It's Black History Month - and while the observance is most recognized in America, in Belize, blacktivists have organized a Unity Fest. The cultural even is set for Sunday at the House of Culture - but it's not going to be all about blackness. Organizers Ya-Ya Marin Coleman and Erwin X say they have invited indigenous and oppressed peoples from all across Belize to gather under the theme: "different, not divided:"
Ya-Ya Marin Coleman, Organizer
"The idea came from Mose when he observed the increase in traffic of students visiting the library of African and Indian Studies. Eventhough the idea came from the United States as far as Black History Month, Mose thought it would be a good idea if we can get everyone in the country of Belize from different ethnic groups to link together. So in the spirit of Black History Month, we are recognizing that it is Black History Month, and we also are encouraging other ethnic groups who would have similar life experiences, the people of African descent in Belize, to meet and share each other's ideas, thoughts, concerns, and cultural experiences."
Erwin X, Organizer
"Clearly there is a crisis in this nation affecting us and by pooling our talents, our gifts, our resources, and by getting our intellectuals along with our grassroots people, and our artists together on this day, culminating and highlighting Black History Month, not only as a month, but as something that should be celebrated everyday, we are asking our people to come out and unite in this fest. And the theme is, 'different but not divided,' because really and truly we are different, we are unique, but we shouldn't be divided in a time when unity is needed for us to change the conditions of our mindsets and the conditions of the streets and the conditions within the very education system."
Ya-Ya Marin Coleman,
"It's an opportunity to learn and to link with other people and of course we will have fun doing it. But it is definitely a moment to learn."
The festival begins at 10 on Sunday morning and finished in the evening. There will be speeches and spoken presentation in the morning and live entertainment in the afternoon. Admission is free.
