As I reflect on last year's political, social, and ecological events in Haiti and observing a future that looks dim for the younger generation, I want to take the same position that Dr. Rosalvo Bobo (1873-1929), a political leader, a physician, a researcher on herbal medicine, took at the eve of Haiti's centennial. I am not celebrating. Since January 1st is also a World Day of Peace, I would rather peacefully reflect on the following translation of Dr. Bobo's centennial speech addressed circa the end of 1903.
African American Research Center, Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Notes:
1 videocassette (45 min.), Documentary on the rural communities in Alcântara, Brazil (in the state of Maranhão), descendants of the quilombos founded by Blacks who had escaped from slavery. The documentary explores the communities' historical narratives, rituals, festivals, use of land and natural resources, and describes the displacement of families for the construction and expansion of the Centro de Lançamento de Alcântara (a launching base for rockets and satellites).
