The National Cultural Council and the Division of Culture on Wednesday July 12, launched emancipation celebration 2017.
This year’s celebration which will run from July 28th to August 5th will be held under the theme “Building a Culture of Peace”.
A week of activities has been planned for the celebrations to include a sing (chante) Dominica concert at the Arawak House of Culture on July 28th, a Bele night in Paix-Bouche which will be a tribute to Robeline Walter, one of Dominica’s prominent Bele dancers.
On Tuesday August 1, an emancipation showcase will be held at the Peebles Park adjacent to the Neg Marron statue.
Two activities are scheduled for August 3rd: an art exhibition at the Old Mill Cultural Centre and at 5p.m. an emancipation forum to discuss Dominica’s Sensay and the historical and contemporary perspective for the costume will take place at the University of the West Indies auditorium.
The highlight of the celebration is the Golden Drum Award ceremony carded for August 5th at the Arawak House of Culture.
Six individuals will receive golden drums: the First Serenade Band, Derek ‘Rah’ Peter, Dennis Joseph, Morris Guiste, Theresa Mondesire and Carlton Merrifield.
Special recognition awards will be given to Cornelius Royer, Convent High School, Africulture Stilt Walkers, Mighty Acre and Lauren Delsol.
Chief Cultural Officer, Raymond Lawrence, says, “The emancipation celebration is geared towards building awareness of the significance of the abolition of slavery and also the impact which slavery and emancipation have had on our modern-day society and the legacy which was handed down to us by our African ancestors.”