There are different ways to tell a story. Ours is a "tale" of a historical event resumed as: one dream, one idea, time, patience, conviction, and many allies. Honduras, a small country in the northern triangle of Central America with a population of around 11 million. Most inhabitants are halfbreed or "mestizos" (87%), spanish spoken. Honduras is among the three poorest countries of the continent with a high rate of inequality and injustice. A multiethnic society of which 2,9% belong to an ethnic group called Garifunas (a cross between Arawak Indians and Africans). The Garifuna people or Garinagu have dwelled on Honduran territory for more than 200 years without achieving economic dominance. Nevertheless, their enormous potential and nobility have caused a strong political-positive incidence in the executive branch and congress; two of three political powers that constitute the Honduran State. It took 14 years after the first black man to run for Honduras presidential office (Bernard Martinez Valerio). This action brought the opportunity to improve political strategies and to define a long-term project to position black figures at the highest sphere of government. Therefore, a small group of black men and women gathered to create an organization that they named National Negro Platform of Honduras, in Spanish PLANAPONH. Years later, this nonprofit organization, was the one that promoted the first black man to be appointed Judge of the Honduran Supreme Court Justice System. The objective was only achieved through strategic alliances with Honduras' local people (mestizos). Incidence in the Judicial Supreme Court system was a pending signature and to nominate a Garifuna member as a representative of minorities was not an easy task in a country where the owners of the political parties and economic power groups are the ones that impose their "pawns" to integrate the Judicial power system, composed of 15 judges. In addition to allies in different sectors, it required patience and time. Patience to nourish relationships, time to get to be known, and to promote the idea of the universal right for inclusion. Once, in position allies, ideas, strong convictions, and being in the right place at the right time, what once seemed to be a crazy thought began to take shape and form. Different media of diffusion sympathized with the "cause" and made eco of the demand for inclusiveness, and suddenly, one lonely voice became the cry of thousands, followed by the claim of millions. The people's demand was supported by the international community (embassies and cooperation), something that put pressure on the political parties that, under the unavoidable, appointed Walter Raul Miranda Sabio as part of the 15 nominees to become jugdges to the Honduras Supreme Court System for a 7 years term. What a way to commemorate 226 years of Garinagu presence in Honduras and to re-write Honduras' course of history in black ink. Allan Bernardez Feb. 02-2023
Tela, Honduras
+504-99277513
abg49@hotmail.com
