The Anguilla Community College (ACC) joined other organisations and people across the world in celebrating Black History Month, 2021. What we know today as Black History Month was initially championed by African American intellectuals, Rev. Jesse Moorland and Dr Carter G Woodson, author of ‘The Mis-Education of the Negro’, and was intended to address the underrepresentation and misrepresentation of people of African descent in American and World history.
The Anguilla Community College’s Black History Month observances were marked by Facebook posts throughout the month with snippets of information on the contribution of people of African descent to the culture, society and economy of the world. However, the celebration culminated in ACC’s BACK TO BLACK event held at the Teachers’ Resource Centre on Saturday, February 20, 2021.
BACK TO BLACK was a varied celebration of African-centred discussion, music, fashion and dance as well as African Caribbean food prepared by the ACC’s students registered in the BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate in Hospitality. The event began with a rhythmic prelude delivered by the Rastafarian drumming ensemble, Roots Binghi. Other entertainment included Mr Omari Banks who gave an acoustic rendition of his song ‘Oh Africa’ and Expression Through Dance (ETD) which performed an energising dance built on African, Caribbean and contemporary dance moves. There were several fashion segments featuring ornate, natural hairstyles by Styles by Finest Salon and Boutique, swimsuits by Donilia Swimwear, and African clothing designs by Aflo and Theochris.
However, at the heart of the BACK TO BLACK event were the thought-provoking presentations around three themes. These were moderated by Clinical Psychologist, Educator and Motivational Speaker, Dr Oluwakemi M Linda Banks. The first theme was Body Image and Taking Care of the Body. Mrs. Khonn Hazell-Fleming, teacher/lecturer, and Mr Duquaine Brooks, of Lyon Crossfit Gym, presented on this topic. Each gave tips for mental and physical wellness and shared their personal journeys to body acceptance, fitness and self-care.
The second theme related to Hair. Mrs Shellecia Brooks-Johnson, Social Media influencer, author, blogger and trainer, spoke about her empowerment through growing and managing her natural hair, and the importance for young people, especially young girls, to learn to love themselves. Mr Terron Azille, teacher and poet, discussed navigating employment and living in the society as a Black man wearing locks. He also broadened his discussion to address activism and the importance of taking a stance on social and political injustice.
The third theme focused on Skin. Dr Phyllis Fleming-Banks, Manager, UWI British Overseas Territories, gave an informative summary of the billion dollar industry comprising skin care products, many of which harbour unsafe ingredients and prey on the skin insecurities so common among people of African descent. Mr Kenneth Porter, member of the Board of Governors of the Anguilla Community College, presented on the phenomenon of bleaching in the Caribbean and worldwide, demonstrating a link between the physical bleaching and the pigmentocracy that continues to influence our societies.
The ACC’s BACK TO BLACK event appeared to be well received. The College thanks the public for its support as well as all those individuals and businesses that donated prizes including E’s Oven, Epic Foods, Sharky’s Restaurant, Dungeon Gym, Lyon Crossfit Gym, Train Smart by Marissa Rey and Vinty’s Veggies. The Anguilla Community College looks forward to continuing its engagement with the community and invites everyone to find out more about Anguilla Community College, by calling (264) 498-8395/497-2538, WhatsApp (264) 476-8395 or email info@acc.edu.ai.
– Press Release
