Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines, February 28, 2025 - The importance of celebrating Black History Month was reverberated at a lecture at The University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus St. Vincent and the Grenadines (GC SVG).
Black History Month has its roots in the United States of America and in recent times, Caribbean states have also been observing the commemorative month. Some argue that such a celebration is not necessary in countries that are predominantly black, and with this in mind, The UWI GC SVG contemplated, “Why celebrate Black History Month in the Caribbean?”
On Saturday February 22, 2025, upon entry to the campus grounds, the attendees were greeted with an electrifying performance by the Kalunga Theatre Collective. Their senses were further heightened with the Afrocentric and eye-catching décor by EMS Creations and the vibrant movements of the La Gracia Dance Theatre which punctuated the event and left the gathering captivated.
The main feature was Dr. Henderson Carter who addressed the gathering in the Lecture Hall on the topic: “Elevating Black History for Nation Building and Development.”
The Senior Lecturer of the Department of Philosophy, History and Psychology at The UWI Cave Hill Campus, posited that “this celebration is necessary and vital for a people whose history and heritage have been suppressed under the weight of 300+ years of colonial rule. Moreover, we must promote black history as a viable tool for nation building and development.”
Dr. Carter also emphasized the importance of documenting and re-telling the story of events and people who have made an impact on the Vincentian community. He said that by narrating and documenting these events and lives of the people, it was a way of shattering the suppression meant to control black people.
In her remarks, Head of Site, The UWI Global Campus, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Resa Noel-McBarnett stated “the celebration of black history should not be contained only within the 28 days of February; but that the month of February gives us another opportunity to celebrate the diversity and achievements of Black people in the Caribbean”. She further stated that Black History Month helps to raise the awareness of the connections between Caribbean people and African Americans in the United States. Notable Caribbean figures such as Marcus Garvey and Shirley Chisholm helped to break barriers and transform U.S. history and culture in the U.S. Dr. McBarnett recalled that the “West Indies Cricket, The University of the West Indies, Federation of the West Indies and a host of other institutions were driving forces of subverting colonial hegemony in the Caribbean region. The UWI outlasted most of these institutions and has contributed to Caribbean development, and nation building.”
Dr. Carter presented copies of his books to representatives of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College, the National Libraries, Archives and Documentation Services, and the Library of The UWI Global Campus, St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Prime Minister Dr. The Hon. Ralph Gonsalves, former parliamentarian and Speaker of the OECS Assembly Ms. Rene Baptiste, members of the Guild of Students, representatives of the diplomatic corp, government and civic organisations were among the attendees.
For more information contact 456-1183 or email svg@open.uwi.edu
Kalunga Theatre Collective performing at the lecture.
Senior Lecturer of the Department of Philosophy and History at The UWI Cave Hill Campus, Dr. Henderson Carter will be the guest speaker at The UWI Global Campus St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Black History Month’s Lecture.
A section of the audience at the UWI Global Campus, St Vincent and the Grenadines Black History Month Lecture.
Dr. Ralph Gonsalves receives book from Dr. Henderson Carter
Former Minister of Tourism & Culture now Speaker of the OECS House of Assembly Rene Baptitse, Dr. Henderson Carter and Dr. Resa Noel-McBarnett
