As Black History Month draws to an end, I decided to take a moment to reflect upon the significance of this month, especially as months and days of significance are set aside for particular remembrances and purposes. We can say: well I’ve read this, learned that and know what the importance of the month is. Whilst of course prior learning and experiences are valid, it is important to take a moment, pause and reflect upon present ways of knowing and thinking.
This is what I thought about when I was watching the film / movie entitled: Belle, the story that is inspired by the painting of Dido Elizabeth Belle Lindsay and Lady Elizabeth Murray. Whilst there is a love story embedded within the film / movie. I was interested to learn more about the Zong massacre. To date I think as a collective we can only imagine the harsh cruel histories that have existed and stemmed from humankind. But we are also aware of the many histories that are silenced, having taken note of this, what I found as a learning point within the film / movie Belle is that: extraordinary cruelty was committed with the Zong massacre and extraordinary justice from humankind, that was gained with the historic ruling from the judge presiding the case – Lord Chief Justice the Earl of Mansfield. This ruling was a historic beginning for the abolishment of slave trade to create the first Slave Trade Act of 1788 that was created 1 year later.
This adapted true story entitled Belle exemplifies that whilst today we may live in a society / community that may feel more racial divides and tension because of movements such as Black Lives Matter, historically we can note that pioneering individuals absolutely did exist who were integral for progressive movements to begin to create steps towards an equal and inclusive society.
My Thoughts To Share With Love & Kindness!
Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on February 25th 2021, all views and opinions are my own.
{HEART'S, FOREVER!} 
