Black History Month started this week, in the US, and consequently the whole of the Diaspora has a certain spring in its step this month. Indeed, no matter where we are, we will all be enjoying the marvel (cough) that is Black Panther. Undoubtedly, throughout this month, many historic events will take place and in our social media age, it’s impossible not to be filled with the apprehension, and excitement, that we are part of history. We are the history makers, from Colin Kapernick and Amara La Negra to you and your friends. We are all writing our stories in the stands of time. We are making history.
History books, including historical fiction, are some of the most important books we possess. The writers of these books play an essential role in helping us remember and empowering us with that knowledge. Just as we are able to gain rich insights from the writers of the Chicago Renaissance, writers like the late Buchi Emecheta and Afua Hirsch, who’s book came out this week, actively record our world, writing the history that future generations will use to take a glimpse into our age. Maintaining a record of our history, both in our books and in our minds, is essential, as Marcus Garvey put it:
A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.
Esther Kuforiji, Editor
@EstherKuforiji