African Remembrance Wreath Laying Ceremony: 16th Year Embracing Heritage

Craft Alive Village Waterfront Drive Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands – On Sunday, February 4, 2024, at 3 pm, the Afrikan Studies Klub presents the 16th Annual African Remembrance Wreath Laying Ceremony, Behind Craft Alive, Tortola.

Honoring the legacy of those who lost their lives in the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade, the ceremony aims to pay a heartfelt tribute to our ancestors. This annual tradition, spearheaded by Mr. Art Christopher, the club’s founder since the early ’90s, holds special significance in the hearts of the community.

The ceremony features a distinguished Guest Speaker, Enya Douglas, a lecturer from H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), who will delve into the richness of cultural heritage education.

Professor Enya Douglas

As the wreath is ceremoniously thrown into the Caribbean Sea, we collectively remember and honor the resilience of our forbearers.

This year’s theme places a spotlight on the pivotal role of young people in reclaiming and preserving their cultural identity. The event resonates with a call for empowerment, urging the youth to take control of their heritage and propel it into the future.

The overarching themes of education and decolonization permeate the ceremony, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding and acknowledging our history, our present condition as a Dependent Overseas Territory and actively self-determining our future.

Immersive activities will captivate attendees, with the rhythmic beats of Djembe drummers, mesmerizing dancers, evocative poets, and insightful speakers. The wreath laying ceremony itself is a symbolic act that transcends time, connecting the present generation with the struggles and triumphs of our ancestors.

As February marks Black History Month, the event advocates for a sustained commitment to celebrating and learning about African history throughout the year. The call to action resonates through the hashtag #AfricanStudies, inviting everyone to join the ongoing conversation and exploration of our shared heritage.

In the heart of the Caribbean, this annual ceremony becomes a beacon of remembrance, education, and cultural celebration. Let us come together on this Sunday afternoon to honor our past, celebrate our present, and forge a self-determined future that embraces the richness of our African heritage at the 16th Annual African Remembrance Wreath Laying Ceremony.