Sydney Joseph
Mayor of Port of Spain Chinua Alleyne, centre, and Chair of the Emancipation Support Committee Zakiya Uzoma-Wadada cut the ribbon to open the event on July 27. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale
The Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village opened at the Queen's Park Savannah on July 27.
Drummers of the San Juan South Cultural Organisation performed at the Lidj Yasu Omowale Village on July 27. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale
The village boasts booths with dozens of local artisans, craftspeople, food vendors and others with the aim of strengthening the celebrations surrounding Emancipation Day, now titled African Emancipation Day which is commemorated annually on August 1.
Yasanyah El of Djhowtey Adornments displayed her popular Trinidad and Tobago earrings at her booth in the village on July 27. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale
The village is named after activist and past co-chair of the Emancipation Support Committee of Trinidad and Tobago, Lidj Yasu Piankhi Omowale (deceased), who was instrumental in advocating for the Government to officially recognise Emancipation Day as a public holiday.
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Members of the San Juan South Cultural Organisation put on an entertaining performance at the village opening on July 27. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale
In addition to the artisan and vendor booths, the village will be home to several events including the Rhythm and Voices of Africa series, the Shikamoo concert in tribute to calypsonian King Luta and other cultural showcases, culminating in the main celebrations on August 1.
Skirts were a-twirl as members of San Juan South Cultural Organisation perform on stage at the village's opening on July 27. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale
Emancipation Support Committee director Khafra Kambon, left, and his wife Dr Asha Kambon enjoyed themselves at the performances on July 27. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale
Calypsonian Edwin "Crazy" Ayoung perform during the opening event of the Lidj Yasu Omowale Village at the Queen's Park Savannah on July 27. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale
At the opening of the Lidj Yasu Omowale Village on July 27 at the Queen's Park Savannah, jewelry designer Natalie Howe, centre, showed off her fan designs with her mother Patsy, left, and sister Afiya, right. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale
Calypsonian Zachary Ransome wowed the crowds at the event's opening on July 27. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale
Calypsonian Helon Francis performed during the opening of the event on July 27. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale
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"Lidj Yasu Omowale Village Opening"