180 years of Emancipation to be observed this year

─  “Guyanese should reflect on their past” – Eric Phillips

DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, July 24, 2018

On August 1, 2018, Guyanese will join the Caribbean to observe 180 years of Emancipation. However, this time around, the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) Executive Eric Phillips, wants Guyanese to reflect on their past.

Self-reflection, Phillips said, is an important part of moving forward.

“You have to understand who you are; you have to understand your identity but in order to do that we must reflect. We have a symbol, the Sankofa bird which says that you have to look back in order to understand where you came from so you can move forward” Phillips stated.

The ACDA Executive said it is vitally important that African Guyanese as well as all Guyanese look back at their roots, reflect on their inheritance and take pride in their accomplishments.”

Usually, the association highlights an African country and a local African village during its annual emancipation activities. However, this year there will be a larger focus on Guyana itself with a theme based on Servant leadership, advocacy and community activism.

The cultural activist outlined some of the events scheduled for the eve of Emancipation. “The night before, there will be is a candlelight march throughout the city which ends at Square of the Revolution; there we will have a libation ceremony. There will be members from a faithist church and guests from overseas and who will perform… Emancipation Day itself is a fully packed day at the National Park with cook-up competition, sporting activities, a children’s parade, folk games and storytelling.”

There will also be an Emancipation Spelling Bee Competition at ACDA’s Akwaaba Centre which runs until September 22, a street theatre on Main Street until July 31 and an Afrobeats Party at Club 704 on July 28.

Isaiah Braithwaite

Image: Leroy Lyttle