As America gets ready to celebrate Martin Luther King Day on Monday, a small Caribbean country, the Commonwealth of Dominica, is going even further in commemorating the lives of six World Icons (including King) for their outstanding contribution to humanity.
“6M’s Day” was initiated to focus attention (via the media and school focus groups) on the achievements of all the six long considered as positive role models in helping the journey to build good and just societies for the future.
The six are:
1. Nelson Mandela, internationally acclaimed Universal Icon for Peace
2. Dr Martin Luther King Jr, outstanding American Civil Rights Leader
3. Bob Marley, popular music/cultural icon, noted for initiating a public peace gesture in his country between combating leaders
4. Mahatma Gandhi, legendary as an advocate for peace
5. Marcus Garvey, early advocate for Black pride.
6. Dominica’s own ‘Neg Marons’, very early anti-slavery West Indian fighters for freedom
The 6M’s Day recognition activities, spear-headed by sections of the Dominica media that recognize their role in building society, is centered around the 3rd Monday in January of every year. It is intended to help promote knowledge of the Six named who come from all parts of our world). Hopefully, many students , led by their teachers, will ulilize the Day “googling” that information on their smart phones or tablets.
The organizers hope that regional and international coverage of this “positive” memorial event will also indirectly generate interest in Dominica itself, and that the annual “Informal Proclamation” of the Day and associated publicity will likely spark a renewed pride in our nation’s cultural heritage. (All of the 6 named happen to have African roots.) In particular, the Recognition Day highlights the example of some good role models with whom our Dominican youth in particular should identify – with a knowledge benefit for themselves and their communities!
Mandela’s famous phrase “Let Bygones be Bygones” is a message very relevant for old and new conflict-filled societies. And In today’s world of rampart terrorism, the words of another icon, Mahatma Gandhi, have special resonance: “If we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children”.
1. Nelson Mandela, internationally acclaimed Universal Icon for Peace – Sell out
2. Dr Martin Luther King Jr, outstanding American Civil Rights Leader – Pacifist asking us to integrate into a system that hates us
3. Bob Marley, popular music/cultural icon, noted for initiating a public peace gesture in his country between combating leaders. One love y’all
4. Mahatma Gandhi, legendary as an advocate for peace Dirty old racist who hated black people http://atlantablackstar.com/2016/08/19/13-racist-quotes-gandhi-said-black-people/
5. Marcus Garvey, early advocate for Black pride. – Had the right idea but still supported pacifism and non-violent protests.
6. Dominica’s own ‘Neg Marons’, very early anti-slavery West Indian fighters for freedom – Great history yet the indigenous people’s involvement still got downplayed.
MALCOLM X Philosophy and teachings is needed is this days…………All mentioned are great leaders but we have been practicing their methods forever with little advancement. Marcus Garvey was and will always be an exception, if the so called leaders listened and cooperated with Mr. Garvey Blacks would be better today.
That’s why he’s left out… guess who doesn’t want people of color to rise up? Think fast…
Pls add mamo
Pure hogwash. Aren’t there local Dominicans who are more deserving of such recognition? Where are those who fought for our independence and drew up our constitution among many others who have contributed so much for our development? This is just another distraction from this incompetent government. These guys do indeed lack vision and because of their lack of vision Dominica is quickly perishing.
Congratulations organizers a well deserved memoria ! Please if space permit let us create a monument to honor Phacel and the maroons.
Did Dominica forget Malcom X? An iconic figure in the civil rights struggle during the sixties.
Visionary, avant-garde and very progressive initiative! Since the only thing constant in life is change, I believe that the concept is not cast in stone–that there is left room for expected push-back or evolutionary growth. Personally, I believe the caption, 6M’s, a bit restrictive; perhaps, Great M’s or Magnificent M’s would lend itself better to transcending time and place thereby allowing for continual induction of new heroes.
As an educator, I applaud the shifting of cultural paradigm to a place where we have become self-conscious, curious and introspective. It is encouraging that we have begun to consider our status quo as a people and are seeking to shape our own philosophy of eduation–a move I hope, will translate to our crafting of pedagogy that is culture-friendly.
We do have much to celebrate as a people but if EVERYTHING we have been taught about OURSELVES/HISTORY HAVE BEEN BASED ON LIES by our colonial masters, the powers that be have much work to do!
At least Dame Mart Eugenia Charles could be added wee
What about Malcolm X
Everyone has his place. You must give each one their day. I would recognize Martin Luther and Mandela separate. I suppose it is too much work and time to have each one honored separately.
How about Malcolm X? We must change that to 7M.
why ghandi in dat ner? the man was a peado n hated black people! 5Ms
6Ms Day
It is an awesome idea.
In some cases their influence reached far beyond their homeland. In Canada some of these people are honored. Add a rally and a parade to the mix for the Day in Dominica and with a little promotion and it could become a tourist attraction.
Some (maybe all) of them made powerful statements. This Day can be used as a teaching tool in the schools of Dominica. Time should be devoted to explaining their contributions. The principles they championed should be expounded so they become part of your heritage.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.
Great idea, these men were famous for all the good they did for the human race. I hope our PM and his bunch of cronies take a look at these famous people and what they have done for our freedom and standing up for justice and truth and live their lives emulating them. No use celebrating these famous lives when life in Dominica is dreadful.
Mahatma Ghandi was a racist. He said a lot of unfavourable things about Black folk. Google it for further research.
Why would Dominicans celebrate the lives of this 6 guys that fought for our freedom and today its like their hard work and sacrifice went in the dust bin, because everything that was fought against is right infront of our eyeball every day and we just take it. The government eradicated the freedom to protest and we sit by and take it. If you can’t live for and by the principles they sacrificed their lives for don’t make a mockery of these world heroes
Is there nothing that can be said, read or written about without it descending into party political discuss? Is it really so hard from time to time to just accept some things? Are there any on that list that you would argue againts? If not would it really hurt you do much to accept their reverence?
You are so right…But Dominica is preseny largely a land of hypocrites..If these people were in Dominica,they would be chanting down evil and wicked souls to have functional institutions,free and fair elections,a fair parliament,equal access to our radio,love for the poor,stop being greedy,,,etc,etc,…BOB MARLEY WOULD CHANT DOWN those hypocrites wickedness to its people with music!!
The fact that many people do not live out the principles these people fought for does not mean they accomplished nothing. They made a difference in their day. It means the work is not finished. It is for us to make a difference now.
The fact that racism still exists in the States and there is still work to do does not mean Dr. Martin Luther King did not make a difference. He left big footprints. We must carry his legacy forward. Yes, Dr. King had a dream. And we will see it fulfilled.
Events like 6Ms Day will remind us. Hearing of the lives and work of these great people will fan the flames.
Let it be understood that Dr. King was not just a civil rights warrior. He was a pastor, a gospel preacher! The gospel Martin Luther King preached is our first line of defence against racism and inequality.
Continuation:
Those who believe the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) and have received Christ as their personal Savior (John 1:12) (Revelation 3:20) believe in equality, and freedom for all people of every race.
They oppose racism and follow the principles Martin Luther King, and Nelson Mandela fought for. Why? Because these are BIBLICAL principles! They are in fact part and parcel of our evangelical Christian faith!
This is why the gospel (not religion) must be preached throughout the nation until every nook and cranny of the country is flooded with gospel light. Every man, woman, boy and girl must be made to know that we have all sinned and cannot save ourselves. It is only through BELIEVING in the Lord Jesus Christ and TRUSTING (depending upon) His shed blood and death on the cross to put our sins away we can be saved. Please read Isaiah 53:4-6, John 3:16,17, and Ephesians 2:8,9
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.
Great things can still come out of Dominica! Thanks to the inspiration from the organizer(s)!
Did you forget Maurice Bishop? Come on. You had better include Maurice.
It would not hurt to add Maurice Bishop and a few more well deserving Ms.
Neither would it hurt if the celebration was spread over more than one day. After all, it is a teaching opportunity. The kids would love it. Think of how they may benefit from it. The values planted in their young hearts would be far reaching.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill
Rev. Hill, you’re the last one I would have expected to support a communist revolutionary like Bishop.
What about Mamo, dame Eugenia Charles. She persevered as woman under the vile attacks of the political men. She remained sterned, focussed on Dominica and Dominicans. Three times elected Prime Minister, elevated Dominica from poverty, country wide focussed on education, promoted adult literacy. Encouraged departments to utilised their skills and work with people, unlike today Inept Skerrit has the Red Clinic giving handouts. O appreciated Mamo`s disciplined to politics and development f children and families, and communities.
I detest Skerrit’s abuse of resources, the bin bool thievery of states money under his watch, the handouts dished to poor people, the abusive Red clinic to gain personal popularity.
Mamo wanted and looked for no accolades, handouts, popularity, she worked hard and gained respect from the people , she did not buy.
Well done Dominica`s stalwarts.
Great initiative. I love it. Mandela is my hero. I would give him his own day either way this is positive and commendable.
You are correct. For a man as he, Mandela deserves to be recognized, to be given his own day.
One more “M” should have been added. “Mary Eugenia Charles “MAMO” for her contribution to Dominica and the Caribbean at large. In addition to being the very first female prime minister of Dominica and in the Caribbean
Yes…mamo,yes for sure
NO
so a person name is neg marons is somebody name now? stupes
This is so commendable as indeed we need the examples of these great people among us. It will also help our youth to see the lives of Great individuals the world over.
I recall while at secondary school, Fr. Clement Jolly had this Programme on DBS called “Know Your World”. It was truly inspirational and educating. just today I was commenting on the life of Nelson Mandela and the UBUNTU philosophy in another blog posting.
Nelson Mandela started off so humbly from humble beginnings but with a purpose and resolve. and where it seemed there were no roads to the end of arpathied he created those roads as in the great words of the Phillipino Spanish poet, Antonio Merchado – TRAVELLER THERE ARE NO ROADS, THE ROADS ARE MADE BY WALKING!! And indeed we ought to learn how to chart a course for our collective goals and for humanity. In the last seven (7) years I have been learning to embrace the philosophy that embodied Nelson Mandela.
…. and the underlying principles of his of life and work to liberate – the UBUNTU PHILOSOPHY.
UBUNTU – BECAUSE YOU ARE, I AM. or “I AM WHAT I AM BECAUSE OF WHO WE ALL ARE.
In other words “A person is a person through other people strikes an affirmation of one’s humanity through recognition of an “other” in his or her uniqueness and difference”. I love that it captures the concepts of extroverted communities, socialization of prosperity, redemption, deference to hierarchy and humanism.
Interestingly, it is captured in our National Anthem – “ALL FOR EACH AND EACH FOR ALL”
through his life he taugt the world how to embrace and live humility, loyalty, love, compassion, integrity, perseverance, steadfastness…. as virtues to pursue. He taught of how to embrace and how to relinquish; how to fight and how to reconcile. The redemptive and reconciliatory aspect of his philosophy is that which we ought to, in fact I say Must emulate in Dominica.
Word Mr. Cadette. But how are you going to convince someone who is barely able to put food on his table to think of ethics? The reality is people are in desperate need. The one who reaches their doorstep with $$$$$ is the one who will have the biggest influence. Mr. Cadette you and me can live with out the $$$$ in gifts because God has blessed us. Those poor souls out there have no choice. We just can’t blame them. We can blames our leaders in society though, the church politicians etc. I am awaiting your response
Syl ! I thought you’d suggest Mamo hahahahahaha FET would love this one
Thats interesting… Wonderful gesture
Ah Dominica the laughing stock of the world
where that come out na
Not really!
Every nation has its problems.
There are positive things happening in Dominica.
It depends what you look at. If you are a pessimist your cup will always be half empty.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.