St. Eustatius Marks Emancipation Day with emphasis on ancestral memory

STATIA--St. Eustatius will observe Emancipation Day this year with a renewed focus on history, education, ancestral remembrance and community discussion, moving the annual July Day observance beyond the format of a traditional celebration.

This year’s activities are being coordinated for the first time by the St. Eustatius African Burial Ground Alliance in partnership with several local non-governmental organizations. Organizers say the program is intended to deepen public understanding of emancipation and challenge the idea that freedom was simply handed down by colonial authorities on July 1, 1863.

Instead, the observance will place emphasis on the resistance, courage and determination of generations of enslaved Africans whose struggle helped shape the path to freedom. Organizers also hope the discussions will support community-led learning and lead to lasting educational materials about St. Eustatius’ history.

The day will begin with a spiritual drive around the island in honor of the ancestors, followed by a series of afternoon and evening events.

A central part of the program will feature presentations by two Caribbean scholars: Guyana-born Afrikologist Professor Kimani Nehusi, who is based in Philadelphia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines-born cultural anthropologist Dr. Artwell Cain, who resides in Aruba. Their presentations will explore the historical ties between the Caribbean and Africa, as well as the importance of protecting and honoring cultural memory.

Dr. Cain is also the author of the newly released book St. Eustatius: Restoring Our Ties. The Voices of Statians Making A Difference, which is scheduled to be officially launched on June 30.

The program will also include storyteller Papa Umpo, also known as Garfield Young, from St. Maarten. Island Council member, anthropologist and Alliance member Derrick Simmons will also contribute to the day’s discussions with a presentation on music as a form of resistance used by the island’s ancestors.

The evening cultural showcase, directed by Taro Merkman of the Statia Roots Festival, will include performances by Statia String Band, Rebel Band HD, Encore Band, Statia Roots Band, spoken-word artists, DJ Sense, and dance groups including Aloei Dancers, Inspired Dancers and Perlies Dancegroup.

This year’s observance also carries added significance because of the planned reburial of 69 African ancestral remains that were excavated from the Golden Rock burial ground in 2021 by an international archaeological team. The reburial is scheduled for November 13, 2026.

As part of the morning program, participants will visit the African burial grounds at Godet, Congo and Golden Rock. Xiomara Balentina, chairperson of the Statia Cultural Heritage and Implementation Committee, will also speak with attendees about plans for the upcoming reburial ceremony.

Kenneth Cuvalay, president of the Alliance and moderator of the day program, said additional community activities with Professor Nehusi and Dr. Cain will be held before and after July Day. Two educators from the Broos Institute, an Afrocentric academic institution, are also expected to visit the island as part of the broader educational effort.

“We want to understand what and how the community wants to learn about their history. We’re excited to transform this year’s July Day conversations into long-lasting educational resources about our still-incomplete and distorted history,” Cuvalay said.

Cuvalay encouraged residents to take part in the discussions during the observance and to share their views with organizers by telephone, email or social media.

The event is being funded by the Government of St. Eustatius and the Slavery Memorial Committee. Organizers said any updates to the program will be shared through the Alliance’s website and social media platforms.

Photo caption: Guyana-born Afrikologist Professor Kimani Nehusi

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