As we approach what has become known as Black History Month, it seems vitally important that we as a people not lose sight of the fact that world history involves heroes and villains in every colour.

This by no means diminishes the significance of black history month, which focuses on the long, deep struggle emerging from the period of slavery and post-slavery, as those with a different shade of skin, found themselves disadvantaged in a world where skin colour was a factor in deciding who should be accepted as a regular normal free citizen.

The struggle to eradicate the injustices of that period continues today, despite great strides in building a world where with each passing day, we get closer to judging not by skin colour or religious beliefs, but simply by the content of one's character.

Ironically, black history month cannot be fully celebrated without acknowledging that there were white heroes who put their lives at risk to change what they knew was not only wrong, but would never stand the test of time in the quest for human decency and freedom.

In a sense, these people had two enemies, the blacks who saw them as oppressors and other whites who saw them as traitors to the order of the day, which was designed to keep one group in a superior position and another as lesser human beings.

World history is crammed with stories of people who rose above the clouds of injustice and wrong doing, to champion truths needed to build a world where everyone would have an equal opportunity to enjoy the many wonders of this planet.

The dark period of slavery must never be forgotten, but we can only move to a brighter tomorrow by understanding that while we cannot change that chapter, we certainly can use the lessons learned to move to the high ground of civil acceptance and tolerance toward those who maybe different from us.

In the continuing struggle we also must be careful not to plant new seeds of bitterness and hatred over the past, which could hinder progress.

As the renowned poet and activist ,Maya Angelou recently stated: "Bitterness will eat the person carrying it like a cancer." During an interview she told of being angry over many injustices based on race, but that she knew remaining bitter would serve no real purpose.

Reflecting on the past is certainly not pleasant for victims of social injustice. However learning from history is perhaps the best way to avoid a re-run of the attitudes that spurn and ignite racial prejudice and hatred. History is crammed with people who gave their lives to reject evil practices that brought suffering to so many across the globe.

The distinguished German Field Marshall, Erwin Rommel, who fought the British during the Second World War in Africa, was later saluted in the British House of Commons, by none other then the late Sir Winston Churchill. The tribute was the result of Rommel paying with his life for eventually rejecting Hitler's mad quest to conquer and crush anyone who disagreed with his evil objectives.

Who could forget the two white boys who abandoned the safety of their homes to accompany a young black student to Mississippi to get blacks to register to vote, only to be brutally murdered by those who had no desire to move to a new day of justice.

There was the white woman who wanted to help in bringing about change in the segregated South and went to join a civil rights march. She too was murdered for her efforts. There are countless stories of brave men and women, black and white, who never shunned danger to help build a better world.

Undoubtedly these many sacrifices helped to pave the way for the historic swearing-in of the first black American President, Barack Obama. He certainly represents a new spark of hope for millions of black and white Americans who seem determined to create a nation where decency and integrity for every citizen is paramount. The new President has been able to appeal to practically every segment of American life, and has made it clear that he represents all Americans.

Here in Bermuda there is still much work to be done to build a more unified society, and while we salute Black History Month, let us remember that world history comes in all colours.