Is it a rehearsed skit year after year that reminds us of the historical tragedies of the past? Or has it become a trophy that sits on our metaphoric shelves that we discuss when it is convenient? Maybe in many minds it is equated to an intellectual exercise that has pacified, suppressed and distracted from the real issues; thus, becoming a mere memorial of the past that we celebrate annually without really considering the importance of continuing the reformation needed to bring about genuine change to combat this intergenerational nemesis known as ‘modern day slavery’.
The unfortunate thing is that for centuries, this ideology has eroded the principles, standards and willpower to persevere of many in the Black race and people of color, as the propagandists have been given carte blanche shape the mindset of past and present generations under the auspices of freedom. We must remember that to obtain true freedom is not one single event but a continuous series of events through the struggle against this treacherous malfeasance.
Each year, we speak about such nefarious acts of our past, which are actually known today as acts of terrorism or genocide, that have been inflicted on certain groups and classes of people and are soon forgotten. We later find ourselves joining and partnering with the oppressors as if these experiences never happened. What makes this even more convoluted is that some believe this mephistophelian mindset is working toward the same common goal of reconciliation without addressing the systemic root that is watered down under the banner of diplomacy or some misfortune or mishap.
Many of these same individuals live off their old wealth, or “blood money” that came from the blood of our enslaved ancestors. Subsequently, they try to convince us that the past is the past because they refuse to accept their part in the diabolical acts that have led to our present day trauma passed down by way of epigenetic marks which have distorted signals that have been transmitted to certain parts of the brain that are responsible for our thoughts emotions and behaviors.This then causes cognitive dysfunction along with other emotional and psychological disorders in various forms.
Then we have certain religious groups and institutions that knowingly continue to live off the economic benefits of such gruesome acts of the past without sincere repentance, acknowledgement or reparations to the country and/or those people/families that have suffered wounds inflicted through spiritual, psychological, emotional, physical and economic abuse. To make matters worse, these same people and systems today have still been given an unobstructed pathway that allows them to continue these activities under the guise of progression and reform. There is then another phenomenon where those from the same communities i.e., the black race and people of colour who have climbed the ladder of success and believe that they have arrived primarily because they have received a measure of so called success and status according to the colonial system, not realizing that it could be removed at anytime.
Why? Because unbeknownst to them, they are not truly free. True success and freedom are not just individual achievements, but they are collective ones on all levels. See, anytime this cloud of unaddressed trauma remains over us, it will hinder our progress as a people. We will never truly be free.
Black people, white people, and people of colour, Bermudians of all ages, young and old, we must break the trends of slavery that we have allowed to become enshrined in law. We must train the next generation to carry on the fight for freedom in every area. They must not be lured into or settle for materialistic gain by economic patronage via handouts under the appearance of liberty, freedom, and success. However, if the truth be told, this has no relevance if our minds, emotions, and economics are still in chains. An old adage says, ‘materialism equates to success’.
But does it? Bermuda, we must not be manipulated anymore by the trend of thought that because we have a good job, education, own a home, or even have a little money, we are free. It is time to break the power of this mentality. Black people and people of colour, it is time for us to rise up beyond the superficial antics of freedom and say no longer will we allow it to be business as usual. Remember, in this age, people are our most valuable resources.
It is time to break the cycle by destroying the mental, emotional, and economic chains that have kept us divided and bound for centuries. If we are to continue to build on the foundation of our forefathers, it will take more than just talking or reminiscing on the past. It will require faith, hope, and the expectation that true justice and equity can not be fulfilled until we are first honest with ourselves and make the hard choices to correct it. We must identify the injustices with the view towards creating the willingness and fortitude to deal with such evil infractions and hidden wrongdoings that the oppressors who have been responsible for much of our plight consider acts of misfortune and mere disparities that we as a people have randomly suffered, or somehow brought upon ourselves.
Such plausible deniability has been allowed to function daily under the banner of “normal practice” for those sitting in lofty positions. Bermuda, whenever people become comfortable with the status quo, we automatically compromise the mission of our present and future generations. Bermuda, let us continue to carry an altruistic spirit as we teach, empower, and fight for the dream of our forefathers, which is called freedom. Let us not just embrace this season of emancipation but also make it a part of our daily lifestyle that will shift the trajectory, not just in our present, but into our future as well.
•The Equalizer
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