The Editor, Sir:

Since British Prime Minister Tony Blair's apology for Britain's part in slavery, there has been much discussion surrounding the parties to be held accountable for slavery and injustices to Africans and African descendants.

While we are on the topic, we should not forget that our beloved Maroons did in fact sign a treaty which involved the capture and return of runaway slaves to their owners to face severe punishment. This agreement was achieved in return for the much-celebrated Maroon lands. In essence, for a few hundred acres of hilly terrain, the Maroons agreed to assist in maintaining the status quo on the plantations. Philip Sherlock in his papers on the Maroons wrote, "The Maroon is not representative of a national movement. He is tribal rather than national. He sometimes fights as an ally of the oppressor of Africans."

One fact that we can all support is that slavery existed long before Europe transported the first African to the 'New World'. History suggests that every single race has been guilty of enslaving other races. If we accept the Egyptian legacy as proof of African greatness then we must accept our African involvement in enslaving the Jews who inhabited Egypt in the time of Egyptian dominance.

In view of the foregoing, it is clear that if we try to establish culpability we will be searching for a long time. We should, therefore, try to determine our next move.

I suggest that we try as a people to break the cycle of blame and continue to strive to become the envy of all races. It is true that we are off to a late start but we can use our 'natural' advantages to transcend our status in life. We are great athletes and performers but we can use the income generated from these pursuits to reinforce the academic and entrepreneurial prowess that so many of us have demonstrated. Oprah Winfrey's gesture represents the direction required. There is no doubt that there are many individuals of African descent who are currently involved in similar ventures. Let us end the crying now, 173 years after the abolition of slavery. Let us begin to build a legacy that will define the way that African descendants will be viewed after the next 173 years. The future starts here. What will it be?

I am, etc.,

GARY SMALL

smallingj@gmail.com