Hundreds attend first ever "Sankofa" held at National Stadium
Published on Sunday, 09 October 2011 14:11
Written by Super User
Source
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds in his address to those gathered at the Guyana National Stadium Providence, Saturday evening to participate in ‘Sankofa’ told them that Afro-Guyanese have already achieved much in progressing the work their ancestors started many decades ago after the abolition of slavery.
“We have been making great gains although slavery had ended more than 150 years ago; however there are still more gains to be made. In Guyana after slavery was abolished there was a great start with many freed slaves who saved their hard earned coppers and gills and took it and bought many of the estates for various reasons. That great start has been diverted and that is something people of African descent have to regain not only for themselves but for the good of all Guyana and all Guyana,” Prime Minister Samuel Hinds said.
It was further noted that two great Africans made indelible contributions in their fight for the rights of fellow Africans. These great men are Martin Luther King of the United States of American and Nelson Mandela, who brought change to South Africa without bloodshed and bitterness. Also present at Sankofa were Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh, Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn and Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony.
Minister Anthony in his address told those gathered that Sankofa comes from the Akan language which represents a mythical bird that flies forward with its head turned backwards. This reflects the Akan belief that the past serves as a guide for planning the future or the wisdom in learning from the past in building the future.
“This means that Africans must not be afraid of going back into their past, taking what is good, reminding themselves of their culture, roots, history and as they move forward in life they can take that with them. That is why Sankofa was chosen because it represents what we are trying to do here tonight,” Anthony said.
Attendees of Sankofa were treated to a number of cultural presentations such as poetry, songs, dance and drumming, all showcasing the rich culture possessed by Africans, more so the skills of Afro-Guyanese. The UN has dedicated 2011 as the International Year for the People of African Descent during which government in collaboration with other stakeholders came up with a calendar of events. Sankofa is one such with another being an exhibition showcasing the contributions of Afro-Guyanese women held at the Castellani House in August.
Published on Sunday, 09 October 2011 14:11
Written by Super User
Source
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds in his address to those gathered at the Guyana National Stadium Providence, Saturday evening to participate in ‘Sankofa’ told them that Afro-Guyanese have already achieved much in progressing the work their ancestors started many decades ago after the abolition of slavery.“We have been making great gains although slavery had ended more than 150 years ago; however there are still more gains to be made. In Guyana after slavery was abolished there was a great start with many freed slaves who saved their hard earned coppers and gills and took it and bought many of the estates for various reasons. That great start has been diverted and that is something people of African descent have to regain not only for themselves but for the good of all Guyana and all Guyana,” Prime Minister Samuel Hinds said.
It was further noted that two great Africans made indelible contributions in their fight for the rights of fellow Africans. These great men are Martin Luther King of the United States of American and Nelson Mandela, who brought change to South Africa without bloodshed and bitterness. Also present at Sankofa were Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh, Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn and Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony.
Minister Anthony in his address told those gathered that Sankofa comes from the Akan language which represents a mythical bird that flies forward with its head turned backwards. This reflects the Akan belief that the past serves as a guide for planning the future or the wisdom in learning from the past in building the future.
“This means that Africans must not be afraid of going back into their past, taking what is good, reminding themselves of their culture, roots, history and as they move forward in life they can take that with them. That is why Sankofa was chosen because it represents what we are trying to do here tonight,” Anthony said.
Attendees of Sankofa were treated to a number of cultural presentations such as poetry, songs, dance and drumming, all showcasing the rich culture possessed by Africans, more so the skills of Afro-Guyanese. The UN has dedicated 2011 as the International Year for the People of African Descent during which government in collaboration with other stakeholders came up with a calendar of events. Sankofa is one such with another being an exhibition showcasing the contributions of Afro-Guyanese women held at the Castellani House in August.
African attire on Display
African Drumming
Youths in an African dance.