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CNMI marks Black Heritage Month
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Posted on Feb 22 1999
A visiting professor from the University of Guam has urged the public to remember African-American leaders who have struggled for many years to achieve freedom and equality.
In celebration of Black Heritage Month in the CNMI, Dr. Marilyn Jackson said parents and teachers have a big responsibility in seeing to it that African-American history is remembered all throughout the year.
They can influence their children from showing black history films to reading children’s books on African-Americans to make sure that the contributions of the black leaders are instilled in their hearts and minds, she said.
She noted that when she goes on vacation with her children, she makes it a point to visit historical sites and museums that honor the Black founders as well as update her collection of memorabilia which include books, posters, paintings, photographs depicting the contributions of many African-Americans and unsung heroes who have contributed to the United States’ development.
Last month, Americans celebrated the birthday of Marthin Luther King, one of the great leaders who promoted the rights of the black people. Every December 26-January 1, Kwanzaa is celebrated to promote and reaffirm the ties between Black Americans and Africa. It is also a time to emphasize the seven principles, namely, self-determination, unity, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
As all African-Americans remember the countless leaders namely Marthin Luther King, Malcolm X, Robert S. Abbot, A. Philip Randolph, Ralph Buche, Roy Wilkins Rosa Parks and Whitney Young —who have led the black people to freedom that has long been denied; famous singers — Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole, Mahalia Jackson — for their soul stirring songs; the countless shoeshine boys, sleeping car porters, mothers, fathers for all the sacrifices they have made.
An exhibit entitled ” A Salute to African American History Month” is ongoing at the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library.
