THE MEANING OF EMANCIPATION DAY

By Aston Cooke

August marks the most fundamental and defining event in the history of Jamaica and many other nations in the West Indies.  This month all across the island, there will be numerous cultural exhibitions, ceremonial re-enactments of Emancipation Proclamations, flag raising ceremonies, float parades, grand galas and political posturing.

For those in the dark, August 1, 2002, marks the 168^th anniversary of the Emancipation proclamation and the 164^th anniversary of ‘full free’.   Freedom arrived in two stages; August 1, 1834 marked the emancipation of all slaves in British colonies but it was a case of freedom with conditions.  At this time the only slaves who were truly freed were those not yet born and those under the age of six.  All other slaves entered into a six-year apprenticeship during which they continued working on the plantations for their former masters in exchange for food and lodging.  Apprenticeship ended two years short of its intended six-year term on August 1, 1838.  This marked the second stage of freedom, the day all slaves were made free.

In 1997 the government of Jamaica restored Emancipation Day as a public holiday.  Many people publicly declare their mixed feelings about the celebration of Emancipation, as they didn’t want to be reminded of the cruelty of slavery.  Some exclaimed that they would rather forget the events of slavery.  But how can we wipe out this era from our history?   How can we erode this radical transition from slavery to freedom of an entire race of people? 

The abolition of slavery was a watershed in the affairs of man and it is important that this be marked.  The commemoration of Emancipation Day is indeed a worthy cause for celebration because slavery carries a special psychological and emotional charge for Jamaicans.  No one has expressed this as forcefully as did the Hon. Robert Nesta Marley (Bob Marley) in his song “Redemption Song” in which he exhorts African people worldwide.  ‘Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, None but ourselves can free our minds.’

We must not be made to forget at all.  To better appreciate the freedom, which we too often take for granted, we need to be constantly reminded of the bondage.  What we celebrate on August 1 each year is the anniversary of the end of one of the most outrageous experiments that any race of human beings had ever been forced to undergo. 

The big question is what do these events organized to celebrate Emancipation Day mean to us as individuals or as a nation.  Where we are as a nation today is directly related to the understanding of our historical perspective.  We are today, what we think, and how we think.  Our entire political, social, political and cultural life, the very way we view the world around us; our relationship with each other and the rest of the world, have been shaped by this significant historical experience. 

So while August 1, Emancipation Day, or “Fus o’ August” may be a day of rejoicing, we must rejoice yes, but also use the occasion for serious reflection, to better understand where we are, who we are and the long road which we have travelled since Emancipation.  This understanding would allow us to constructively manage the process of transformation from slavery and colonialism to political independence.

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About the author: Aston Cooke is a communication consultant with over 15 years experience in public affairs and marketing communications in the Jamaican private and public sectors. Cooke is also a prolific playwright having penned several outstanding works for the Jamaican stage, radio and television. You may send feedback or comments to him.
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