February, dubbed Black History Month, celebrates and lauds the accomplishments of both black individuals and the black community on a whole. This international celebration is also recognised here on the island, where the country boasts not only figures who have contributed to black history, but monuments and locations as well.
Here are a few black history sites to visit this month as you celebrate this year.
Devon House
Devon House was owned by Jamaica’s first black millionaire, George Stiebel. Devon House has become one of Jamaica’s most celebrated landmarks, with foreigners and locals alike getting the opportunity to tour the mansion.
Stiebel was among three wealthy Jamaicans in the 19th Century who constructed elaborate homes during the 19th Century. He gained his wealth in Venezuela and returned to the island where he was appointed Custos. The mansion was declared a National Monument in 1990 by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust.
The mansion is not only known for its antique furniture, but also Jamaican craft items and restaurants that have authentic Jamaican foods. It is also home to the original Devon House Ice Cream Parlour, where the ice-cream has for decades remained a local sensation. It was been ranked by National Geographic as the fourth best place in the world to eat ice-cream.
The Devon House Mansion is located on 26 Hope Road in St Andrew.
National Heroes Park
One of the popular spots in Jamaica, National Heroes Park, a botanical garden, got its name in 1973, just over a decade after Jamaica gained its independence.
Formerly known as the Kingston Race Course, the park was initially used as a place for horse racing and various other sporting activities. Today it is permanently dedicated to honouring Jamaica’s seven national heroes whose monuments are erected in an area known as the Shrine.
It is also a site where many cultural leaders and prime ministers are memorialised.
One of Jamaica’s most historic sites, National Heroes Park is located at National Heroes Circle in Kingston.
Bob Marley Museum
The Bob Marley Museum, home to the reggae legend, is one of the most famous locations on the island. Attracting scores of foreigners, the property presents a personal view of Marley’s life.
The museum displays Marley’s many achievements, awards and boasts his Rastafarian religious beliefs.
The hour-long tour also boasts a statue of the music legend and films of the singer’s last days. The museum also has Marley paraphernalia that visitors are able to purchase.
The museum is located at 56 Hope Road in St Andrew.
Accompong
Accompong, founded in 1939, was home to the Maroons of Jamaica who ushered in a new era of peace by forcing the English to sign a treaty giving them their freedom. From then until now, Accompong has been recognised as its own state.
Today, descendants of the rebel slaves who were led by Maroon fighter Cudjoe, can be found living in the area. At the beginning of each year, the Maroons hold a special celebration to commemorate the achievements made by their descendants.
The historical Maroon village can be found in the Cockpit Country.
Emancipation Park
The public park located in New Kingston opened on July 31, 2002, a day ahead of Emancipation Day.
Themed a ‘Tribute to Freedom’, it lives up to that with an 11ft bronze sculpture, named Redemption Song. The entrance sees the famous and beautiful sculpture of a black male and female looking up to the sky. This symbolises the triumphant rise from slavery.
The location is quite colourful as it is home to amazing tropical flowers and plants. The national tree and national flower can also be found inside the park.
The park also features an expansive stage which in pre-COVID times would often come alive with the best of Jamaica’s folk and musical acts.
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