May 16, 2005 – On its surface it would seem that any sentient being would be overjoyed, ecstatic, at hearing that someone, an organization, a people or a nation has taken it upon themselves to be the catalyst to bring the healing and restoration (repair) of a people so vilified, misunderstood and, as a consequence, misguided.
We cannot hope to restore the descendants of the African Slaves in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Caribbean, and reduce the still lingering effects of slavery on the African continent, Europe and the Americas without resorting to truth. In no small way the institutionalized lies and deception that served the kidnappers, enslavers, and the captains of business and industry the world over for five hundred years will remain intact unless confronted and defeated by truth.
But, gruth is not a strong suit in this game of spiritual and mental warfare. The prophet Isaiah has said; "Truth is fallen in the street……" (Isaiah 59:13). Therefore, as we talk with "the men and women of the street" we hear acceptance, anticipation, pride and ownership.
We all, Virgin Islanders and Danish citizens, are required to move from denial to acceptance. To embrace our culture, heritage, and spiritual legacy is the prerequisite to accepting the possibilities and potential of a world free of prejudice, hatred, war, and fear. We cannot be afraid of the historical fact of slavery and its attendant consequences. Yes, slavery ended for us in 1848 (for some earlier in 1838 and others much later in the 1870s). The end of chattel slavery was not the beginning of our freedom. It was the beginning of a more subtle and virulent form of enslavement referred to by Bro. Mario Moorhead as "Mental Slavery," demanding mental emancipation.
As mentally and spiritually free human beings it is both our right and responsibility to demand, and be prepared to receive compensation for the crime of kidnaping and enslavement that we endured in the presence of forefathers and foremothers.
It isn't a stretch for the majority of the world's people to see the justice and wisdom in the payment of compensation to those harmed in past wars and documented cases of genocide against other nations, peoples, and ethnic groups (whether they be native American, Japanese, Chinese, or ethnic groups of European extraction). However, in a most telling way whenever one broaches the subject, or notion, of payment to the descendants of the kidnaped and enslaved African, the enthusiasm drains leaving the victim not only alone, but feeling guilty for uttering such a just request.
Not anymore! Today the word has gone out from the U.S. Virgin Islands that we are serving notice that justice delayed is justice denied. We have extended an olive branch of peace, love, equity, and justice. We anticipated and have received a reciprocal gesture from a more than representative body in Denmark.
As a people, the African of the Diaspora, nor the African of the continent can claim true freedom unless and until this sordid chapter, that was written in human history, at the expense of him, is brought to a close and the new and glorious beginning of the New World commences. Whether disenfranchised in his own land by interlopers from other regions of the globe, or maligned and marginalized in his island-nation home, or the communities he has been so brutally constrained, that are derisively referred to as "the Ghetto," "the Hood," and the ubiquitous "inner-city," the effects of slavery are everywhere.
The corrective force must be at the very least equal to the virulently negative mentality which constituted this peculiar institution known as European slavery. It will, more than likely have to be stronger; how much stronger will depend on the resistance posed by those who will certainly spring into action, whether out of fear of loss of privilege, or in the case of the African in the Diaspora, the sense of offending those whom he has been trained to serve and obey.
Nevertheless, as we used to say when we as children played the game of hide-and-seek, ""ready or not here I come."" We understand the magnitude of this undertaking, not from the prospective of one blinded by revenge, anger, or greed. But, from the stand point, and point-of-view of those who have studied the signs written in the eyes, and heard in the utterance of those chosen by God for this epic struggle. Make no mistake, we are thoroughly aware that to create false hope is worse than the very mental slavery we are sworn to obliterate.
Therefore, we have come to this time and place to right this wrong before our Creator, our people, and the world. We cannot fail, for likened unto the Hebrew warriors and people of old; God is with us! This is not a mythical appeal to a god that does not hear, or answer. It is an acknowledgment of the very prevalent fact that He has chastened us in the caldron of European slavery that we may know its bitter and brutal malevolence, but that we would not become likened unto them, or it. Like the prophet of old (Daniel) and three Hebrew boys thrown into the lion's den in the fiery furnace respectively, we have emerged emotionally, spiritually, and culturally beaten and battered, but still whole.
It''s this very moment the foundation for a truly New World in being lain by those previously traduced, and rejected.
For all the trillions of dollars spent by those who took crafty counsel against God''s people designed to cut them off from being a nation and obliterate their name from history we know emerge prophetically claiming the covenant that we would come out with great substance. No amount of doubt or fear can stop, or even delay the process that has been set in motion by the African-Caribbean Reparations and Resettlement Alliance (ACRRA), nor should any one desire to do so.
An olive branch is carried by a dove as a symbol of peace, love, and forgiveness. Now is the time…… "There is no way to peace, peace is the way" (Mahatma Gandhi).
Editor's note: Dr. Etherero Akinshegun is psychotherapist living on the island of St. Croix. He was a member of the African-Caribbean Reparations and Resettlement Alliance
(ACRRA) delegation led by Shelley Moorhead to Denmark to discuss the issue of reparations for the Virgin Islands.
