Special Feature - AntiguaSun

[Anguillan newsboy]

Monday June 02 2008

by ZIA

In many ways, beyond complexions and facial features, we are still very much the same. And last Monday evening, gathered at the King Court Monument on Independence Avenue, we raised voices, drums and cheers as we recognised and celebrated what connected us to our African heritage.

With African Liberation Day falling on a Sunday, the committee celebrated the event on Monday growing in content and turning the event from a few hours into a half-day celebration. The top of Prince Klaas Street was transformed into a mini market where various vendors displayed their goods – from African books and Afro-authors to natural remedies and goods, as well as fashion.

Though the small contingent that marched, mainly comprised of members from the Rastafarian community, the significance was still great. Every year, we are reminded of the importance of these members of society – the members who remind us of our struggle, victory, freedom and the current chains of global slavery that raises its head in political, economical, social and even agricultural arenas. We are reminded that there is still pride in being black, and that in Antigua and Barbuda, though taken for granted, we are free to express and explore the dimensions of our Blackness.

Emcee for the evening, Saiid Greene, though not one of the featured speakers at this year’s event reminded us of a popular quote by Chancellor Williams, author of Destruction of the Black Civilisation.

“What became of the Black people of Sumer the traveler asked the old man, for ancient records show that the people of Sumer were Black. What happened to them? “Ah,” the old man sighed, “they lost their history, so they died.”

The evening reminded us of the importance of remembering a legacy far greater than slavery. Guest speaker Professor Lebrecht Hesse from Ghana shared his experiences of life in Africa and life in Antigua. He commented on how pleased he was to see strong traces of the African culture embedded in Antigua and Barbuda’s life and culture. From dance to language, our Africanness was very much in tact.

He did, however, caution against becoming so consumed by the deception of globalisation that we allow our authenticity to be buried, and thus our history and who we are to be lost. A note that was highlighted by another speaker, King Frank I, Hesse spoke of the lack of interest in agriculture. Also speaking on this matter, Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer also spoke of his concerns in this area. All three speakers were of the consensus

that we need to literally be able to feed ourselves.

Hesse, examining the global market, drew to mind the fact that the US does not allow the importation of citrus fruits that can be grown in the US, yet, they/we take pride in “free trade”.

He also spoke of the importance of maintaining a strong bond within family, and thus the community. Returning to the popular line, “it takes a village to raise a child”, which was borne out of the African culture, Hesse noted that in Africa, as well as Antigua, people are growing away from that mentality. The continued effects of the Willie Lynch letter continue to manifest itself in our everyday living. The solution? To return to our roots. You’ve listened to many quotes from past and present activists, you’ve even listen to Etana’s Roots, which speaks of the youths who will not be defeated because that have returned to their roots.

Hesse noted that long before the invasion of the Europeans, Africa was one of the most academically advanced nations. There were universities in place, and even the women were educated. Bet you didn’t know that one of the world’s greatest mathematicians was an African woman? Yet, the Europeans burnt and destroyed these institutions. The irony in it all is that today, Western culture is adamant that it is through education (which they destroyed years ago) that Africa will regain its once great legacy.

Hesse drummed in the point of how much we in Antigua and Barbuda take for granted, from our open talk shows where we air our views against government, to the fact that women are leading principles in the business and academic arenas.

In his address, PM Spencer noted the importance of keeping African Liberation Day alive in Antigua and Barbuda in the years to come. He even went so far as to mention that he wants to have stronger ties between Antigua and Barbuda and Africa. One of the ties he suggested was our own “peace corps” where Antiguan doctors and medical students could go to Africa to administer health care. He also spoke of the possibility of making African Liberation Day a national holiday – not for the revellery and raucous recreation that has become synonymous with Emancipation Day (1st Aug.), but a day to reflection, unity and appreciation for our heritage. We’ll just have to wait and see if such suggestions will remain as such or falter like many promises of strengthening our heritage.

The evening was also decorated with tributes and reflections in poetry, song and dance. Poets Kush DaVid, the Authentic One, Linisa George, Narcbar and the High Priest of Poetry Tamo Zakela all evoked thunderous applause with their p***ionate spoken words.

Singers Kyaode Erasto, with his “jahlypso” and Brother Leo with his smooth voice sent us to a place of mediation, while performer Ammi Ben Israel shared words of wisdom, and invoked a spirit of pride and empowerment as he launched into a powerful rendition of Bob Marley’s Get Up, Stand Up!.

It was in deed a high spirit of camaraderie, and strong reminder of where we’ve come from as a people, where we’ve been, and why we need to remember so we don’t falter and bury ourselves in the present mental colonialism that’s marketed in BET, “nigger” in songs, and exploitation blinded by greed.

We were reminded that there is more to Africa beyond slavery – a solemn note that needs to be ec***d throughout every area of Antigua and Barbuda for the many citizens who feel the need to separate themselves from Africa.

You were given a chance last year, and I’m extending another invitation. Don’t let another opportunity to celebrate a rich dynasty of Afro-culture escape you in 2009. African Liberation Day is not about remembering slavery, but about remembering the rich legacy before slavery.