The African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) yesterday launched its 19th annual Emancipation celebrations with the commissioning of its new centre at the headquarters, Thomas Lands, Georgetown.The building which was given its name from the Ghanaian word “Akwaaba” which means “welcome”, opened its doors for the first time yesterday. The building is also available to host conferences and special events.The state of the art building was built by the Rogers Construction group at a cost of some $34M.Sponsorship for this year’s event came from the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company, Digicel, Banks DIH and Courts Guyana Inc.The new Akwaaba centre.There were many cultural performances from the Flames of the Heart drumming and dance group. There was also an astonishing performance of the national anthem by recording artiste Lisa Punch.The launching also provided information about the activities. There would be a number of sporting activities and the all important emancipation celebrations on August 1.Under the theme “Honouring our heroes of 1823” the association recognized the indomitable spirit of their ancestors to demand justice and their human rights by any means possible.This year will also celebrate 175th Anniversary of Emancipation in 1838 and the 250th anniversary of the Berbice Rebellion which gave Guyana its national hero. Emancipation will also fall on the 190th anniversary of the Demerara Rebellion which occurred in 1823.As tradition would have it, ACDA honours an African country every Emancipation Day. This year the association will honour the country of Mali, which is located in West Africa. Mali is home to the world famous Timbuktu Libraries and Africa’s most mystical tribe, the Dobans.One of the greatest entrepreneurial acts by the then freed Africans in Guyana was the village movement which started in 1839.This year ACDA will honour the village of Farm, East Bank Essequibo,NBA Jerseys Outlet Shop, which was said to be the last village bought by 23 freed men and women of Congo ancestry.An official of ACDA, Eric Phillips, said that Mali is one of the French speaking countries in Africa which is also the home of the Fulani tribe; which was said to be considered the prettiest tribe.Phillips also said that Mali is also the home of the Doban tribe “who taught the world about the stars system”.Phillips added that there will be a candlelight march on July 31, which will assemble in front of the Demico House. The Demico House location was said to be the site where slaves were sold in the city. The march will start at Demico and then move to the square of the revolution for a ceremony.Phillips said that morning of the celebration will see a sunrise service and an opening service at 11:00 am.The official opening will commence at 3:00 which see children participating in the “Hello African Parade” dressed in the national colours of Mali.The event will go up to 7 or 8 pm. Admission $100 children and $300 for adults.However Dr Rudy Guyan reminded those in attendance that although the country of Mali was chosen by ACDA, the recently came under attack where many persons lost their lives.He added that the celebrations came at a timely moment because many persons “are losing their minds”. He noted that the year 1823 was a “process” and urged them to always remember where they came from.He also told people at the event to remember Amsterdam who is considered a hero of 1823. Guyana explained that Amsterdam was forced to walk over his 13 dead comrades (unnamed heroes).
