As part of Black History Month, celebrated in February in the United States and Canada in October for the first time to United Kingdom, Michaëlle Jean, the Secretary General of the International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF) delivered a message in memory of the victims of slavery in history, to let know the new generations of the long journey for the conquest of our rights, especially of how that path remains an imperative, how we must take action—staunch uncompromising action—to overcome prejudice, racism, segregation, and inequalities.

Message by Michaëlle Jean :

"Let us remember, again and always, without drifting into nostalgia, bitterness, or resentment. Let us remember while we keep our eyes on the prize, towards that light on the horizon created by the tremendous courage and determination of the women and men who resisted with all of their life-driven might, and through horrible suffering, the deepest forms of degradation, their utter dispossession.

Let us remember the women and men who had in common their African descent, African roots, and who were so dishonourably demeaned and dehumanized over the course of history.

Whether one identifies as a Black person or not, these women and men remain mirrors of ourselves, part of our memory. Their struggle is the reason we keep on fighting and push for a new humanity.

Let us remember their lives. Let us remind new generations of the long journey for the conquest of our rights, especially of how that path remains an imperative, how we must take action—staunch uncompromising action—to overcome prejudice, racism, segregation, and inequalities.

This imperative is all the more pressing at a time when societies everywhere are being threatened by the hateful rejection of difference, and the totalitarian negation of everything that binds us together.

Black History Month presents us all with a unique opportunity— one we should not squander — to reflect on those values that must be recalled and safeguarded relentlessly, as vectors of liberation, as principles that should be proudly upheld and strengthened because they stand at the wellspring of emancipation and equality, as ideas that should be championed and defended everywhere, because they form the bedrock of our common humanity.

Without freedom, without equality, without fraternity, there can be no future."

HL/ HaitiLibre