THE African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) last Sunday led its second Annual Revolution Walk from Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara to Parade Ground, on Middle Street, Georgetown, considered the home of the Monument to the Martyrs of the 1823 East Coast Demerara Revolution.

The march, which attracted a modest turnout, began at 06:30 hrs and wended its way west along the East Coast carriageway, then into David Street, Kitty, then down Lamaha Street before culminating on Parade Ground, covering some eight miles.
At the Parade Ground, a rally was held honouring the 1823 Martyrs, as well as restating the demands of Africans for just reparations. The first meetings to plan the 1823 East Coast Insurrection were held in the Bethel Church at Le Ressouvenir and the revolt was put into effect on August 18, 1823.
Speakers at Sunday’s Rally included Mr. Eric Phillips, Dr. Penda Guyan, Dr. David Hinds, Barrington Braitwaithe and Frederick Kissoon.
The Freedom Walk this year coincided with the 100th anniversary of Marcus Garvey’s Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA).The association represented the largest mass movement in African-American history.
The occasion was spiced with music and spirited African drumming while books, food, art and craft were among the many items on exhibition and sale.

(By Shirley Thomas)