Sunday, March 25, 2007
Redemption Songs
I didn't want to go to church this morning but I was happy I went. I didn't even remember the anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade until I saw the pamphlets that were given out at the door. The service dealt with the steps leading up to its abolition as well as the idea of freedom.
During the moment's silence I couldn't help but wonder what it was like for the millions ripped from their homes and transported to the New World. The only comparable thing I could think of was if a spaceship were to land on Earth,gather us humans and take us to some unknown planet to be ruled by aliens. That was one harrowing journey across the Atlantic to begin the dehumanising life that was slavery.
It's strange how we have grown up with little or no knowledge of our history. Nobody really pays any attention to milestones like these and if it were not a bicentenary it would have passed unnoticed. I guess many just want to forget slavery ever existed or they just don't feel connected to the events which is a real pity.
Funny how after all these years we still believe much of what our masters fed us. We still talk of good hair,raising our color etc etc. Fittingly, due to the foresight of the vibrant young minister Bob Marley's Redemption song was sung by the congregation. Got to commend the older folks who willingly sang along because it wasn't always like that. Bob would have been so proud as one my friends remarked. As for the enslaved what else did they have but Redemption Songs..these songs of freedom.
During the moment's silence I couldn't help but wonder what it was like for the millions ripped from their homes and transported to the New World. The only comparable thing I could think of was if a spaceship were to land on Earth,gather us humans and take us to some unknown planet to be ruled by aliens. That was one harrowing journey across the Atlantic to begin the dehumanising life that was slavery.
It's strange how we have grown up with little or no knowledge of our history. Nobody really pays any attention to milestones like these and if it were not a bicentenary it would have passed unnoticed. I guess many just want to forget slavery ever existed or they just don't feel connected to the events which is a real pity.
Funny how after all these years we still believe much of what our masters fed us. We still talk of good hair,raising our color etc etc. Fittingly, due to the foresight of the vibrant young minister Bob Marley's Redemption song was sung by the congregation. Got to commend the older folks who willingly sang along because it wasn't always like that. Bob would have been so proud as one my friends remarked. As for the enslaved what else did they have but Redemption Songs..these songs of freedom.
Labels: Bob Marley, Slavery
