–persons hail Emancipation Day celebrations at Sophia Exhibition Centre

SCORES of people gathered for Emancipation Day celebrations at the Sophia Exhibition Centre, where the venue was converted into a symbol of cultural pride and historical remembrance.

Families and friends gathered to celebrate the national holiday. The sea of people in the crowd, dressed in vibrant African clothing, sang and danced in celebration of their common ancestry. The celebration, which was organised by the Association of the People of African Descent (APAD), honoured 186 years since slavery was abolished in Guyana.

This was APAD’s inaugural commemoration of emancipation, according to Dr. Ruackel Easton, the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), who spoke with the Guyana Chronicle about the organisation’s mission to preserve African culture.
The Guyana Chronicle conducted interviews with a few exhibitors. For example, Richard Taylor sold a wide range of African clothing, as well as Guyana souvenirs such as keychains and bottle openers.
He said that the event allowed him to teach his two daughters about business and present his items to a sizeable audience.

A Liverpool-Griffith family member who was interviewed by this publication, added that the occasion provided a chance to unwind and reflect on Guyana’s rich history.

Traditional foods such as cook-up rice, metemgee, fufu and conkie were on sale, offering attendees a taste of authentic African Guyanese cuisine. The aromas of these dishes filled the air, drawing crowds eager to sample the diverse dishes.
The marketplace also included a large selection of apparel, jewellery, beadwork and handmade craft. These were a major attraction as visitors were keen to purchase unique items that celebrated the African heritage.
The cultural acts were another highlight of the day. They included a number of mesmerising dances, music, poems and drumming that held the audience’s attention.

Music played a central role in the festivities, with live performances from local and international artistes, including the Yoruba Band, First Born, Warrior King and Franc Felony.
Additionally, the exhibition centre was filled with the sounds of calypso, afrobeat, and reggae music, mostly from the great Bob Marley. There were also several information booths highlighting African history. Admission to Thursday’s event was free.
APAD is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to empowering Afro-Guyanese communities and the underprivileged through sustainable development and growth initiatives.
The Association of the People of African Descent is focused on providing resources, education, healthcare, and sports programmes to foster a supportive and thriving community