As a Rwandan professional in the United States, the upcoming 30th anniversary of the 1994 genocide against Tutsi in Rwanda holds profound significance. It’s a time to reflect, remember, and engage with our community in meaningful ways.
The first step towards engagement is acknowledging our history. We remember the lives lost and the resilience shown by our people. This commemoration serves as a stark reminder of the horrors of hatred and division, and the importance of unity and reconciliation.
As professionals, we are in a unique position to educate those around us about our history. Many in the US are unaware of the depth of the tragedy that unfolded in Rwanda in 1994. By sharing our stories and experiences, we can ensure that the lessons of the genocide are not forgotten.
Being an engaged member of the Rwandan US diaspora means contributing to the future of Rwanda. This can be through supporting development projects, investing in the Rwandan economy, or simply by maintaining our cultural heritage and passing it on to the next generation.
As professionals, we can leverage our skills and networks to contribute to Rwanda’s development. We can collaborate with organizations working on the ground in Rwanda, offer our expertise, and create opportunities for economic growth.
As we prepare to commemorate this solemn anniversary, let us remember, educate, and build. Let us honor the memory of those we lost by working towards a future where such a tragedy can never happen again. This is what it truly means to be an engaged member of the Rwandan US diaspora, and more specifically, a Rwandan professional in the US.