50th Anniversary Celebration of Independence of Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago and Film Screening of Akwantu: The Journey
The 50th Anniversary Celebration of Independence of Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago was well-received and well-attended by members of Boston University, surrounding colleges, as well as representatives from the local Caribbean community.
The event included the national anthems of the United States, Trinidad & Tobago, and Jamaica. Professors Allison Blakely and Linda Heywood welcomed the audience and introduced the program respectively. There were also cultural performances; a musical performance by the Jah Jah Drummers, a dance performance by the Ark Dancers, and a dramatic performance by Wilva Mark and Wilma Coulden. Denzil D. McKenzie, Honorary Consul to Boston, Consulate of Jamaica noted the importance of the 50th Independence of Jamaica and Carol Leggett read a letter from Dr. Neil Parsan, ambassador of Trinidad & Tobago. These remarks were followed by academic reflections on Caribbean independence from Professors Orlando Patterson and Emmanuel Akyeampong of Harvard University and Professor Selwyn Cudjoe of Welleslley College. Finally, Roy T. Anderson, director of the film Akwantu: The Journey, introduced the film as a personal journey to discovering his Jamaican roots.
Many thanks to the George and Joyce Wein Fund and Wellesley College for their support, without which this event would not have been possible.
For the program, click here.
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