It was a youth explosion at the Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain on Tuesday.
Young people from all parts of the country experienced firsthand the history of the African slave trade in Trinidad and Tobago, emancipation, and the impact that individuals of African descent have made throughout history.
From babies and toddlers to teenagers, they came out in their numbers to participate in a variety of activities: arts and crafts, stick-fighting, storytelling, dancing, and drumming at the Emancipation Village. The immersive environment ensured that they experienced various activities originating from the African continent and preserved through the years by their ancestors.
Janine Duncan-Remy said this is the second season that her campers at the Belmont-based Divine Ma’at Intelligence have participated in Youth Day activities at the Emancipation Village. This week, the campers are exploring their culture through the activities at the Village, bringing what they have learnt to life.
Andere Sanchez, from the La Casita Hispanic Cultural Centre, said it is important for the children to learn about the culture of Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean firsthand. The Cultural Centre is an organisation that caters to migrant Venezuelan children and adults, focusing on community engagement through cultural and social activities.
For the past 15 years, the Blossoms Funtastic Camp has ensured that their preschoolers understand the importance of celebrations like Emancipation Day.
Hosted annually by the Emancipation Support Committee, the week-long Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village is the precursor to African Emancipation Day celebrations on August 1st.