As 1992 approached there was a high profile international thrust to focus global energies on quin-centennial celebrations for Columbus. The Emancipation Support Committee, with Lidj Yasu Omowale and Khafra Kambon as co-chairs, was formed as an umbrella body, to strengthen the Emancipation Celebrations. This derailed efforts to re-impose the arrival of Columbus as the dominant motive for celebration on August 1.  Over the years, the commemoration grew into a massive educational, entertaining and spiritually uplifting experience for locals and visitors alike. Activities run from May to August each year culminating in the Pan-African Festival at the Queens Park Savannah which is transformed into the Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village.

The Commemoration, which is launched each year in conjunction with the observance of African Liberation Day (May 25), is multi-layered. Beginning with the  Kwame Ture Memorial Lecture Series in June, then to the last week in July it includes the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Symposium; a five to six day Transatlantic Market is held at the Emancipation Village. Finally, a Pan African Concert brings together some of the best artistes from Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean and other parts of the African Diaspora on stage at the Village; Pan Night; Youth day; a Family and African Food Day and much more.

Brother Lidj Yasu Piankhi Omowale passed away in 1996 and the emancipation village was named in his honour.