Often when we consider Black heritage we limit it to the geographical location of the United States. This is not the true reality though. Black heritage encompasses world events that significantly shaped and determined the life of Africans world-wide.
It is important as well as edifying to recognize that other countries too struggled with racism and discrimination. They like the United States have made improvements to equalize rights and create fair laws over the decades. While some of these steps are just a beginning, it is hoped that this progress will mean a better world.
Below are a few international events that have affected blacks and shaped our world’s history.
WWII significantly marked change for Africans. In the desperate times of war, many started to overlook skin-color to focus on the better good of winning the war effort. President Roosevelt in the United States made an executive order which allowed African Americans to meaningfully contribute to there war effort.
In 1945, the Fifth Pan-African Congress assembled in England. This brought about the formation of independent states in Africa and the West Indies. Until this point African history was dominated by foreign rule.
In 1957, Ghana celebrated its independence. This was the initial event that got the ball rolling throughout Africa and started the end of colonial rule in Africa.
In 1962 the country of Jamaica declared its independence.
In 1994, Nelson Mendela was inaugurated into the office of President of South Africa. This officially ended the rule of whites in black Africa.
While Americans may only consider slave-trade and the Civil war when thinking of Black Heritage, there is so much more to learn about and celebrate. Many monumental events in countries such as England and Africa paved the wave for blacks’ independence. As the world strives to overcome racism and discrimination, it is essential to celebrate world-wide Black Heritage, and not just focus on American Black Heritage. This will better assist us in shaping a prejudice-free society that will no longer tolerate racism of any kind.
