Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, in partnership with the State of Accompong, will this weekend host a cultural event featuring a first-ever presentation by a Jamaican Accompong Maroon Chief in the United States.
Chief Richard Currie, the Paramount Chief of the Cockpit Country, will be the key presenter for “Sound Di Abeng: An Evening of Reasoning with Chief Richard Currie,” providing an unprecedented opportunity to engage with the rich heritage and culture of the Maroons.
The event will take place at the Island SPACE Caribbean Museum on Saturday, May 25, at 3:00 PM. Interested persons can register via www.islandspacefl.org/
Chief Currie, a prominent leader and advocate for Indigenous rights, is eager to share insights into the unique culture of the Maroons with the Caribbean diaspora and the wider community.
The event will include a panel discussion moderated by Dutty Bookman featuring esteemed Indigenous persons, including Dr. Ben Yisrael, who will delve into Maroon history and its ongoing relevance, addressing both the challenges and achievements of the Accompong Maroons.
The evening will explore:
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The Rich History of the Maroons in the Caribbean: The Maroons are descendants of enslaved Africans who escaped from plantations and formed independent communities. Notably, the Jamaican Maroons are renowned for their resistance against British colonization, leading to the signing of a peace treaty in 1739 which granted them autonomy and land.
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Correcting the Narrative: The panel will focus on rectifying misconceptions about the Moors/Maroons, emphasizing their significant contributions to the cultural and historical landscape of the Caribbean.
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Vision for the Future: Chief Currie will outline his vision for strengthening relationships within local and international Indigenous communities through cultural exchange and empowerment initiatives.
Attendees will have the unique opportunity to meet Chief Currie, engage in enlightening discussions, and partake in a cultural experience like no other.
Island SPACE co-founder David I. Muir remarked, “This event is an unprecedented milestone for Island SPACE and the Maroon community, providing a platform to educate and engage with our diaspora and allies. We aim to foster understanding and build bridges between our past, present and future.”
