A demand for recognition

The Editor, Sir:

I read with much annoyance the letter by Charles Evans "Tired of Black History focus".

Evans says, "Let's stop being blacks or whites ... and let's just be people who are free to dream our dreams and pursue them with passion and purpose." I will say to him: Wake up from your slumber! If you were living in a country dominated by whites and being stopped by a white police officer late at night, I would love to see you stop being black. Maybe Evans is not black and as such, does not know the reality of being black.

No, Sir! We are actually demanding recognition and a respectful place in this world. I don't know which planet you have been living on, because we are not saying that the colour of our skin determines our passion and dreams. What we are simply saying is that despite the colour of our skin (by which we were judged), we are able to do anything.

I am, etc.,

TREVOR HYLTON

trevor_hylton40@hotmail.com

Proclaim achievements

The Editor, Sir:

Black History Month teaches who we are, where we must go and what we must be.

It is also the time to proclaim to the world our modern-day achievements in the fields of medicine, science, technology, sports, and all other facets of human endeavour. Likewise, it is the preservation of our culture, heritage and artefacts.

Black History Month is not only about racism, segregation, apartheid, oppression and injustices; it is also about what we have mastered, be it in economics, governance, arts and science.

I am, etc.,

KHARI DALEY

kharl.daley@Jamaicans.com