Today, August 1, Jamaicans both locally and those living in the diaspora are celebrating an important milestone in Jamaica’s history, Emancipation Day.
Emancipation Day is celebrated on the first of August each year to commemorate the full freedom of slaves who are of African descent.
This day marks an important time in history for several Jamaicans to reflect on the struggles and achievements of the nation’s forefathers in dismantling the shackles of slavery to achieve full freedom in 1838, when the Emancipation Act was passed by the colonial British government.
The road to emancipation was not smooth sailing. However, with the work and commitment of key pioneers such as William Wilberforce, Joseph Sturge, William Knibb, Thomas Burchell, Thomas Clarkson and one of Jamaica’s national heroes, Samuel Sharpe, Jamaica achieved its full emancipation.
As reggae legend Bob Marley said in Redemption Song, “Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds.”
As persons celebrate this historic milestone, Jamaica is being reminded of the dehumanising struggles endured during slavery to develop a mental resilience to push on to overcome the challenges faced today.
To commemorate the day, the Ministry of Culture, Gender Entertainment and Sport will be hosting several events, such as the popular Augus’Mawning Market at Festival Village, National Arena and the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) National Festival Queen Coronation, also being held at the National Arena, starting at 8 p.m.
Emancipation Day festivities will be followed by a week of fun and interesting activities to mark Jamaica’s 61st Emancipendence celebration, such as the Jamaica Praise & Worship Gospel Star Final show (August 2) at the National Arena, Mello-go-roun (August 3) and Grand Gala (August 6) at the National Arena.
Five inspirational emancipation quotes
1. A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”-Marcus Garvey
2. “Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds.”- Bob Marley
3. “We are going to emancipate ourselves from mental slavery, for though others may free the body, none but ourselves can free the mind. Mind is our only ruler; sovereign.”- Marcus Garvey
4.“Better to die fighting for freedom than be a prisoner all the days of your life.”- Bob Marley
5. “Do not remove the kinks from your hair – remove them from your brain.”- Marcus Garvey
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