The 6M’s Day activities, spear-headed by sections of the Dominica Media that recognize their OWN role in building-up society, was launched some years ago, but has been very low-key since Hurricane MARIA.
The main objective of memorializing a ‘special’ Day* is to promote information about the Six named and their outstanding contribution to Humanity – especially for the knowledge of our Youth! ON THAT DAY, a classroom or two of students led by their teacher (…and an invited guest speaker) will participate in a Q & A exchange – and hopefully spend some time later to “google” more data on their smart phones or tablets for inter-active discussions with their PEERS and PARENTS.
All of the 6 named below happen to have African roots, so a cultural ethnic connection allows exemplary good role models for our young to identify with – and gain knowledge beneficial to themselves and their communities.
- Nelson Mandela, internationally acclaimed Universal Icon for Peace
- Martin Luther King Jr., outstanding American Civil Rights Leader
- Bob Marley, popular music/cultural icon, noted for initiating a public peace gesture in his country between combatting leaders.
- ‘Neg Marons’, Dominica’s own free-living anti-slavery West Indian Fighters for
Freedom in the 18th century.
- Mahatma Gandhi, legendary as an advocate for international peace.
- Marcus Garvey, early promoter of Black pride.
* 6M’s Day is regularly targeted for the 3rd Monday in January of every year to coincide with Martin Luther King Day. This year 2021, it falls on Monday 18th January
Mandela’s famous phrase “Let Bygones be Bygones” is a message very relevant for conflict-
filled societies, old and new. And in today’s world of sporadic 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”.
