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A word from the President |
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History is universal, as Ms Elisabeth Dembil, former president of the Round Table on Black History Month, used to say. Before going any further, I wish to take the time to congratulate her and pay tribute to her 15 years of commitment to Black History Month. I also want to thank all those who were instrumental in carrying this event over the past 18 years.
I am, and will always be, our mothers’ and fathers’ successor and of those who, against their will, were made to cross the Atlantic. I am the living heritage of those who showed exceptional bravery. This new land was a source of an incalculable amount of tragedies and they found ways to keep the hope of better days alive, and create salutary joys throughout. Today, it is all mankind that benefits from our forefathers’ efforts.
We will continue to be involved in human rights on this continent and even more so in this modern world where we can all verify the contributions made by Black people of Canada for over 300 years.
Let us show respect for our elders, for the native people of this land and for the new comers. Respect for our minorities, our ancestral values which are essential to social peace, and our established codes. Let us be conditioned to understand others, respect Woman and Man as different entities. Let us be honest with ourselves and live our lives with a good heart and a good set of values. Are these not the life lessons the African people always convey?
Our lives are filled with historical and social privileges. Living on the New Continent, America, is a wide spread dream and that is why we must take hold of this continent’s beauty and potential. “Each one’s effort brings more to all” is this year’s theme. Let us use this month to honour our culture and promote all Black communities’ contributions to Quebec. And above all, let us keep this resolve throughout the year.
A most wonderful Black History Month 2010 to all!
Michaël P. Farkas
President of The Round Table on Black History Month
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