PHILIPSBURG – The Africa Caribbean Heritage Alliance (ACHA) in collaboration with the Philipsburg Jubilee Library (PJL), and the St. Maarten National Commission for UNESCO, will commemorate the UN observance of the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, on Monday, August 22, and Tuesday, August 23 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm, under the theme: “Unleashing Your Potential – It Is Boundless.”
This commemorative celebration is twofold. It commences on Monday, August 22, at 5:00pm with viewing of the DVD “the Middle Passage” at the library. The movie will be followed by a discussion on the topic.
Although reserved mainly for secondary students from the various Service Clubs, other interested secondary students are encouraged to attend, as organizers believe that this DVD should be viewed by as many secondary school students as possible. The main objective of the viewing of the DVD is to “break the silence” on the Slave Trade, slavery and their consequences, and to promote intercultural dialogue.
On Tuesday, August 23, the celebration will continue for the general public with activities including the unveiling of an Afro-Caribbean exhibition, a fashion show of cultural wear, food and beverages (which will be on sale), storytelling, and head-tie demonstration, among other things from Africa to St. Maarten, with the aim of finding more positive ways to reconnect St. Maarten and the broader Caribbean with Africa.
To enhance this celebration, the library will host an exhibition in collaboration with ACHA Foundation, St. Maarten National Heritage Foundation and the Surinamese community.
During the course of the week, various movies will be shown pertaining to Slavery and the Abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
“We hope to see a very positive turn out as it will be a week full of activities aimed at educating the general public of our journey from before, during and after slavery to the present. This is an event that has never been experienced before on St. Maarten. Come along with a family member and tell a friend,” a release stated.
