African family enjoys Jamaica’s warm embrace

Eunice Misi and her two children were having a whale of a time at Emancipation Park in New Kingston on Friday, as they beamed with excitement while enjoying each other’s company.

The Zimbabwean visitor, her daughter Lola, and son Paul are in Jamaica not just because her husband works here, but to immerse themselves in the activities as they observed Emancipation Day – a day in which Jamaicans reflect on the country’s journey to freedom and self-determination.

It is easy for Misi and her children to embrace the Jamaican culture, as the African roots from which they spring are not detached from the deep ancestral connections of Caribbean peoples.

Dubbed Redemption Fest, organisers staged a vibrant celebration of freedom and Jamaican culture on August 1 at Emancipation Park. Entertainment, food, stalls with items for sale, and an array of fun activities for children were part of the celebration.

For Misi, this year’s visit formed part of an annual event, where she takes her family to Jamaica to enjoy the activities on Emancipation Day.

Lola said she likes the blend of Jamaican culture from the music, the dance, the way of life of the people, but quipped that the food tops her list.

“Why the food wins for me is because you really see when Jamaicans put their hearts into something. The way that they cook – the nine-nights, the funerals, events where people come together – I just love the way they cook and put their love into the food.”

The young Zimbabwean could hardly single out her favourite dish.

“I love the rice and peas, mi love the curry chicken, mi love stew chicken, mi love the fish; I can’t choose.”

She said the Jamaican music carries a “happy” vibe.

“You nuh get nuh sad music. It’s just bare happiness.”

Lola said the Jamaican people are warm and welcoming, notwithstanding the differences and ups and downs they may face from time to time.

Paul said he shared in the range of activities but also singled out the sumptuous Jamaican meals.

“I love Jamaican food because it tastes good,” he said.

Misi and her children vowed to remain at the park for as long as the entertainment and other activities lasted into the night.

“Once everything is finished setting up, we are just going to walk around and take a lot of pictures and really enjoy the moment and feeling of Emancipation Day,” Lola said.

But it wasn’t just Misi and her children who showed up at Emancipation Park on Friday, as Ian Forbes and his son, Ian Jr, were also on hand to soak up the fun and excitement.

For Forbes Sr, this is not just a holiday, as he reflected on the fact that Jamaica’s ancestors fought valiantly to bring about the freedom Jamaicans now enjoy.

“We have to cherish this day. It is a very important day,” he told The Gleaner.

Born in the same year Jamaica received Independence, he was upbeat about celebrating his 63rd birthday earlier this year and with the island just a few days shy of a similar milestone.

A Rastafarian, Forbes Sr said members of that movement, who were once marginalised and sometimes abused by state agents, are now enjoying far greater respect from the society at large.

He noted that this was not always the case, as members of the movement suffered at the hands of the police in the 1960s and ‘70s, when many had their locks shaved when they came in contact with lawmen.

“They now realise that Rastafari is not a threat to Jamaica, but is a movement to help uplift the Jamaican people.”

He said Emancipation Day celebrations should help to teach the young about Jamaica’s past.

“This culture where I and I ancestors fought for, for a long time, we must keep it alive and don’t let it die.”

Emancipation Day, which is observed on August 1, commemorates the end of slavery in 1834 and honours the resilience and sacrifices of the country’s ancestors who fought for liberation.

This significant occasion is marked by cultural reflections, re-enactments, and gatherings that pay tribute to African heritage.

edmond.campbell@gleanerjm.com