As Antigua and Barbuda prepares to observe the 191 anniversary of the Emancipation of slavery, the Antigua and Barbuda Reparation Support Commission (ABRSC) has announced that this year’s celebration will have a special guest, Dr. Julius Garvey, son of the legendary Marcus Mosiah Garvey.
In a media release, ABRSC said Dr. Garvey’s visit is more than symbolic, it is a deeply meaningful moment in our history, one that brings the legacy of Pan-Africanism full circle. His father’s visit to Antigua in the late 1930s left an indelible mark on the consciousness of our people, and now, his son returns to join us in celebration, reflection, and affirmation of our shared journey toward justice and liberation.
Chairman of the ABRSC, Ambassador Dorbrene Omarde, reflects on this historic connection, noting that Dr. Garvey’s presence during Emancipation 2025 is a powerful tribute to the impact Marcus Garvey had on the Pan-African movement throughout the Caribbean. His ideas continue to inspire generations to stand tall in the face of systemic injustice and advocate for reparatory justice across the region.
Ambassador Anthony Liverpool, Vice Chair of the ABRSC, is urging all Antiguans and Barbudans to pause amid the revelry and acknowledge the tremendous weight of what Emancipation represents. “It is a time to reflect on the horrors of chattel slavery, the triumph of survival, and the power of our collective spirit. Emancipation reminds us of our sacred responsibility to honour that legacy, not just through ceremony, but through action, education, and unity.”
This year’s Emancipation activities, coordinated by the ABRSC, are a call to consciousness and pride. It all starts off on Friday, July 25 – Africa Dress Day: A national call to proudly wear African-inspired attire in tribute to our heritage and the Ancestors who paved the path to freedom. Sunday, July 27 – Emancipation Sunday: Collective worship and reflection ahead of Emancipation Day. Monday, July 28 – Uhuru Spiritual Awaken (Broadcast on ABS TV): A digital production, showcasing spoken word, African fashion, music, and dance celebrating emancipation, produced by ABRSC.
Thursday, July 31 – 17th Annual Watchnight Gathering at the Botanical Gardens (7:30 p.m.): A sacred tradition of remembrance featuring music, libations, drumming, iron band performances, messages of hope, and a keynote address by Dr. Julius Garvey.
And Friday, August 1 – Emancipation Day Church Service at Green Bay Moravian Church (6:00 a.m.), followed by a full day of festivities at Emancipation Village in St. John’s: food, arts and crafts, live entertainment, and more.
One of the most anticipated highlights of the Emancipation season is the 17th Annual Watchnight Gathering, taking place on Thursday, July 31st, at the Botanical Gardens from 7:30 p.m. This treasured tradition is a cultural and spiritual cornerstone of our emancipation observance. For enslaved Africans, Watchnight represented a night of hope, waiting with bated breath for the first sign of freedom. Today, it is a moving celebration filled with drumming, libations, iron band music, song, spoken word, and messages of strength and remembrance. This year’s gathering will be especially meaningful with Dr. Julius Garvey delivering the keynote address, reinforcing the deep historical and spiritual connections we continue to honour.
Following the Watchnight Gathering, the nation will rise in praise and remembrance with the annual Emancipation Day Church Service at the Green Bay Moravian Church on Friday, August 1st, at 6:00 a.m. From the solemnity of worship, celebrations will move to the heart of St. John’s, where the Emancipation Village will come alive.
The Emancipation Village, also on August 1st, will transform the city into a vibrant hub of cultural expression. It is a space for families, artists, historians, and community members to come together in the spirit of celebration and education. With traditional foods, local crafts, live music, and cultural showcases, the Village not only entertains but teaches, offering a rich, immersive experience of Antigua and Barbuda’s heritage. It is a chance to pause, to honour the sacrifices of those who came before us, and to revel in the beauty, creativity, and strength of our people.
The 2025 observance reminds us that emancipation is more than a moment; it is a movement.
More details and updates will follow in the coming days as the nation prepares to honour 191 years of freedom, resistance, and triumph.
