Upgrading the race

In Latin America, when people reffer to interracial couples, especially about a mix of black and white, it's very common to hear phrases like "the race is being upgraded". It's sad to know that people can communicate their sense of inferiority so openly instead of embracing their heritage.

The stigma of slavery and the shadow of racism and discrimination have remained in the history of African descendents for centuries, causing a negative impact among the society. As a consequence, many generations have inherited a low self-esteem, a sense of inferiority that makes them deny their African roots.

However, we should never forget that our ancestors, who were abruptly taken away from their home and dispersed around the world, have left an important legacy in every corner of the globe. Thanks to their braveness, along the years we've achieved the respect and tolerance that we deserve as human beings.

In spite of the positive development on integration to society and equality of rights, some of us still keep our heads down, full of complexes and lack of confidence, and I wonder, for how long?

It's time to put an end to pesimism. Now is the moment to be proud of our contribution to the world through our manual labor, our inventions, our music, our cultural identity, our customs, all those qualities that make us different, for the good.

We need to enrich our mind with knowledge and culture, have positive ambitions and beleive in our potential. We need to have goals and dreams and do our best to achieve them.

It is time to upgrade the race, promoting education, values and the appreciation of our roots. Let's be thankful for living in a century of tolerance and brotherhood, and think about the future with optimisim and faith.