A New Perspective on Thanksgiving

A Day of Abundance, Gratitude, and Resilience

Thanksgiving is often seen as a day of abundance, gratitude, and togetherness. However, as we approach this year’s celebration, the world feels heavier than ever. For many in our Caribbean and African-American communities, the notion of gratitude seems difficult to embrace amid the pervasive crises of our time.

A World in Crisis

The war in Gaza, with its images of shattered homes and lives, evokes both anger and profound sorrow. In Haiti, the birthplace of freedom for Black people in the Americas, violence grips the streets as hope seems to falter against the shadow of lawlessness. Even within the Caribbean basin, violence and political instability plague nations that should be shining beacons of resilience and culture. Closer to home, the United States—often the refuge and promise of new beginnings—feels like it is teetering on the edge of uncertainty. Rising polarization, systemic injustices, and economic inequities sow seeds of doubt about the future of the so-called American Dream.

A Celebration of Resilience

Yet, in the face of all this brokenness, we cannot allow despair to overshadow who we are as a people. For Caribbean-Americans, Thanksgiving has been adopted and reimagined as a celebration not just of abundance but of resilience. It is a moment to honor the sacrifices of those who came before us—those who labored, fought, and dreamed to carve out lives in a foreign land. It is a time to acknowledge the immigrant spirit that defines our existence, the unyielding hope that persists even when faced with adversity that feels insurmountable.

The Faces of Resilience

To understand this spirit, one need only look to the faces of those in our community. The grandmother who came to this country with nothing but her faith and her determination, who now presides over a family gathered around a table of oxtail, jerk turkey, and callaloo. The single mother working two jobs to ensure her children can walk paths of opportunity she could only dream of. The young artist, whose music and poetry channel both pain and beauty, offering a voice to those silenced by struggle.

A Call to Action

Even amid these trying times, our community finds ways to thrive. This resilience is no accident—it is the inheritance of generations who understood that to survive, one must embrace not just the struggle but the promise of better days. It is the same spirit that fueled the Haitian Revolution, that birthed the steel pan in Trinidad, that brought reggae from Kingston to the world stage, and that continues to echo in every corner of the diaspora.

A New Perspective

But we cannot simply survive. This Thanksgiving, we must pause to truly give thanks—not as a denial of the world’s pain, but as an act of defiance against despair. Gratitude, after all, is not just an emotion; it is a practice, a discipline, and a radical statement of hope.

What to Be Thankful For

Let us be thankful for the small and profound blessings that surround us, even in the midst of chaos. For the friend who answers the phone at midnight when the weight of the world feels unbearable. For the warmth of the sun on a cold November morning. For the music that reminds us of home, and the food that connects us to our roots.

What to Do

Let us also find gratitude for the people who stand on the front lines of injustice, fighting not just for themselves but for the collective good. The activists demanding equity and accountability. The teachers nurturing the next generation. The healthcare workers and volunteers providing care and dignity to those in need.

The Spark Within

And, most importantly, let us give thanks for the spirit within each of us—the spark that refuses to be extinguished. This spark fuels our determination to build, to create, to love, and to dream, even when the odds seem stacked against us.

A Pledge to Continue Striving

So, let us pledge to continue striving. To mentor the young people in our neighborhoods. To support our local businesses. To advocate for policies that uplift our communities. To love one another fiercely, even when the world tries to divide us.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving is more than a holiday; it is an invitation to reflect on the blessings we often overlook. It is a chance to remember that even in times of brokenness, there is beauty. Even in the darkest nights, there are stars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of Thanksgiving for Caribbean-Americans?
A: Thanksgiving has been adopted and reimagined by Caribbean-Americans as a celebration of resilience, honoring the sacrifices of those who came before us and acknowledging the immigrant spirit that defines our existence.

Q: How can we give thanks in the midst of crisis?
A: We can give thanks by acknowledging the small and profound blessings that surround us, even in the midst of chaos. We can also find gratitude for the people who stand on the front lines of injustice, fighting for the collective good.

Q: What is the spark within each of us that refuses to be extinguished?
A: The spark within each of us is the determination to build, to create, to love, and to dream, even when the odds seem stacked against us.