THE EDITOR, Sir:THE MONTH of February is celebrated as black history month. I do not have a problem with the idea of using the month to reinforce our history and achievements. Indeed, a people without a knowledge of their antecedents are like trees without roots.
However, we must be careful not to get carried away with our painful past wherein we became fanatics, acting on the basis of our emotions without the guidance of our intellect.
As a historian myself, I am cognisant of the importance of history, but history is essentially recorded events of the past which should act as a guide for future actions.
Therefore, if we relentlessly focus on events of the past on things we cannot change it can lead to bitterness and social dislocation.
BLACK FAMILY MONTH
Jamaica needs now more than ever a greater focus on the things that confront us today such as crime and violence, illiteracy, and unemployment.
I am not belittling black history month, but if the same emphasis could be placed on family values and a sound education system centred around character training, I think Jamaica would be a much better place.
At a time when our traditional values and social norms are rapidly disintegrating into 'nothingness' it may not be a bad idea to have a 'black family and education month'. It may act as a laxative towards our constipated attitude as a people.
Let us, therefore, celebrate black history month within the context of encouraging better family lives and a better education system.
This, I believe, is our only hope for social, moral and economic cohesion, which is a necessary imperative for national development.
I am, etc.,
ANDRE WELLINGTON
Christiana Leased Primary School
P.O. Box 6
Christiana, Manchester
