October 1, 1999, Friday
Editorial Desk

Celebrating Strength

To the Editor:

Re ''Rite Helps Slaves' Descendants Purge Anger'' (news article, Sept. 26,
1999):

It is important for people who feel the inherited grief of their ancestors
to have cleansing rituals. But it is equally important to remember our
ancestors' strength.

The Maroons, rebels who won independence in the 1600's, worry that slavery
will return, so they live on the land they settled in Jamaica and South
America, where they maintain their ancient cultures. Each fall, other
African descendants around the world decorate churches with farm produce,
thank God and their ancestors and celebrate harvest festivals.

It is essential that we hold remembrance activities like these to bring us
closer together and to remember our human survival and strength.

PEARL DUNCAN
New York, Sept. 26, 1999