Black History Month & Barriers of Colour

So once again we’re in February which is Black History Month. This is the time when people of color reflect on what happened in our past and hopefully on the lessons we’ve learned from that experience.

It is these lessons that we should use to chart our course for the future. It’s also a time in Jamaica when our two main television stations broadcast movies that depict slavery and the fight for freedom.

I have personally been traumatized from watching too many of these shows at a young age (no offense mom:-)).

I can remember using the sheets or pillow to cover my eyes when the gruesome parts of the movie came on. What I failed to do however was cover my ears and so the sounds and the agonizing cries could still be heard.

Of course, unknown to me back then is the fact that the human mind can paint pictures, so even though I couldn’t see what was happening I used my vivid imagination to recreate the scenes based on what was being said.

Big mistake, for this only led to me having sleepless nights and staying up for hours – not by choice – after the television was turned off, just replaying the movie over and over in my head.

Don’t get me wrong, I love that we use this month – even though it’s the shortest one – to celebrate our achievements and remember our heritage and this is a beautiful thing. I just think that parents should be mindful of what kids watch at too much of a young age.

Even though, looking back I can’t blame my parents entirely. They may or may not have told me two, three, four or five times to go to bed for this movie is not for kids and I may or may not have disobeyed them.

Nevertheless, there are some Black History Month movies that I love and that have had a lasting effect on me.

One of the things that stood out back then and even today to an extent is the issue of interracial relationships. Some people believe this should not be done or isn’t right, but I don’t have an issue with it. For me love doesn’t have a colour or skin tone and if you love someone and you’re happy with them then why not be together?

Interracial relationships have been around for a long time and will not stop anytime soon. I personally don’t have any experience with it, but it’s a topic I want to explore.  To achieve this, I’ve started writing a book on Wattpad called “Barriers of Colour.” It’s the eventual love story of Milana De Luca and Nicholas Hnriques and the obstacles they fight through to be with each other. There’s a touch of Jamaica in there of course….I just couldn’t leave out my homeland…..it just wouldn’t be right….  🙂

Until next time. Cheers!

And remember that:

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

– Martin Luther King, Jr.