Neverson: Not enough known about our African heritage

Even with the official celebrations of emancipation month during August, a lot more needs to be done here to sensitize the general public about their African heritage and descent.

This sentiment has come from President of the Afrikan Heritage Foundation Fidel “Mo Ri Olum” Neverson and Treasurer Feliza “Ke Ke L” Orun as well as leading cultural icon Nzimbu Browne.{{more}}

Speaking to SEARCHLIGHT on Wednesday, Neverson stated that although we are moving in the right direction, enough people do not understand the importance of reconnecting with their African heritage and identity, and community groups such

as the Afrikan Heritage foundation and other non-governmental organizations that are pan African oriented should try to educate Vincentians, as the majority of Vincentians are of African descent.

According to Neverson, as a nation, we have lost appreciation for our culture. He said the African heritage was forced out of us by the British during slavery and the post emancipation period, as our heritage was seen as being negative.

Nzimbu Browne agrees that much needs to be done to educate the nation, and thinks we should target the youths of the country.

According to Browne, we should sensitize them about emancipation, and the transition from Africa to the Caribbean.

“Africa was not a dark place. It was the cradle of civilization and there were a lot of things that influenced world development in Africa,” Browne stated.

He said that during the 70s people were more appreciative of black culture because black awareness and black culture were universal.

Browne said that Vincentians need to interact more with people from other Caribbean countries, and experts on slavery and colonialism should visit St. Vincent and the Grenadines to give lectures and to exhibit food and clothing and give performances to build awareness.

The Afrikan Heritage Foundation will be having a Afrikan Women’s Day at the Peace Memorial Hall tomorrow Saturday August 4. This whole-day activity will be held to show appreciation to Black women by honouring them and acknowledging their many accomplishments throughout history and modern times. August 25 will be African Movie night and on September 1 there will be two lectures at the Methodist Church Hall.