in other countries, it is important to both honour and acknowledge the vast contributions African Americans have made to all parts of all of our lives and history. This month represents a celebration of the lives of African American people in history, in our nations past and of the now living African Americans who will continue to make their own contribution, in every imaginable part of our lives, to the rich texture and diversity of this country. Although brought here against their will, in the most horrible of circumstances in our history, they still managed, in all human dignity, to rise above the shackles of unjust and inhumane prejudice and racism and make important marks in every corner of all of our lives. To celebrate and teach what has sadly been ignored in the past, this month represents a step on the right path, a step to understanding and learning or in some cases relearning a neglected part of human and American history.

Some argue that there should be no special time to acknowledge this part of our diverse country, that it contributes to the separations and prejudices that are still being fought against here and elsewhere. Others feel it is long overdue and is a way to honour both the race and the peoples represented. Each person of every race, should first and foremost be recognized as a human individual, with their own merit and value as a separate being regardless of race, but the very thing that makes this world a wondrous place to live in is the diversity of its humanity, of its peoples. Whatever your race, every human being should be proud of their individual racial and cultural heritage and that is a part of every one of us. This is a gift we have to share that adds to every life and to what we learn from and contribute to it.