Lagos — As the Centre for Black and African Art and Civilisation gathered last week at the anquette/Conference Hall of the National Theatre at Orile Iganmu to celebrate the Black History month, memories were relieved again about the immense contributions of the black man to world history and civilisation.

Celebrated with pomp and pageantry, the event which drew representations from the United States Information Service, USIS, the Chinese Embassy, as well as men and women from the academia, corporate establishments and private sector, took participants down memory lane of Black History, perhaps with the intention of showing them where the black man is coming from and where he is headed.

In its own unique tradition, there was an exhibition stand for other sister parastatals in the Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism, which included, the National Institute of Cultural Orientation, NICO, the National Gallery of Art, NGA as well as representatives of the National Troupe and the National Council for Arts and Culture, NCAC.

In the brightened venue enlivened with soft and emotional renditions from the culturally steeped voice of Jimi Solanke, CBAAC through well curetted exhibits, presented slides of fundamental achievements and contributions of the black race.

From the National Gallery of Art's stand alone, participants are mesmerised by the beautiful oil on canvass paintings of different artists, which attempt to capture Nigeria's gift to the world. The paintings in this section include the portrait size work of Chinua Achebe, one of the greatest writers of the 21st Century, Aina Onabolu, father of modern Nigerian art, Professor Ben Enweonwu, a quintessential artist, amongst others.

Another stand labelled Historical Tour of Egypt is simply a deconstructive display of the ingenuity of black intellect against the background of intellectual robbery that has been visited on the continent over the ages.

The ingenuity, creativity and architectural touch that bear on the Karnak Temple at Luxor and Islamic vase on display, goes a long way to interrogating the essence of the so called Western civilisation. The week of Black History month is a week of deep reflection, as well as a week of nostalgic journey into the past and the self.

It is a week that every black man is expected to ask questions as to why we are where we are today. Why was it that 3.5 million years ago when the first homo habilis, an advanced Australopithecus was found in Koobi Fora, Olduvia, Tanzania or 14 million years ago, when the Zinjanthropus was found in Olduvia Gorge or about 100,000 years ago, when the first homo sapiens were found in the broken hill cave of Zambia that the black race all over the world still wallow in illiteracy, hunger, diseases and underdevelopment?

As part of other garnishing ingredients for the occasion, a dramatic presentation, which members of the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) offered to the capacity filled hall appeared to take a deeper reflection on the state of the black race.

Enacted by two actors, that very satiric offering riding on a refrain of That One na before before, attempted to examine how far morality, discipline and ethics have been thrown to the dogs. The farcical comedy takes a swipe at cultural degeneration, the failure of the Police and the social institutions and environment shaped by robbery and crime.

Highlighting the importance of the Black History month, America's President George W. Bush in a proclamation to cover the Black History month, 2008 on the theme: Carter G. Woodson and The origins of Multiculturalism, chronicles the achievements and contributions of African-Americans to the multi-cultural beauty and greatness of America.

He said that: "Throughout our nation's history, African-Americans from all walks of life have offered their talents to the betterment of American society. Scholars such as Fredrick Douglas and W.E.B. Dubois were early leaders, who placed great importance on educating all people about the need for justice and racial equality. "Athletes such as Jackie Robinson and Althea Gibson persevered while breaking the colour barrier and competing at the highest level of sports. "Musicians like Nat King Cole and Billie Holiday lifted the American spirit with their creativity and musical gift."

Relieving his memory over the importance of the gathering, CBAAC's Director, Professor Tunde Babawale also noted that the occasion provides opportunity for Africa and the entire black race to take stock of the heroic achievements of their progenitors. According to him,"CBAAC annually celebrates the Black History month in Nigeria with Africans spread all over the world occupying a place of special importance in world history." Continuing he said that "the Black History month is celebrated to advertise the triumph of African peoples over forces of segregation and discrimination.

"The occasion is also used to examine the collective ingenuity, creativity, cultural and political experiences of the people of African descent and institutions."

Established originally as Negro History week in 1926 by a notable African-American scholar and author, Carter G. Woodson, this event evolved into what has come to be celebrated every February as Black History month. CBAAC's Black History month was chaired by renowned historian, Professor Ade Ajayi.