Emancipation Day — Reflect First, then Celebrate

The abolishment of slavery started with the 1831 rebellion, which lasted more than five weeks in Jamaica. More than 60,000 enslaved people rebelled by burning down plantation homes and sending White Jamaicans running. A couple of years later, circa 1833–34, the abolishment of slavery was announced. However, that only curtailed the movement of people and ships on the transatlantic voyage.

The fight for personal freedom on the land of Jamaica continued. Some White Jamaicans were already disgusted with slavery and the enslaving of people. However, enslaved people continued to fight for their freedom, and in 1838 Emancipation (personal freedom) was announced. It must have been a joyous moment for black Jamaicans as thousands converged on town centers and churches across the island on July 31, waiting for the Emancipation Declaration. It would be like watching Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce at Halfway Tree Square finishing their 100M races, pots and pot covers banging in hand.

The 1831 Rebellion and Abolishment were the start of something great for our country. However, Emancipation Day was more significant. As we stand on the cusp of August 1, 2023, I am reminded of the 1831 rebellion, the 1833 abolishment, and the 1838 Emancipation. Many of us celebrate 190 years of abolition, but I am looking at Emancipation and abolition in a somewhat reflective mode. I remember the many lives lost for us from the start of the slave trade to 1838. We should not take this moment for granted but remind ourselves of thr atrocities of slavery and the strength and bravery of those men who gave their lives for us to have an independent people and nation.

Let’s celebrate what our forefathers overcame throughout the transatlantic voyage, slavery, and the many rebellions, most of them not knowing that there would be a today. Almost 200 years after, we are living in their honor. Have a reflective Emancipation Day, my Jamaican brothers and sister.