In 1619, a trading ship sailed into Chesapeake Bay and dropped anchor at Point Comfort, Virginia. The vessel's arrival marked the beginning of the slave trade in the American colonies. It was from this immoral origin – and through inhuman conditions, discrimination, and prolonged hardship – that emerged the vibrant culture, singular accomplishments, and groundbreaking triumphs that we honour and celebrate during National African American History Month every year in February.
National African American History Month is an occasion to rediscover the enduring stories of African Americans and the gifts of freedom, purpose, and opportunity they have bestowed on future generations. It is also a time to commemorate the countless lives that have surmounted segregation, racial prejudice, and discrimination to enrich every fibre of American life. Born of a darker and more painful side of American history, their examples of heroism, patriotism, and enterprise have given people of all backgrounds confidence, courage, and faith to pursue their own dreams.
This year's theme, "Black Migrations," highlights the challenges and successes of African Americans as they moved from farms in the agricultural South to centres of industry in the North, Midwest, and West – especially the migrations that occurred in the first half of the 20th century. Through these migrations, millions of African Americans reshaped the demographic landscape of America, starting new lives in cities such as Philadelphia, Detroit, Chicago, and New York City. Along the way, in cities like Memphis, this new urbanization brought the blues into the mainstream of American life, and ultimately brought us rock ‘n’ roll.
In President Donald Trump’s 2019 Proclamation, he shared a number of inspirational stories of African Americans. Annie Malone, the daughter of former slaves, became one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the cosmetics industry in America at the turn of the century, and provided opportunities for African Americans to pursue meaningful careers. Through mentorship and education, she empowered others to start their own businesses. She is one of many inspirational African Americans in an era that also produced luminaries such as Mary McLeod Bethune and Booker T. Washington, both of whom encouraged and emboldened disenfranchised black students to push through obstacles and realize their potential.
American history brims with the stories of African Americans who changed their communities and our country forever. We will never forget the legendary "Queen of Soul", Aretha Franklin, whose unforgettable voice transcended genre and transformed music, and whose broad appeal in an era of deep division helped to bridge racial divides. Another trailblazer, baseball legend Jackie Robinson, known ubiquitously in Major League Baseball as "42" because of his uniform number, cracked institutionalized racism in American athletics when he became the first African-American player to appear in a big league game. This year is the 100th anniversary of Robinson’s birth. Over his career, his exceptional talent and noble character in the face of racial hatred undermined the twin false ideologies of segregation and racial inequality. The spirit and determination of these and other African American heroes make our nation proud and define what it means to be American.
National African American History Month is a call to reflect on the cultural, scientific, political, and economic contributions of African Americans, woven throughout American society. We remember, learn from, and build on the past, so that together we can build a better and more prosperous future for all Americans – to strive to form “a more perfect union”, as written in our Constitution.
My colleagues and I organized a series of activities to celebrate African American achievements. Earlier this month, the Robby Marshall Quartet performed a repertoire of jazz to inaugurate The Storeroom in Ta’ Xbiex, blending the musical traditions of Africa and Europe. We celebrate American music, so much of which traces its origins back to West Africa, every Wednesday at 7pm with “American Beat,” on ONE Radio Malta. During the month of February, two episodes focused on musical genres that have their roots in African music, and how this influence has shaped the world. We will screen the film “The Great Debaters,” in collaboration with the National Youth Council (KNZ) and the Malta Model United Nations Society (MaltMUN) on 27 February. The Great Debaters revolves around the efforts of a debate coach at Wiley College who aims to place his all-black team on equal footing with white debating teams.
We believe that the history of African Americans exemplifies the resilience and innovative spirit that continue to make America great and we are proud to share that spirit with you.
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Mr Schapiro is the Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy