01 Mar 2013

February 25 marked commemoration of the 10th annual Black History Month under the theme: At the Crossroads of Freedom and Equality.

The University of Botswana English Department, partnered with the American Embassy and Motswedi wa Thuto in the commemoration.

The event was meant to honour those African American who, through their abundant talents and unbending will, transcended the legacy and challenged the United States to honour the ideals expressed in its seminal founding document, the Declaration of Independent, that all men are created equal.

Speaking at the event, US Acting Ambassador, Mr Michael Murphy said every February Americans remember the lives of Americans who arrived on their shores not as free men, but as slaves.

“These men, women and children, and several generations of their children, endured the profound injustice of servitude and racial oppression,” he said.

He said while today’s challenges were different from those overcome by black Americans 150 years ago, the same dedication to justice, equality, tolerance, and openness to cooperation and collaboration was no less important. 

He further noted that these were foundation stones from which better nations emerge, adding that when he looked around Botswana, at today’s leaders, and more importantly at tomorrow’s leaders, he saw a similar commitment.

“Today we kick off a celebration of the history and achievements of Americans of African descendants, and I challenge you, as Batswana, set your course for the future and let it be based on justice, equality, tolerance and cooperation,” said Mr Murphy.

Meanwhile, this year’s Black History month was opened with a film depicting the life story of the US President, Barack Obama. ENDS