African culture takes spotlight during Emancipation Day celebrations at National Park

As Guyana celebrated 186 years of freedom, the Guyana National Park overflowed with the spirit of liberty, with numerous international visitors, primarily from the African diaspora, coming together to honor Emancipation Day.
As the Afrocentric energies traveled throughout the arena, the Guyana Times had an opportunity to witness how scores of local persons honored Afro-freedom. From rich cultural traditions to delicious foods, the celebration was vibrant.
Speaking to Akindeere Akinkunii, who hails from the far ends of Nigeria, a deepened expression of Afro culture was understood through the explanation of the meanings of African-styled clothing.

“This is my second year in Guyana, and it is very marvelous, very wonderful. Guyanese people are the best. Sincerely, it’s a kind of mind-blowing experience because I’ve gotten to see the exact African wears and everything so the African culture can be cherished to this very extent. I am very happy.”
He added, “The cap that I wear, when it is tilted to the left, tells the entire population that I am single and I am searching. If it is tilted to the right-hand side, it means that I am married. If it is tilted to the front, it means that I am not thinking about marriage yet.”
On this revelation, he told news reporters that almost every piece of clothing that Africans wear has significant meaning.

Also in the National Park were some American natives who had just landed on the shores of Guyana just in time for Emancipation.
One of them was Yaaquove Israel, who, in similar sentiment to other persons, stated that this event has shown that African people are beginning to recognise their true power.
“I’m from Atlanta, Georgia, but I believe that our people are becoming much more aware, especially on a day like this. It makes me unbelievably happy.”
Not forgetting the vast number of cuisines that were showcased at the event, the Guyana Times met up with cancer survivor Althethea Samuel, who had the only vegetarian African-styled booth.
According to Samuel, the form of vegetarian African-styled cooking has reduced the need for her to receive chemo and other chemical illness preventatives.
“In order to make African Vege-styled foods, you must know that the process is very simple. You get all the natural things from the earth, such as your greens, and you will be ready to make it.” She then gave a detailed tip to make Egusi soup.
“African Egusi soup is made with all the palm oil and okra, callaloo, mushroom—well, mushroom is my meat—and seaweed. I make natural meat out of that as well. Yam, black-eyed peas, and ginger and stuff. I do all those different types of meat.”
She added, “Health is your wealth, and we have to take good care of our health, especially with all the diabetes as well. I am a cancer survivor, so I am speaking from experience.” Also joining in the celebration at the National Park was Minister Within the Ministry of Housing and Water Susan Rodrigues and other government officials. However, a similar event was hosted at the Sophia Exhibition Centre which also scores of Guyanese flocking to the venue.