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Think Global, Stop Acting Printable Version PRINTABLE VERSION
by fauxhawk, Canada Feb 27, 2004
Culture   Opinions
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“Celebrating positive contributions of people of African descent to society”

This was our theme for the events planned for 2004. One might ask who should be celebrating. The more people I spoke to regarding this month’s events the more interesting it became to try and answer this question. At first glance one would automatically say well people of African descent of course. But as with all things that answer is too simple.

Interestingly, some of the African students have said that the month is not for them but for Black (African) Canadians and Americans. So why is this interesting? Last year some of the Caucasian Canadians expressed concerns about whether they could attend the events or if they were just for the “black students”. Being African, I must confess that my first take on the month’s festivities was that I don’t need to be involved because at home every month is Black History month. And if logic should prevail then truly the month is mainly for Black Canadians at least if we go by the motion that was passed in the House of Commons in 1995 (ref: http://www.uswa.ca/eng/who_we_are/african_heritage.htm)

Nevertheless, I got inspired, informed and involved with the organizing of the events of this month, not just because I am black and/or African which some would argue would predispose me to be sensitive to the issues raised by those who felt the need to lobby the government to have the month set aside. But also because while I am privileged enough to have grown up in Africa at a time when my “blackness” was not a curse and burden, I owe it to myself to get inspired, informed and involved in the celebration of Black History month so that I can celebrate the positive influences which disenfranchised people have had on the world, rather than focus on their vices which is simple enough, just read the news.

During the promotion of the activities we had planned for this month at the University I attend, I have heard several reasons from various people for not getting involved, while I respect their reasons and their frankness in answering my questions. I’m sure they are aware that I don’t have to agree with them. I just try to do what I feel I should do in order to be the difference that I would like to see in my community.

Some people have also asked why there is no celebration of other heritages and what is so special about African heritage. I couldn’t properly answer them with my limited knowledge (maybe they do have months set aside or maybe they have not lobbied for a month to be set apart yet?) but, I would not have a problem celebrating Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Acadian and any of the indigenous people’s heritage months.

Issues of diversity have formed the basis of human interaction throughout time.
We are distinguished and united by differences and similarities on a variety of levels including age, language, race and religion. It is nice and quite refreshing to witness the various initiatives in the university community like the No-Sweat campaign and the environmental activities that have been organized in the recent past. However, I think that an important aspect of our environment that we often overlook is our human environment and the large number of races and issues that arise from this who are represented within the student body at this institution. While I understand that knowledge by itself does not usually change a person's behaviour or a person's beliefs, continued practice and commitment can change the behaviour of an individual. One has to know oneself, as well as one's limitations in order for change to occur. So what is my advice to you? For the rest of February (and for months to come) get inspired, informed and involved.

I have seen the slogans “Think global, act local” or “Think local, act local” but I think now we need to stop with all the thinking. Sure it is a necessary part of the creative process but we need to move forward from the formulation of ideas into the actually performance of the actions. So let's stop just thinking and finally start acting.
African heritage/ Black history month


“ Celebrating positive contributions of people of african descent to society”

This was our theme for the events planned for 2004. One might ask well who
should celebrate? The more people I spoke to regarding the commemorations of
this month’s events the more interesting it became to try and answer this
question. At first glance one would automatically say well people of african
descent of course.. but as with all things that answer is too simple.
Interestingly, some of the african students have said that the month is not for
them but for Black (African)Canadians and Americans. So why is this
interesting? last year some of the caucasian canadians expressed concerns
about whether they could attend the events or if they were just for the “black
students”.

Being African, I must confess that my first take on the month’s festivities was





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fauxhawk


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