My name is
Ruth South
I am the creator of the SUCOTETO Wreath of Remembrance, Hope, and Healing
About Me
The inspiration for this award winning creation came during a moment of deep reflection. I found myself thinking about how Black people from the Caribbean Islands and across the Americas and African diaspora continue to carry the heavy legacy of slavery. Although slavery was officially abolished between 1830 and 1860, the trauma it caused has never truly ended. It lives on in the stories passed down, in the racial injustices still experienced today, and even in the films that attempt to portray our history, like “Roots,” “Django Unchained,” and “12 Years a Slave…” More profoundly, the scars remain because of the continued presence of racism, which affects how many of us see ourselves, often eroding our self-esteem, self-worth, and self-confidence.
One painful reality is that the suffering of our ancestors — those who were enslaved, dehumanised, and silenced — is still not formally recognised in many places. While other historical tragedies are rightly honoured with days of remembrance, our ancestors’ pain and sacrifice often go unacknowledged. This neglect is not only a disservice; it is a profound injustice.
Our ancestors were forced to labour under horrific conditions to produce goods that the world continues to enjoy today: sugar, cotton, cocoa, coffee, tea, and tobacco. Their blood, sweat, and tears are interwoven into the very fabric of these industries. That truth deserves to be remembered with reverence, love, and purpose.
Moved by prayer and guided by a vision, I was inspired to create something tangible that could symbolise collective healing and remembrance. The name SUCOTETO was formed by combining the first two letters of each of these six major commodities:
- SU – Sugar
- CO – Cotton, Cocoa, and Coffee
- TE – Tea
- TO – Tobacco
The award winning SUCOTETO, is more than just a wreath and flower, it was created to provide a lasting and meaningful way to honour the men, women, and children who endured unimaginable suffering. It is a way to say, “We see you.” We remember you. “We honour you.”
Each year, on July 31st, we observe the SUCOTETO Day of Remembrance, Hope, and Healing—a day to pause, reflect, and connect with the legacy of our ancestors. However, this remembrance does not need to be confined to one day. The SUCOTETO Wreath and Flower canbe used year-round to commemorate personal or community moments of remembrance, reflection, or mourning. Let this be our commitment:
Let our ancestors be forever remembered through the products we enjoy daily. Let them be honoured, not forgotten — through SUCOTETO.
