Africans have been part of Guyana’s story for 400 years, a legacy built on survival, sacrifice and the fight for freedom. As the country prepares to mark the 187th anniversary of Emancipation on August 01, the African Cultural & Development Association (ACDA) is urging the nation to remember this profound history and to unite in celebration of the freedom that once seemed impossible.
On Tuesday, ACDA hosted a special media briefing and official launch of this year’s Emancipation Festival at the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown, celebrating not only the anniversary but also ACDA’s own 32 years of championing African culture and unity under its enduring mantra of #UBUNTU.
The theme for this year’s festival is “Highlighting the connection of all peoples through African culture as we strive to build a world where all our children are loved and protected.”
Speaking at the launch, ACDA’s Chief Eric Phillips reminded Guyanese that while Emancipation in 1838 freed their ancestors from the chains of slavery, it was not just physical bondage that ended.
“Emancipation meant freedom from physical harm, mental harm and spiritual harm,” he said, “but it did not erase economic harm — a harm that still echoes today.”
Phillips traced the African presence in Guyana back to 1625 — a sobering reminder that Africans were forcibly brought here for centuries before they won their freedom.
“It came at the horrendous cost of 473,000 lives,” he said, urging that this sacrifice must never be forgotten.
Launch of Emancipation Festival 2025.
This year’s festival will again spotlight the deep roots and achievements of African civilisation, from the ancient skeleton of ‘Lucy’ in Ethiopia to the advanced civilisations of Kemet (Egypt) and Ethiopia, the wealth of Mali’s Mansa Musa and the enduring contributions of African intellectuals, scientists, doctors and leaders.
Yet Phillips warned that despite this legacy, too many Guyanese are disconnected from their history.
“A people without knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots,” he reminded the audience. He argued that this lack of civic education leaves young people rudderless and the nation diminished.
This year, ACDA will honour both an African country and a Guyanese village as part of its cultural revival efforts. The 2025 festival recognises the village of Buxton — once a stronghold of the freedom movement — and acknowledges the Chinese icon, Desmond Hoyte, as part of Guyana’s shared, diverse story.
“Every year we choose a country in Africa because Africa is not one country but a continent of 54 nations. We do this to reconnect with our lost diversity,” Phillips explained.
As Guyana moves towards another Emancipation Day, ACDA hopes the moment will not be lost in the noise of politics but instead become a call for healing, unity and respect for all who share this land.
The grand Emancipation Festival will take place on August 01 2025 at the National Park. ACDA has extended an open invitation to all Guyanese.
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