Some Diaspora News

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6. Ecuador to Include Afro-Ecuadorean History in Textbooks

"In the upcoming days, Afro-Ecuadoreans turn the public spotlight on the importance of their lives, historical legacy and culture through an array of parades, musical performances, marches and academic panels to mark the 11th year of the National Day of the Afro-Ecuadorean People.”

Every first Sunday of October, Ecuador’s Afro-Ecuadorean community celebrate this day after it became a hallmark in 1997 following a national mobilization that pushed Congress to declare the National Day of the Black Ecuadorean, the recognition of Alonso Illescas as national hero, and the inclusion of Afro-Ecuadoreans into national history.

For Victor Zambrano, an Afro-Ecuadorean student and activist from the coastal province of Esmeraldas, this day is bitter-sweet; a reason to celebrate what Afro-Ecuaodoreans have gained, but also to remember the challenges ahead for the 604,000-strong racial minority.

'On this day we have to remember all the contributions we have made as a people and bring it, together with our history, to the rest of the people because many don’t know it, which enables a lot of forms of discrimination,' he added."



http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Ecuador-to-Include-Afro-Ecuadorean-History-in-Textbooks--20151004-0014.html