Reminder: Emancipation Day Series Of Events

The Department of Culture is reminding the public about a series of events being held in the lead up to the Emancipation Day, Mary Prince Day and Cup Match Holiday.

A Government spokesperson said, “As is tradition, each year, the Department of Culture hosts and sponsors a number of activities during the month of July and August to commemorate Bermuda’s emancipation. The theme of this year’s Emancipation commemoration is – “Resilience of the African Spirit”.

“And on Friday, the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, Dr. Ernest Peets will join the cultural group Jumuiya ya Afrika Bermuda in hosting a signature event at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute [BUEI].

“Entitled “Resilience of the African Spirit”, the limited in-person showcase and will explore the heritage and artistry of Africa, which is reflected in the threads that connect Bermuda and other cultures of the Diaspora with the continent.

“The public will be treated to a display of music, clothing and the culinary traditions that highlight the resilience of the African spirit.

Minister Peets said, “The Department of Culture, in partnership with the cultural group Jumuiya ya Afrika Bermuda, has planned a programme highlighting examples of the resilience of the African spirit. The programme, which will take place on Friday July 23, will focus on African clothing – the diversity of textiles that can be seen throughout the continent, which Bermudians in the diaspora wear now with increasing frequency.”

Minister Peets continued, “There will be a focus on food: how staple foods of certain West African cultures such as salted codfish and cassava remain in Bermudian cuisine. There will also be an opportunity to learn about some of the traditional foods of Ethiopia, including their famous coffee ceremony. Lastly, music: the soul of our celebrations can often be marked with the heartbeat and rhythms of the African drum; and the similarities with music genres of the diaspora will be explored. Although there will only be a limited number of in-person spaces available as a result of Covid-19 restrictions, the event will also be live-streamed on the Department of Culture’s Facebook page.”

“Other events taking place over the next two weeks include lectures, historical bus tours, wellness demonstrations, Friendly Society tours, and other creative offerings to honour the Emancipation Day, Mary Prince Day and the Cup Match Holiday.

“The Department of Culture advised that there is a modest cost associated with some of the activities taking place in support of the tour operators, however there are some events that are also free to the public. Additionally some of the events will be streamed live, filmed and aired at a later date so that the public can have the benefit of viewing some of the Emancipation activities. For more info email: culture@gov.bm.”

“The remaining line up of Emancipation Day, Mary Prince Day and Cup Match events are as follows:

“Thursday 22 July

“Treasures of Bermuda Tours presents: “Exploring Bermuda’s Black Mecca”

• “Speaker: Charles Jeffers and Maxine Esdaille
• “Time: 9 am [July 17] and 5:30 pm [July 22]
• “Location: Princess Street to Union Street
• “Cost: $20 for adults, $10 for seniors and students
• “Details: Call/WhatsApp 504-7749 to purchase tickets
• “Sponsored by Department of Culture and Department of Libraries and Archives

“Featured Event Friday 23 July

“Department of Culture in partnership with Jumuiya ya Afrika Bermuda Present: “Resilience of the African Spirit”

• “Time: 6 pm
• “Location: Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute
• “Cost: Free
• “Details: Register at https://bit.ly/AfricaBda. In-person spaces are limited, event will be live streamed on the Department of Culture’s FB page.
• “Contact culture@gov.bm for more info.

“The heritage and artistry of Africa are reflected in the threads that connect Bermuda and the other cultures of the Diaspora with the continent. Join us as we explore the music, clothing, and culinary traditions that show the resilience of the African spirit. Light Ethiopian refreshments will be served.

“Saturday 24 July

“Empowered Me Wellness Presents: “Bermuda, Rastafari and the Awareness of Our African Spirit” Movement Discussion and Sunset Yoga

• “Speaker/Instructor: Latoya Bridgewater
• “Time: 7 pm
• “Location: Astwood Park
• “Cost: $10
• “Details: Register at info@emw.yoga
• “Sponsored by Department of Libraries and Archives and Department of Culture

“Monday 26 July

“Entry deadline for Emancipation Youth Creativity Competition

“How Have My Ancestors Made Me Strong?”

“Poems, videos, artwork, or essays can be submitted to culture@gov.bm or sent via WhatsApp to 333-8048. Open to youth under the age of 18 with 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes awarded.

“Tuesday 27 July

“CURB Presents: “Emancipation in the Bermuda Context”

• “Speaker: Cordell Riley
• “Time: 6:30 – 7:15 pm
• “Location: Virtual: Zoom Webinar
• “Details: Email admin@uprootingracism.org to register or for more info

“Thursday 5 August and Thursday 19 August

“Treasures of Bermuda Tours presents: “Art of Resistance Tour: From Misery to Memorials, Uncovering the History of the Art”

• “Speaker: Shirley Pearman and Maxine Esdaille
• “Time: 5:30 pm
• “Cost: $20 for adults, $10 for seniors and students
• “Details: Call/WhatsApp 504-7749 to purchase tickets
• “Sponsored by Department of Culture and Department of Libraries and Archives

“Friday 6 August

“Titan Express presents: “The Friendly Societies Tour”

• “Time: 6:30 pm
• “Cost: $45 [part proceeds to Manchester Unity Lodge]
• “Details: Purchase tickets online at www.titantoursbermuda.com
• “Sponsored by the Department of Culture

“Sunday 8 August

“The Good Samaritans and the Resilience of Bermudians”

• “Speaker: Dr. Michael Bradshaw
• “Time: 2:45 pm and 4 pm
• “Location: Princess Loyal Union Lodge/Good Samaritan’s Lodge, 62 Cobb’s Hill Road
• “Cost: Donations to the Good Samaritans Lodge welcomed
• “Details: Register at libraryevents@gov.bm
• “This lecture will explore the story of the Good Samaritan lodges and their impact on the post-Emancipation lives of people of African descent in Bermuda.
• “Sponsored by the Department of Libraries and Archives and the Department of Culture.

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