IRON LION ZION

February 6th, the BOB MARLEY DAY, is never celebrated solely by Rastafari practitioners. Over the years, the date of Marley’s birth came to be celebrated by all lovers of reggae music. Wearing Bob Marley t-shirts, distinctive red, gold and green hats or having their hairs dreaded, reggae fans all over the globe flock to cafes where they hear the familiar tunes of Marley’s hits. However, while humming along his laid-back tunes, many fail to notice the spiritual and religious shades of Marley’s lyrics. Namely, Bob Marley was one of the greatest proponents of the Rastafari movement, a monotheistic religious movement, or perhaps more accurately, an entire way of life, which developed in the 1930s among the poorest classes of Jamaicans. By spreading his music to a global audience, Marley had also spread the Rastafari ideology.

The Rastafari movement developed in the slums of Kingston, Jamaica, in the 1930s. As the Rastafari movement evolved from Chiristianity, the Rastas came to be monotheists and to believe in a sinular God they call Jah. They also healivly rely on the Book of Revelation from the Holy Bible. Furthermore, they have kept the belief in the Holly Trinity. However, they claim that the holy spirit is present within all humans, and that thus, all humans are equal. This is exemplified by their usage of the pronouns “I and I” instead of “you and me” to express equality of all before Jah. The Rastas worship Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia as their messiah, second to Jesus Christ. The name of the Rastafari movement is derived from the title that Selassie held before becoming an Ethiopian emperor - Ras=Head, Duke - and his given name - Tafari. This Ethiopian ruler was perhaps the only African ruler to be recognized by the European leaders at that time. Haile Selassie worked towards the modernization of Ethiopia and managed to bring the country to the League of Nations and the United Nations. He was the first black African to appear on the cover of Time Magazine in 1930. 5 years later, he was named Time magazine’s person of the year. More importantly, he worked for African unity and world peace. The Rastas believe that he would form and lead the perfect world they call ZION; Zion has come to mean the paradise of Rastas, a place they believe to be situated in Ethiopia. Moreover, this land is believed to be their promissed land. On the other hand, Rastas refer to the societies of whites as BABYLON, and percieve them as utterly corrupt.


Although the wearing of dreadlocks is not unique to this movement, Rastas dread their hair as a religious act. The dreadlocks came to signify the mane of the Lion of Judah (another name for Haile Selassie), and the Rastas’ symbolic rebelion against Babylon. Even so, many other groups such as the Sufi mystics and early Kenyans dreaded their hair as well. Furthermore, the 3 colors usually present on Rastafari hats and t-shirts, red, green, and gold, are also featured on the Ethiopian and the Jamaican flag. Red symbolizes the blood of Black Jamaican martyrs, green the lushness of the Ethiopian and Jamaican countryside, and gold the wealth of Africa. Another inherent aspect of the Rastafari movement has always been music; indeed, the world got closely acquainted to it through the several famous reggae artists. Another interesting aspect of Rastafari ideology is the role that ritual smoking of cannabis plays in their worship. This spiritual act is often accompined by study of the Bible; indeed, Rastas claim that smoking cannabis purifies thier souls and minds, and brings them closer to Jah. However, Rastas render cannabis as the only means for cleaning the mind and the soul; indeed, they feel that alcohol and other drugs destroy the mind. Interestingly, Rastas explain the illegality of canabis as another form of persecution of Babylon against them.

Over the years, the Rastafari movement has attracted followers from all over the globe. Rasta ideology has attracted not only black Africans, but also many others who feel passionate about the ideas of the movement. Therefore, Rasta communities are spranging up in various countries and are gaining much prominence. Of course, there is much more to Rasta way of life than described above; however, I hope my attempt to bring a few segments of their powerful ideology closer to all reggae and Bob Marley fans who did enjoy their resent celebration of February 6th, can be rendered a success.

The Unseen Experience Of The American Civil War

The American Civil War. A dangerous time of disagreement that turned into a massive bloodshed. Many lives were lost, and many were either endangered or ruined. But why did these people fight each other? Why did they choose to kill each other? Why did they choose to go to war?

The answer lies in the lives of the African American people. As it is widely known, with the colonization of America, migrating Europeans needed more workers. They chose to transport the Africans of that time to America, where they were enslaved. They worked hard for little money, and did not have any rights of their own. They could be bought and sold, as if they were mere objects, not people. Many families were separated and many people died in the blazing heat, cold winters, or from the excruciating workload. Some of these conditions are described in novels such as “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” by Harriet Beecher Stowe, which try to depict the conditions in which African Americans lived.

With the election of President Abraham Lincoln, the leader of the Republican Party, tensions rose rapidly in a couple of days. President Lincoln thought that African Americans should not be slaves and that they should posses rights of their own. The southern states (South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, and later on Virginia, Arkansas, North Carolina and Tennessee) formed or joined The Confederacy. The Confederacy depended on slavery and thought that it couldn’t function properly without it. The other states, known as the Union, disapproved of the slavery as an institution in America. Soon, a war conflict erupted.

The war itself bore a great influence on the lives of the African American people. Those who sought refuge in the lands of The Union were set free, although at the beginning, some people thought they had to return the slaves to their former masters. These African Americans were lucky not to have to suffer the horrible fate of those who never felt freedom, never took a whip of air not controlled by their owner. They never felt the grass beneath their feet, knowing that they could do whatever pleased their hearts. They had to stay under the control of the people who owned them. In some cases, slaves were born slaves and died as slaves. Their treatment was rough, and they were often accused and tortured for crimes they never committed.

After the war, the African Americans were slaves no more, although it would take a long time and a lot of effort for them to gain rights of their own and be treated equally and with justice.

Rosa Parks - The Woman Who Changed A Nation

Who would think that a woman from a small town in Alabama would change the way African Americans are perceived? Rosa Louise McCauley Parks never thought that by refusing to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, she would start a nation-wide movement for promoting the rights of black people. When she was arrested on December 1, 1955, African Americans decided it was time to do something about the racial segregation that permeated their societies. Thus, the Montgomery Bus Boycott began—thousands of people refused to take the bus and walked to show their support for what Rosa Parks did. But what really made Parks decide to stand up to the law? In many books and interviews, she discussed numerous reasons why she did what she did, but she always emphasized a few that were most crucial.

Parks talked a lot about her mother and grandmother. She explained why they inspired her throughout her life. Her grandmother faced more difficulties than Parks ever did—slaves were just freed at that time, and were still considered servants by many. Parks told reporters of how her grandmother had to work on a plantation as a child and how grueling her job was. Parks’ parents were not the perfect example of a happily married couple—they split up when Parks was a child. She stayed with her mother, who was a teacher, which motivated Parks to finish her schooling. These strong women taught Parks never to be afraid of anything, to always do the right thing. She stated that when she refused to give up her seat, she was not afraid; instead, she thought of the many people before her who had to suffer from similar humiliating situations, and of the ways her mother and grandmother taught her. That is what gave her strength to face the unknown.

Ever since she was a little girl, Parks was a faithful member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Her family members taught her that whenever in doubt, Parks should read the Bible, for it holds all the answers she needed. So, at that fateful moment of her life, Parks thought of the almighty Lord and prayed that justice will prevail. She knew what happened to people who disobeyed the law, especially African Americans; nevertheless, she had faith that God will keep her safe and help her out of her problems.

More than anything, Parks stressed that the main reason why she refused to get up was that she was tired. She was tired of social injustice, of how she and her fellow African Americans were treated just because of the color of their skin. She hated prejudices, and rarely judged people. In one of her books, she speaks of an incident when her house was broken into and the robber forced Parks to give him all her money. Even then, she says, she tried not to judge the person, because she did not know what he had been through, and how much he needed her money. She just wanted all Americans to be treated the same, in all aspects of life. Parks knew that what she did would not change the way people saw African Americans all over the world, but she hoped at least someone would understand her message.

When she got on the bus on December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks never knew that what was about to happen would change the American nation forever. For what she did, many consider her to be the “mother of the modern-day civil rights movement.” Starting from the law about racial segregation on buses, many other laws followed suit and were changed. Today, the United States of America is still affected by racism, but the intensity of racism has been enormously reduced in the past fifty years. With an African American as their President, African Americans in the USA have the same rights as everyone else. Alas, there is still a lot more that can be done: there is still racial segregation in some high schools in Georgia, USA. It should cause everyone great lament to find out that such situations still exist in today’s world; that some people still think that one race is superior over another race. Clearly, there is still a lot of work to be done, but the future generations must continue what Rosa Parks left behind and let her legacy live on forever.

The Stereotypes in Sports

When one thinks of athletes, one may think of Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Tiger Woods, Serena and Venus Williams, Walter Payton, or many other star athletes. But what do all these people have in common? They are all African American. Since a significant number of athletes in the United States are African American, many stereotypes have been created over the years. Some stereotypes emphasize that black people have a different physical structure then others, have bestial behaviors, and are considered to be violent or unfair. These stereotypes explain why some people consider African Americans preeminent.

Whenever one thinks about their favorite athletes, a noticeable percentage of them will be African American. Due to the fact that roughly 76 percent of the NBA’s players are African American, we ponder about these statistics. Over the years, people have come up with prejudices that have developed into stereotypes. One such stereotype is that black people have a different physical structure then other races. We have come to believe that black people have extra muscles, tendons, ligaments, and sometimes bones in the legs that improve their physical performance. Extra muscles and tendons may explain why black basketball players perform showy and flashy dunks. Extra muscles may also explain how Spud Webb, a 1.68 meters tall African American basketball player with a vertical jump of 1.07m won the NBA dunk contest in 1986. How We now know, however, that all of this is false and that all humans have the same structure, regardless of skin color. The African-Americans agile bodies, however, may have something to do with their culture. Most African cultures include extensive running and hunting activities that require quick and agile bodies. These cultural traits may be linked to these players' performances.

Not only is it claimed that African Americans have more agile bodies, but it is also claimed that they have bestial behavior. Black people tend to be the fastest people on the planet today. They hold the most records, and Kenya holds about 40 percent of the world records when it comes to running. These feats of strength and speed are due to their day to day training and not due to any advantages over the other races when it comes to pure body performance. Once again, their talent may be linked to their culture – not just their ancestral culture, but their modern way of life as well. For example, they might play basketball regularly, go jogging every day, or practice various activities that increase their talent at these various sports. All these key physical activities may reasonably explain their incredible performance in sports.

Although African Americans are considered to be stronger and more agile than the rest, they are also infamous for cheating and being violent. Who do we think of when we think of cheating? Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, Manny Ramirez, Rafael Palmeiro. These players have either been suspended for, admitted using, or been suspected for using steroids. Steroids are drugs that give one a boost of physical strength and increase muscle mass significantly. They are illegal in the MLB and all other sports, and are considered the most used drug by baseball players. Using steroids is considered cheating, and not only are black athletes said to be cheaters, but they are also said to be violent. In the past years, during a basketball game with the Nuggets and Knicks, Carmelo Anthony has hammered Mandy Collins in the jaw due to a bad play. These actions are very violent, especially in a non-contact sport like basketball. In a more recent example, Gilbert Arenas of the Washington Wizards pulled out a gun on his teammate Javaris Crittenton in the team locker room over a gambling debt. This violent action shocked the whole world, considering the fact that they had firearms stored in their lockers. Their behavior was considered negative and was looked upon as violent. But the stereotype that black people are more violent or aggressive than the other races is untrue. It is in the human nature to judge a whole race based only on certain indvividuals, which is wrong.

The stereotypes about African American athletes have been around for centuries. Some stereotypes emphasize that black people have a different physical structure than others; others that they have bestial behaviors and are violent or unfair. These stereotypes are what make black athletes seem preeminent and infamous. And what we hear is what we believe. Even though we might be tempted to succumb to these stereotypes, we must remember that violent people are found in all races. And sooner or later, these stereotypes have to be forgotten and lost. We will never forget the amazing things black athletes have accomplished. We will never forget Michael Jordan dunking from the free throw line, or Jackie Robinson being the first African American baseball player in the MLB. African Americans have changed the world of sports significantly, and will continue to surprise us. Every now and then, however, a new stereotype is created, and will stick around for a while.
 

The Jewel of the Harlem Renaissance

A multi-talented individual pieced together the scraps of past experiences with a stick of glue, put into color the shades of black and white embedded in his memory; the memory of his heritage, the memory of that which has been esteemed by generations. By doing so, this leading artist of the 20th century, Romare Bearden, is most certainly not one to be forgotten.

“You should always respect what you are and your culture because if your art is going to mean anything, that is where it comes from.”

While Bearden himself wanted people’s perception of his art to penetrate the surface, he simultaneously hoped the aesthetic perspective would be appreciated as well. This is a hard task seeing as all the things Bearden had accomplished – all the watercolor and oil paintings, all the collages, wall paintings, cover art, and even music and poetry – had been produced from the fervent nature of a figure so highly appreciated today. Bearden put his past, his culture, his periods of influence by old masters and at length his philosophies into everything he created. Whether it be music, poetry or art, Bearden’s various experiences trailed the very paintbrush his hand held. They trailed the very lines that his brush breathed into life. It is quite often that the past is in fact what gives shape to one such artist; an artist we are proud to speak of today.

Romare Bearden’s lifetime is one which spans various significant periods of time in history. Living between 1911-1988, Romare witnessed a number of changes in society: achievements, shifting mindsets, and above all, veins of cruelty. Living during the Harlem Renaissance in New York City, Bearden was at all times surrounded by prominent artists of all sorts. This period of “rebirth” enriched his experience as an artist and stimulated a new sense of racial pride. As a whole, the struggling artists of that period strove to communicate their unique cultural identity as well as their past experiences through different mediums.

It was an interesting life that he led, for it is often through a study of another being’s life that one begins reflecting on one’s own. Similarly, the study of another’s artwork is the stimulus behind the reflection on its symbolism and the meaning that it holds; only, however, if they correspond with the intentions of the artist.

Although he attended three different universities, finally graduating with a degree in education at NYU, Romare never stopped searching for new knowledge. He found tremendous inspiration while studying the works of earlier artists. This appreciation lay in the concrete analysis of the works of the old masters that his teacher, Grosz, had implemented in his education. Bearden’s watercolor paintings and oils portrayed an early form of Cubism; an avant-garde artistic movement that illustrated subjects in multiple, broken-up perspectives.

Bearden took to writing as an expression which enabled him to share and dwell more deeply into the significance of African-American art and culture. He found his passion in discussing the major artistic as well as social issues of the day and joined the Social Services Department in New York City. He was a man of action, a man who never gave up on enriching his life and the lives of others by gaining experiences which only contributed to his significant role in society. Bearden spread his influence through the various art organizations in which he took part. He became one of the founders of The Black Academy of Arts and Letters as well as The Studio Museum in Harlem. Romare also joined the Harlem Artists Guild, founded by Aaron Douglas, and explored a variety of techniques which shaped his artistic expression. Bearden’s past sneaked its way into his work as it was a pool consummated by rich experiences.

Bearden’s experience in the Social Services Department in New York City as well the part he played in WWII while fighting for the U.S. Army gave him firsthand knowledge of hardships ordinary people had to endure both in the city and worldwide. Such experiences urged Bearden to fall in deep contemplation about the presence of humanity within society. This resulted in a famous series of paintings called “The Passions of Christ”, of which perhaps the most renowned remains Golgotha. Through its vivid colors and abstract shapes, this painting portrays humanity at a period of time when there was none to be found. Such was the aftermath of Bearden’s experiences in a war-torn world that shaped the lives of thousands, including his own. In this way, the symbolism attached to the use of a name was passed down in the work of an artist.

Yet, this practice contradicts one of Beader's philosophies. Indeed, after studying philosophy at the Sorbonne in Paris, Bearden was prone to such thoughts as the purpose of art. Why must the preservation of African American culture be limited only to artistic expression? Such questions coincided with his period of collage-making during the 1960s. This was a time during which the mindset of Americans was rapidly undergoing significant changes. He incorporated his support of the Civil Rights Movement into his artwork, thus implementing socially conscious ideas. Romare’s collection, the Projections coincided with the “Civil Rights Act of 1964” that banned discrimination based on race, color, religion and national origin. Thus, Romare was able to promote social awareness outside the physical boundaries of a court of justice.

Born in the heart of Bearden and travelling through the very veins of the hand which held his brush, a fierce humane purpose paved the way for a man with a great mind in which originated a philosophy of peace.

The Transatlantic Slave Trade

The Atlantic Slave Trade was the most notable consequence of European explorations along the coast of Africa in the 1400s. During the age of European maritime and commercial expansion, large areas of Africa were brought into the orbit of the burgeoning world economy and were influenced by the transformation taking place. The slave trade, as devastating as it was for the African population, changed the course of history and had an indirect effect on societies as far as China. Thus, this integration of the African continent in the global network of change had a profound impact on the whole world.

At first, the scope of the slave trade was insignificant on the global scale. When the Portugese estabilished their first factories along the west African coast, what they did was provide local African rulers with slaves brought from other streches of the coast. In return, the Portugese received ivory, pepper, animal skins, and gold. But the Portugese quickly realized that they could successfully exploit the institution of slavery, especially because the Iberian peninsula had been maintaining a consistent amount of slaves ever since the Muslims estabilished their presence there in the 700s. The first slaves brought directly to Portugal from Africa arrived in 1441, after which slaves became a common trade item. An additional impetus was provided when the Portugese and the Spanish began to develop sugar plantations on the Atlantic islands of Madeira and the Canaries. But what most severely increased the scope of the slave trade and added the adjective 'transatlantic' was the development of the American plantation colonies, especially Brazil, on the other side of the world. The voyages of Columbus and the successive defeat of the Aztecs and Inca populations by Cortez and Pizarro, respectively, enabled the Iberians to monopolize Latin America and assert themselves as the prime authority there. Because the remaining indigenous population had no immunity to the diseases which the Europeans brought along with them, they died out quickly, thus leaving the conquerors with no other alternative but to turn to Africa and extract their labor force from this vibrant continent.

An eyewitness to the unloading of slaves in Portugal in 1444 wrote,

“But what heart could be so hard as not to be pierced with piteous feelings to see that company? For some kept their heads low and their faces bathed in tears, looking one upon another; others stood groaning very dolorously, looking up to the height of heaven, fixing their eyes upon it, crying out loudly, as if asking help of the Father of Nature.“

It is difficult to imagine the Africans' plight during the era of the slave trade. Even though the transatlantic slave trade was centered around men, because they were considered to be physically more apt to work the plantations, this does nothing to alleviate the effect the trade had on African society. Families were torn apart. Once a man had been enslaved, there was almost no hope that he would see his family again. What's more, the mortality rate on the ships was from 10 to 20 percent, which meant that one fourth of the slaves never even made it to the New World. The ones who managed to survive the Middle Passage, as the trip from Africa to the Americas was called, were shamelessly exploited and often died within the first couple of months from their arrival.

In the Americas, African slaves had to adapt and to incorporate other Africans' ideas and customs into their own lives. The ways and customs of the masters were also imposed. Thus, what emerged as an unique Afro-American culture reflected specific African roots adapted to a new reality. Religion, for example, reflected continuity and adaptation. African religous ideas and practices did not die out. In the English islands, these practices were collectively termed obeah, and the men and women knowledgeable in them were held in high esteem within the community. In Brazil and Haiti, fully developed versions of African religions flourished and continue today, despite attempts to suppress them.

The end of the Atlantic slave trade and the abolition of slavery in the Atlantic world resulted from economic, political, and religious reasons. These reasons, which were manifestations of the Enlightment, the age of revolution, and Christian revivalism, were external to Africa, but once again they determined the pace and nature of change within this continent. Nonetheless, the transatlantic slave trade remains to be one of the most significant historical occurences which marked a whole era.

Honoring Martin Luther King

People have always struggled for their rights and rightful position in their respective societies. They have also struggled with the obstacles that were imposed on them. Perhaps the most notable example of this omnipresent struggle are the black people, who once used to dedicate their lives to fighting for their rights.

This struggle was most potent in the time of Martin Luther King, Jr. Every January, America celebrates a national holiday declared in honor of the so-called "Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr." King has had the honor accorded to no other American; not Washington, not Jefferson, not Lincoln. Here comes the story of one great man who fought for the rights of his people; one of the greatest American Civil Rights leaders of the 1960s.

Born in 1929, King was the son of a Black preacher, who was known at the time as "Daddy King". In 1935, "Daddy King" had an inspiration to name himself after the Protestant reformer Martin Luther. He declared to his congregation that they were to begin referring to him as "Martin Luther King", and to his son as "Martin Luther King, Jr."

King was always a strong civil rights activist. In December of 1955, he was ready to accept the leadership of the first great, nonviolent demonstration of the African-American population in the United States. On December 21, 1956, after the Supreme Court of the United States had declared unconstitutionally the laws requiring segregation on buses, King urged the Negroes not to abide by them. During these days of boycott, King was arrested, his home was bombed, and he was a subject to personal abuse. At the same time, however, he emerged as a leader of the first rank.

King was later elected president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, an organization formed to provide new leadership for the now burgeoning civil rights movement. The ideals for this organization he took from Christianity, and its operational techniques he took from Gandhi. King traveled over seven million miles and spoke over twenty hundred times, appearing wherever there was injustice and protest, and wherever action was required. Meanwhile, he wrote five books and published numerous articles. Most importantly, he caught the attention of the entire world, providing what he called a coalition of conscience. He planned drives in Alabama for the registration of Negroes as voters and directed the peaceful march on Washington, DC. After speaking to over 200,000 people, to whom he delivered his address "l Have a Dream", he conferred with President John F. Kennedy.

In 1968, Martin Luther King, Jr. was giving a speech called "I’ve Been To The Mountain Top" in Memphis, Tennessee, when he was shot by an escaped convict named James Earl Ray. He died fighting for the rights of his people.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was a remarkable person, a person who inevitably makes one think of the concept of race and the notion of racial discrimination. I thus strongly believe that we should all be aware of the situation in which the Afro-Americans were in. Why does everyone revere King as a national hero? Because he truly, passionately fought for his race and his people. He was arrested many times for spreading his ideas, yet he never gave up. He embodies the strength and persistence that is needed to fulfill a dream, and King certainly fulfilled his.

Changing Education

Howard University, located in Washington, D.C., is truly a unique school. Nationally ranked, the university offers an expansive curriculum in which biology, journalism, and political science are top majors. However, Howard is unique in another significant aspect – it serves as the nation’s predominantly African American university, providing the opportunity for higher education for socially and economically disadvantaged students. Howard is a positive example of how black Americans have contributed to the advancement of minorities in American society, reflecting the the struggle to create a more equal education system.

Howard University was founded in 1867, two years after the end of the Civil War. As the university was created to provide educational opportunities for freed slaves, the school has continued its mission to provide higher education while focusing on promising African American students. Moreover, Howard has played a significant role in the integration of schools and end of racial segregation. During the 1930s-50s, students of the Howard University School of Law worked with the NAACP to end racial segregation, leading to the implementation of Brown v. Board, which overturned the ruling of Plessy v. Ferguson.

In 1896, the Supreme Court approved “separate but equal” as a constitutional interpretation of the 14th Amendment. The 14th Amendment prevented states from denying rights and privileges to U.S. citizens, which included African Americans who had been granted citizenship under the Civil Rights Act of 1866. However, during the “separate but equal” ruling in the case Plessy v. Ferguson, the Court upheld racial segregation for African Americans as a principle to be applied in public institutions, including schools, thus, virtually rejecting the 14th Amendment. It was not until 1954 that the “separate but equal” policy was repudiated by the Supreme Court in the case Brown v. Board of Education.

While the two cases played significant roles in the integration of schools and racial segregation, Howard lawyers and leaders played a crucial role in overturning the legal practice. In the case Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, the Supreme Court ruled that segregation was unconstitutional, finally initiating the gradual integration of schools in the United States.

Although integration of schools was met with great resistance, especially in the South, Howard University serves as a positive example of African Americans pursuing education and breaking the educational color barrier. For example, while Howard continues to be a predominantly black school, other African American universities have seen a recent shift in demographics – Morehouse College, located in Atlanta, Georgia, has just had its first white valedictorian in the school’s 141-year history. Howard University serves as a landmark example of traditionally black colleges striving for the advancement of African American students while breaking the educational color barrier in America.

As Howard law students contributed to the deciding Brown case, Howard continues to encourage students to “fight for the full rights of citizenship and equality which began with Brown,” continuing its legacy of contribution and advancement for African Americans. According to Howard’s mission statement, the university offers an environment in which “students come to study, free of oppression of any type, stripe or kind,” and is perhaps a school you may consider applying to.

February - A Black Month

February is the shortest month of the year, and its name literally means purification. It is remembered as Black History Month, and is celebrated in the USA and Canada as a remembrance of important people and events in the history of the African-American diaspora. By studying the history of the African-Americans, we can find many prominent individuals who have left their mark on history as authors of great works. One of the most famous ones are Phillis Wheatley and Olaudah Equiano, both of whom lived in the 18th century. They wrote during the early high points of the slave narratives and the famous Harlem renaissance, which later continues with writers such as Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, and Walter Mosley. These people are, in fact, those that show us best why we celebrate Black History Month today. They do this through their works, which increase our understanding of the pain and suffering the Africans-Americans have been through.

Toni Morrison, for instance, has written one of the most resonant slave narratives. “Beloved” reinforces her major theme, the generational repercussions of slavery, as do most of her other works. “The Bluest Eye” follows the life of a young girl troubled by her complexion, with a strong wish to become a blue-eyed Caucasian. The works of Toni Morrison thus familiarize us with the life of the African-Americans and their struggle to rise within society.

“I Know Why The Cage Bird Sings”, an autobiography by American writer and poet Maya Angelou, is a Bildungsroman (a coming-of-age novel), which illustrates how the strength of character and love of literature can help one overcome racism and trauma. Maya Angelou has thus become a recognized author by writing about the racism and prejudice of which all African-Americans were victims.

Black History month is a month to be celebrated, and a month to be praised. It is a significant remembrance of the legacy of the African-American population and their incessant struggles. By reading the works of black writers, we can only hope to increase our understanding of these struggles, but also realize that we will never be able to fully grasp the implications of their experiences.