15 years in the Light of a Humble Lion
Panama- Etnia Negra
"It
is important to know that you are walking in the footsteps of lions."
These were the words of Baba Askia as he spoke to students rallying for
their professors and the Africana Studies Department at UMass Boston.
These
words resonate as we celebrate 15 years of the law that recognizes and
honors the plight of people of African descent in Panama. I walk closely
in the light of a humble lion that fought diligently for the
recognition of our people and our community. Since I met him and he took
me under his caring wings, we have had a tradition to reflect on his
journey.
‘We
were not dropped off as a whole family. Every Afro descendent should be
seen as a family member.’ Mr. Richards said this to me many years ago. I
move through this journey with the sound of his clear voice and the
knowing of his long fight to bring Black Ethnicity Day to Panama. His
patience and resiliency are noticeable but his humble light shines
brighter as I sit in awe of his knowledge and wisdom. Today, as we close
out this special month for Panama and for Afro Panamanians, I say Thank
you Mr. Richards. Gracias, for your words and for allowing me to walk
in your light. Your humble lion spirit are a guiding force and a
reminder of purpose.
To
my Panamanian familia, may we continue on a path of full inclusion. To
my Afro Panamanian family, may we continue to uplift the light of our
ancestors, speak our truth and wear our birth given crown. To my Colon
family, my wish is that we pause before the mirror to see the beauty in
who we are as a people, that we will see that we are a crucial part of
the fabric of Panama and that we step into our birth given light to
shine. Proud today and everyday to be Afro Panamanian.!
Alaafia, Blessings, Much Love
Yvette
No comments:
Post a Comment