A Decade Of Collective Progress

Years one, two, three, four…
Just like that, an entire decade
Has rolled by, in which a day
Was set aside to mark a difference.

Black. White. Wrong. Right.
Who is to say?
It is a wonder, the disdain
With which some people treat others

Who are just as human as they are.
The ones without melanin
Have as much a right to living
Safe, healthy, colourful lives

As other ‘coloured’ human beings.
Tell me, what does the spite mean?
Why, rather than ponder, make an idol
Of that which is not understood?

The lives of albinos have hung by a thread
In the climes where the myths hold sway,
Clanging so loudly as to ache a head.
How, then, do we keep to Forward Way?

Sunscreen and a wide hat on a sunny day,
Kind understanding when their sight sways,
Praise, for the things they do well,
Acting on the steps provided by Awareness’ Bell

Are a number of means by which
The lives now endangered
Could be ransomed from the reach
Of mortality and irrelevance.

13th June is auspicious, especially for people living with albinism. 2024 makes it 10 enlightening years since the commemoration of International Albinism Awareness Day began! Wow! I came to know of IAAD in 2020, interestingly, and I have found the themes thought-provoking as well as relevant. Check some of them out: ‘Made to shine,’ ‘Strength beyond all odds,’ ‘United in making our voice heard’ ‘Inclusion is strength’ and ‘A decade of collective progress.’

For me, IAAD is not just about activism but also about sustainable efforts to ensure that people living with albinism can live well and contribute to nation building. Living with albinism is a unique journey, but I won’t discuss the highs and lows (yet). This year, I choose to focus on the thoughtfulness of the Flawless Designer who deemed it fit to include a special breed among the inhabitants of Earth. Have you ever heard the saying, ‘It takes all kinds to make a world’? Best believe, it’s true! People living with albinism add variety to the human race; they stand out and are definitely attractive, in any crowd.

On a personal note, living with albinism has heightened my sense of identity. I see that it is best for me to own my difference. I have learnt to take responsibility, not just for the preservation of my skin, but also for the full expression of my life. There are natural barriers but I have found that they can be either dismantled or minimised.

‘Progress is impossible without change and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.’ George Bernard Shaw

I saw this quote, for the first time, about 4 years ago. It is a pointer to the fact that modifying how people think is a requirement for altering how they act. To apply this to this article, no amount of albinism campaigns would make a difference, if the minds of people are not changed by the information they receive, so that they can act better.

Big kudos to every albino, caregiver, activist, organisation and other stakeholders in the game!

I agree that, ‘Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable.’ Martin Luther King Jr

Cheers to greatness!

_____________________

Gbemisola Oluwasina is also known as Elegant Inker. She is committed to helping (personal, business, corporate) brands accelerate their visibility, influence and profit through writing services and coaching. These areas of service and coaching range from: creative writing, content writing, editing and proofreading, ghost writing, content strategy consultation, transcription to copy writing. She has worked with 10+ brands, authors and writers. She has had her poems and articles published in magazines, too.

Gbemisola is blessed with a voice that enriches what she says. She has honoured 20+ virtual speaking invitations from 2020 till date. These engagements covered topics around: writing, content creation, online business, social media positioning, public speaking, (self) leadership, the Christian faith and albinism. She looks forward to more of these, as well as to features in the media and TED(X).

Gbemisola is a student of International Relations at Covenant University who has had the privilege of occupying different leadership offices. She is a recipient of numerous certificates and awards. She is n ardent believer that individuals are responsible for the achievement of organisational and national goals. She is a lover of Abba and of the progress of others. She likes to sing, learn other languages and make beaded articles. She Ioves the colours, purple and lemon.

Email: gbemisolaoluwasina@gmail.com
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