Emancipation: remembering the struggle, celebrating the culture
Stabroek News
August 3, 2004
Tucking in: This young woman grabs a bite during her celebration of Freedom Day at the National Park on Sunday. (Ken Moore photo)
Guyanese were out in their numbers on Sunday to celebrate Emancipation Day at the National Park.
The celebration, which saw Guyanese from all races participating, was a chance to showcase rich African apparel. The many children also dressed in African wear were a sign that the new generation has embraced the day.
The event was organised by the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA). There were performances from Surinamese and Brazilian groups and the presentation of Emancipation awards. There were also stalls selling African craft, clothing and food, as well as books on history. A stage was set up for competitions where prizes were won, and small photo studios took shots of people in their African outfits.
During the presentations, there was a call from many that ancestors must be remembered year round in both action and dress.
Among the activities was a sunrise service followed by fishing, a knockout football tournament and circle tennis competitions. There were drumming classes and lessons on how a head wrap is done. Story telling, doll making, page sculpture, face painting, games and a talent show were also on display.
African slavery began in Guyana in the 1520s and according to the historians Africans never accepted the inhuman conditions, but fought continuously to be liberated.
The organisers called for the descendants of the African slaves to celebrate and recognise that the pursuit of true Emancipation requires the vigilance and militancy of their ancestors who fought for the right to be free and prosperous.
They noted that the historical memory is a significant aspect of the survival and progress of a people and without the guidance of the historical memory as a foundation, regardless in what disciplines they excel, "...we would easily be manipulated to betray ourselves to those who desire us in a subdued position on the world scene."
ACDA was formed on December 17 1992, by a number of African Guyanese all concerned with the spiritual, moral, cultural, educational and economic drift of the people of the African diaspora in Guyana.