On August 1, 2018, over 80 students participated in the annual Caribbean Emancipation Day/Juneteenth Infusion celebration that was held at the Church of the Atonement in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. This two-part event was hosted by the Greater Caribbean American Cultural Coalition in association with Mayor Hazelle Rogers.
Part one of the event began at 2pm and involved students discussing the similarities between Caribbean Emancipation and Juneteenth. Later in the evening, during the reception, awards and recognition were presented by various dignitaries.
The Caribbean Emancipation Day holiday marks the end of slavery in the British Empire. It is a public holiday in several Caribbean countries and although the holiday commemorates events that took place on August 1, 1834, it may be celebrated on different days depending on the country. Mayor Rogers took this opportunity to have a conversation to discuss both important holidays with some of the City’s youth.
During the awards segment, Judge Renatha Francis presented a Proclamation to Former Lieutenant Governor, Jennifer Carroll. State Senator Daphne Campbell and Mayor Hazelle Rogers were also recognized by Former Lt. Gov. Carroll for their dedication and engagement in Caribbean Heritage Day in Tallahassee. Honorary Consul Ramzan Roshanali shared history of Caribbean Emancipation and received a Proclamation on behalf of the Diaspora. City Manager Phil Alleyne and BSO District Chief, Captain Andrew Dunbar, met and dialogued with students, dignitaries, residents and parishioners during the celebration. Caribbean Heritage 2018 scholarship winner was also recognized.
The annual Caribbean Emancipation Day Celebration was a great success and will be remembered for years to come by the participating youth.
