"A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots." - Marcus Garvey, Jamaican National Hero

THE APPRECIATION expressed by the public to Professor Sir Hilary Beckles' recent analysis on what contributed largely to Haiti's poverty-stricken state, and the role France, the United States and other military powers of the day played in this, demonstrates how relevant history can be to contemporary issues.

A number of ongoing conflicts throughout the world too can best be put into perspective when the history of the peoples, nations, and regional politics is taken into consideration.

Also, knowledge of one's history may help to foster greater self-esteem in a people or race who were subjugated and/or continue to struggle in poverty are underdevelopment.

The commemoration of Black History Month this February is therefore more than a recital of the achievements of black people who succeeded against all odds. It seeks to impart inspiration and pride. It strives too to focus the public's attention on issues that affect Blacks.

So, it is more than an African-American celebration that champions people of colour in North America who have helped change that country, and by extension, the world through their deeds. It is about all Blacks in the diaspora.

Black History Month began as Negro History Week which was created in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, a noted African-American historian, scholar, educator, and publisher. It became a month-long celebration in 1976.

Originally the second week of February was chosen for the celebration as it marked the birthdays of two men who had great influence on America's early black communities, Frederick Douglass (one of the foremost leaders of the abolitionist movement, which fought to end slavery within the United States (US) in the decades before the Civil War), and Abraham Lincoln (16th US president most remembered for his Emancipation Proclamation, which declared slaves free).

Since its inception, Woodson realised it was important to provide a theme to focus the public's attention on issues. In the face of the impact of the global recession, this year's theme, The History of Black Economic Empowerment is most appropriate.

By focusing this year's black history activities on economic empowerment, there is an opportunity to provide young people with the motivation and support necessary to improve their lives by examining the examples of others who overcame economic obstacles in the past.

For the average Barbadian, Black History Month affords us a chance to pause and appreciate those men and women who have opened the doors of opportunities for us today through their selfless efforts.

This, essentially, was the point stressed by Minister of Education Ronald Jones this week when he urged hundreds of students to learn more about their African and Caribbean culture. He told students at the Princess Margaret School in St Philip that many leaders such as Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King, Errol Barrow and Sir Grantley Adams' achievements were possible because of sacrifice.

"You too can achieve but you must be diligent in your work. Don't ever think that you are a failure. God has blessed each of you with talents with which you can succeed. Let these achievements motivate you to reach for higher things," Jones encouraged.

Black History Month then should act as motivation to all of us to do more to develop ourselves and our country.