Your International Students' Representative shares her thoughts on why Black History Month is important.
We've just come to the end of Black History Month 2016. Here, your International Students' Representative Vivian Nwagboso shares her thoughts on why she feels it's important.
When I came to the UK to study, all I heard about black history was slavery, racism and Martin Luther King Jnr…so is this all we are worth?
When you read text books of all types you would hardly read of a black man or black woman who is represented as one who worked harder than their peers and came up with something that helped the world…is this a true representation?
I do not want to live through life thinking of black slavery – just like MLK, I want to fight with love not guns or darts, I want to change people’s minds and hearts so I took my first step and got elected as the International Students’ Representative. It did not come easy, as I had fears and worries…I needed to speak to someone and I did.
I will not forget the words of Amie Blockley (nee Chapman): “Vivian if you want to go for it, why not? Just do it; we’ve had a female president here at DSU.”
So just like she said I went in for it and did it! And here I am today…that first step built my confidence to a whole new level which I never had. Remember, every great dream begins with a dreamer, dare to dream big!
Always remember that you have within you the strength, patience and passion to reach for the stars and change the world. It is said that laundry is the only thing that should be separated by color, all I see is human race, and so should you.
Don’t use racism as an excuse to not do the best you can because only in darkness can you see the stars. It is okay to fail when you try, everyone has once failed but it’s not okay not to try.
Do not underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit – the potential for greatness grows in each of us – find yours.
I want the media, books, journals, articles and the world at large to see a new black history…
I want to read on black doctors who cured cancer…
I want a black scientist who discovered a cure for HIV…
The list in endless, no matter what field you are in, endeavour to be the best of it. Dream to be a leader. Dare to be fearless!
Click here to hear from DP Education Augustus on why he feels Black History Month is important.
