PORT OF SPAIN – The Emancipation Support Committee of Trinidad and Tobago (ESCTT) invites the national community to join in the vibrant celebration of Emancipation Day 2025, marking 187 years since the declaration of Emancipation—a turning point in human history and a victory for ALL of humanity.
“The Spirit of Emancipation lives in the rhythm of our people—those who sang truth to power, who wrote freedom into verses, and who moved mountains with melody and message,” said Zakiya Uzoma Wadada, Executive Chair of ESCTT. “Our people are our strength, and these events honour the legacy of those who have carried the flame forward.”
Honouring Cultural Icons
As part of the festivities, seven cultural stalwarts are being recognized for their lifetime contributions to the development and preservation of African identity through calypso, rapso, and resistance.
Among those honoured:
- Dr. Hollis “Chalkdust” Liverpool, nine-time Calypso Monarch and renowned historian.
- Ann Marie “Twiggy” Parks-Kojo, trailblazing calypsonian and founding NWAC Calypso Queen.
- Karega Mandela, rapso pioneer and founding member of the Network Rapso Riddum Band.
Four additional cultural icons will be honoured on Friday, August 1st at the Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village, Queen’s Park Savannah.
Dawn of Freedom: Early Morning Rituals and Performances
The commemorations begin at 4:00 AM with libation ceremonies at Massy Trinidad All Stars Pan Yard, continuing through Yoruba Village and concluding at the historic Treasury Building.
At 6:00 AM, audiences will experience the stirring performance of “Freedom Morning Come” by Dr. Eintou Pearl Springer, dramatizing the hopes, fears and fury of those who gathered in 1838 to hear the Emancipation Proclamation.
8:00am – Formal Ceremony to start the Kambule Street Procession. At 9:00 AM, the traditional Kambule Street Procession takes to the streets of Port of Spain in full cultural splendour, featuring drummers, dancers, masqueraders, and spiritual leaders. The route includes a special performance stop at Picadilly Greens, where the youth of the community perform for the audience.
Village Awards Ceremony and Flambeau Finale
At 3:00 PM, the spotlight shifts to the Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village, where the final four awards will be presented alongside certificates to youth participants from this year’s Emancipation Camp. The event will feature remarks from dignitaries, including:
- Professor Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank
- Hon. Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum, Ghanaian Minister of Special Initiatives
- Hon. Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar, delivering the Feature Address
The festival concludes at 7:00 PM with a moving Flambeau Procession from Queen’s Park Savannah back to All Stars Pan Yard—a symbol of light, legacy, and the unbreakable spirit of freedom.
Emancipation Day 2025 is not just a cultural event—it is a call to remember, to honour, and to continue the work of our ancestors. All citizens are encouraged to participate in this national tribute to resilience and identity.
EMANCIPATION DAY SCHEDULE
4:00am – Remembering Our Ancestors: Early Morning Libations at All Stars Pan Yard, then proceed to Yoruba Village for libations. Continue to Treasury Building.
6:00am – Freedom Morning Come, a play by Dr. Eintou Pearl Springer, performance by Idakeda Theatre Company.
8:00am – Formal Ceremony to start the Kambule Street Procession
Libations – Elder Equino Moyo
Welcome – Zakiya Uzoma Wadada, Executive Chair ESCTT.
Greetings – His Worship, Mr. Chinua Alleyne, Mayor of the City of Port of Spain.
Address – The Honourable Michelle Benjamin, Minister of Culture and Community Development.
9:00am – Official Commencement of Kambule Street Procession.
Note: Stage for the Honourable Prime Minister (tbc), Ministers of Government and other dignitaries to view the procession on the Picadilly Greens.
12 noon – Presentationsby cultural and community groups which participated in the Kambule Street Procession.
3:00pm – Emancipation in the Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village
- Welcome – Ms. Zakiya Uzoma Wadada, Executive Chair, ESCTT
- Greetings – Professor Benedict Oramah,President, Afreximbank
- Greetings – The Honourable Mr. Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum, Member of Parliament for the Nikoranza South Constituency, Minister in Charge of Special Initiatives, Office of the President, Ghana.
- Feature Address – The Honourable Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Mrs. Kamla Persad Bissessar
- Presentation of Awards & Presentation of 20 Certificates of Participation for children from the Emancipation Camp.
7:00pm – Flambeau Procession from Queen’s Park Savannah to All Stars Pan Yard.