The Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport in collaboration with the Museum of African Heritage on Friday opened an exhibition in observance of the 176th anniversary of emancipation. Director of Culture Dr. James Rose, formally opened the exhibition at the museum, located at Barima Avenue. It will continue until August 31.
Present at the ceremony also were Administrator of the African Heritage Museum, Jennifer Daly, members of the Culture Ministry and other invitees.
The exhibition, held under the theme, “From Whence We Came” consists of paintings, sculptures, pottery and samples of other materials used by slaves.
Youths playing steel pan at the launching of the Emancipation exhibition at the Museum of African Heritage, Barima Avenue.  ( photo saved in Graphics as youths playing steelpan)
There were also steel pan music, singing of folk songs and African drumming.
The exhibition points to the life of successful Africans who have lived under very difficult circumstances. Many were poor and disadvantaged however they engaged in self development.
Dr. Rose, in alluding to emancipation and the hardship of slavery, stated that there have always been conflicts of how emancipation was achieved and who were the persons involved in the abolition, thus the exhibition aims to iron out those conflicts.
He highlighted that the abolition was the result of the struggle of humanitarians, for who constantly fought for their freedom.
“They were put onto the ship, were brutalised and cramped up, however they rose to the occasion and struggled for freedom. When they arrived at their destinations they refused to accept the conditions imposed upon them. They went for the ultimate goal of liberating themselves,” he added.
The traditional African stool used during Slavery displayed at the Museum of African Heritage, Barima Avenue.  ( photo saved in Graphics as African stool)
“This shows that one cannot sit and wait for a divine intervention,” Dr. Rose emphasised.
“Africans must acknowledge the role of the African himself for winning his freedom. An accidental act of liberation is not going to happen,” he noted.
They were treated as commodities of exchange; with no rights and were considered below human value. However, a few years after abolition, the freed slaves formed groups and purchased a number of estates with the money they earned during slavery.
Dr Rose noted that this signifies that African Guyanese ancestors were very capable people and the exhibition will help reconnect with some of those persons.
He said that the museum is committed to working towards capturing as much history as possible and presenting it to generations both present and future.
Young on-looker observes items displayed at the African Heritage Museum.
(photo saved in Graphics as young on-looker)
“Greatness has always been among us and we are therefore obliged to ensure that we add to the collection of great personalities,” Rose said.
He pointed out that emancipation is a time for reflection, whether failures or successes. However, it would be more productive to reflect on the achievements of those who were engaged in the struggle.
He encouraged persons to visit the exhibition and stated that it will forward inspirations for future endeavors.
Slaves were emancipated when Great Britain finally acceded to abolition of slavery on August 1, 1834.  (GINA)