We have previously protested to the Jamaican media that the use of such references to 'first black' in their publications amounts to an insult to the collective personal dignity of the persons being so honoured for these so-called 'first black' feats, if not to the entire African/Nubian populations of the world.

It is undisputed that the black complexion manifested by the African/Nubian is a reflection of the fact that African/Nubian peoples are 'melanated people' by virtue of the generous helping of melanin to be found in our physiognomies (bodies). This melanin is the pigment that colours the skin and hair.

There is no known historical precedent for any reference to any member of the Mongolian race as 'a yellow' or to any member of the Caucasian race as 'a white'. So what is the historical basis or foundation for singling out persons of African/Nubian stock for the description of his personality or identity by reference to his skin pigmentation.

This is an ugly and reprehensible practice which, at least, the collective media of the African continent and the so-called Third World (incidentally, where is the second world?) should immediately discontinue in their publications beginning in this, the aftermath of the worldwide celebration of the bicentenary of the official abolition of the slave trade from which most of us in the African diaspora have descended.

- Everton S. Bird, Royal House of Menelek, Founder/President, c/o No. 21 Church StreetKingston