Hundreds of Guyanese gathered at the Seawall Bandstand yesterday to participate in a programme to mark ‘African Maafa Day’ which saw them laying floral tributes in the ocean as they paid homage to their ancestors who suffered and perished along the Middle Passage.
The programme known as “Sankofa” was organised by the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) and included a Libation ceremony which was officiated by Bishop Andrew Irving. A Sankofa journey increases one’s awareness, understanding and sensitivity to past struggles, victories and continuing oppression.
Calls were made for the recognition and reclamation of African ancestral lands and the need for them to be aware of their history and culture so they could define themselves. Thereafter, a procession was led around the bandstand before making its way to the foreshore where those gathered sang, drummed and prayed before entering the water with their flowers. After leaving the water, they continued to sing songs on the seawall in praise of their ancestors.
In this Jules Gibson photo floral tributes are being laid.