00:00International black rights activist Dr. Umar Johnson held a meet and greet with members
00:05of the public this morning after addressing a gathering at the Lahokata Public Library.
00:11His visit forms part of a schedule of activities for African History Month in Trinidad and
00:17Tobago, hosted by Dr. David Muhammad.
00:21Our children need to know where they came from so they know that they have more potential
00:26than just sports and entertainment. Black history is a time for us to do a gut check,
00:32a reality check, or do we like where we are?
00:35Lectures and presentations are being put on at the public libraries across the country
00:41with a focus on empowerment through education.
00:44With the students, we've been educating them on the 10-point plan of action for reparations
00:52that was drafted and unanimously agreed to by all 15 heads of CARICOM on March 11, 2014,
01:03by Professor Sir Hilary Beckles. And the importance of each step and stage, by the time the month is
01:11true, I look forward to interfacing with hundreds upon hundreds of students. Those that we've engaged
01:19thus far have been very enthusiastic and inspired, have asked a lot of questions,
01:27and we really look forward to this kind of zealous reaction.
01:33However, Dr. Muhammad says it is important that young Africans also be reminded of the importance
01:40of self-agency. We do not in any way whatsoever want to encourage the thinking of victimology
01:50and induce the expectation among young people to sit and wait for compensation by someone who has
01:58committed crimes against humanity when at the same time we have the responsibility to get up, qualify
02:05ourselves. Meantime, the finals of the National African History Quiz and national spoken word
02:11competitions are coming up on November 21. The Emancipation Support Committee says the initiatives
02:19help fill critical gaps in our formal education system.
02:23For the African History Quiz, the ESCTT produces a study manual with information presented under four
02:33sections, renowned Africans, Africans in science, African historical events, and the general knowledge.
02:43For the spoken word, the students are given a selection of stories, poems, and calypsos,
02:52which they learn to recite as part of a dramatic presentation. The objectives of the African History
03:00Quiz are to go beyond testing what students know. It is about their understanding and appreciation of the
03:09contributions of African people to the development of our nation, the Caribbean region, and the wider world.
03:18The project also seeks to encourage teamwork, cooperation, leadership, and conflict resolution among young
03:26people. The competition also serves to fill that gap within our education system, which does not address
03:35the history, the real true history of Africans in our society.
03:41Students from 16 secondary schools and 13 primary schools are taking part in the competitions.
03:49Renessa Cutting, TV6 News
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