224 years of existence should reflect identity, roots and prosperity. 224 years is longer than the 200 years of "national independence" which is just around the corner, but what repercussions have these years reflected upon you and others?
For people known for upholding the collective and communitarian spirit, the reality shows something different; a population highly polarized among themselves due to multiple circumstances such as: partisan, religious and organizational inclination. When you delve into the daily life of the black population in Honduras, the times of solidarity, empathy and respect are long gone unless you belong to the same political party and/or church or coincide in the same organization.
Those who have had the opportunity to structure a Black community with the possibility of development for its members, once they have reached this "can-do" space, have prioritized their own interests. Beyond this, they have turned their backs on the hope of thousands, consolidating the cycle of dependency, violence, migration and poverty.
The world has long since entered into a struggle between groups that dispute "their truth". These groups have a visible face, with an able mind and leadership capacity. The groups do not necessarily have to individualize their struggles and their causes, being able at times, and more so in times of exceptionality, to join forces with others of similar purpose. In the end, the important thing is to define the type of relationship on which any agreement, understanding or alliance will be based. A relationship without reciprocity, without respect and lacking inclusion, represents UNEQUITY and therefore goes against ancestral principles.
The years must bring with them not only weariness, old age and death, but also experience. If our time on this earth can be of any use, it should be invested on the inheritance of knowledge; that sapience that allows us to break the circle of misery, that conscience that forever breaks chains and shackles, that awakening that allows us to guide and walk the "road of nothingness" with nobility, independence but above all hope for a better future for you, for me, for your people, for OURS (Homeland).
Allan Bernardez
April-04-2021
*Dedicated to those who once were and today are no longer here*
