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FROM Thursday through Sunday, Americans of all ethnic and national backgrounds observed the traditional Thanksgiving holiday with most offices, businesses and all schools closed in recess for an extended weekend. Guyanese Americans did the same doling out handouts to the poor and those affected by Super Storm Sandy. The celebration was born out of a tradition in England and continues in the U.S. after the Pilgrims had landed in America. They gave thanks for the bountiful harvests and the native Indians who rescued them from starvation and almost certain death. Guyanese-Americans, as late day immigrants, join in the celebration giving thanks for their welcome in the new America that has been so hospitable to them. They are very thankful for their presence in America, for the enormous progress they have made in the great country that is now their new home and for allowing them to establish their own communities in New York, New Jersey and Florida. They are so grateful that America has opened her arms and is allowing them to get a post-secondary education that will help to build a path to accomplish hopes and dreams – of owning a home and vehicles after they were ill-treated for three decades by an ethnic dictatorship. Guyanese have become mainstream Americans working hard, paying their more than fair share of taxes, and serving in the armed forces defending the nation. Some Guyanese-Americans have lost their lives, to keep the nation safe from terrorists.
The U.S. has given Guyanese and other oppressed immigrants democracy, freedom, non-violent change, and even a non-White as President as happened in 2008 and re-elected in November. Not surprisingly, Guyanese Americans have celebrated the Thanksgiving festival like other Americans by giving thanks at church service and with family reunions, feasts, and charitable gifts. They add their own flavour to the festival with their music, drinks, and dainty dishes and
excellent cuisine (dhal puri, curried mutton, pachounie, phulourie, etc. adding to the melting pot that is America.
Guyanese are also giving back some of the wealth they have acquired in the form of charitable donations and feeding the less fortunate. They have donated to the Red Cross, Cancer Society, etc). They also send remittances back home. They hosted dinners for the poor and homeless and provided meals to various homeless shelters and centres. Mandirs from Richmond Hill went to the Rockaways and fed the victims of Hurricane Sandy on Thursday and more Guyanese groups did so on Saturday and Sunday, providing for the needy.
Some donated goods to food pantries. I applaud these care-givers and those who have compassion in their hearts to help the unfortunate.
By observing Thanksgiving in their own way and in their own culture, Guyanese have participated in a mainstream American celebration that is not tied to any clan or faith celebration such as Eid or Diwali or Phagwah or Christmas. They gave thanks for the progress they have made in America which has given them the opportunity to enrich themselves, to share and care, and to realise their dreams by sharing their skills, talents, wealth and resources in making America a richer place to live. They are celebrating their success.
We are all thankful to those who sacrificed to make possible our presence in America. And Guyanese are thankful that America has given a holiday to recognise and appreciate all that we possess and that brings family and friends together to rejoice and celebrate our success as a people.
The U.S. has given Guyanese and other oppressed immigrants democracy, freedom, non-violent change, and even a non-White as President as happened in 2008 and re-elected in November. Not surprisingly, Guyanese Americans have celebrated the Thanksgiving festival like other Americans by giving thanks at church service and with family reunions, feasts, and charitable gifts. They add their own flavour to the festival with their music, drinks, and dainty dishes and
excellent cuisine (dhal puri, curried mutton, pachounie, phulourie, etc. adding to the melting pot that is America.
Guyanese are also giving back some of the wealth they have acquired in the form of charitable donations and feeding the less fortunate. They have donated to the Red Cross, Cancer Society, etc). They also send remittances back home. They hosted dinners for the poor and homeless and provided meals to various homeless shelters and centres. Mandirs from Richmond Hill went to the Rockaways and fed the victims of Hurricane Sandy on Thursday and more Guyanese groups did so on Saturday and Sunday, providing for the needy.
Some donated goods to food pantries. I applaud these care-givers and those who have compassion in their hearts to help the unfortunate.
By observing Thanksgiving in their own way and in their own culture, Guyanese have participated in a mainstream American celebration that is not tied to any clan or faith celebration such as Eid or Diwali or Phagwah or Christmas. They gave thanks for the progress they have made in America which has given them the opportunity to enrich themselves, to share and care, and to realise their dreams by sharing their skills, talents, wealth and resources in making America a richer place to live. They are celebrating their success.
We are all thankful to those who sacrificed to make possible our presence in America. And Guyanese are thankful that America has given a holiday to recognise and appreciate all that we possess and that brings family and friends together to rejoice and celebrate our success as a people.
