Pan African Festival Opens With Call For Unity And Community Responsibility
The Blessing of the Grounds at the Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village on Sunday included a strong appeal for an end to senseless division within communities.
The blessing of the grounds marks the spiritual opening of this year’s Pan African Festival TT under the theme, « Igniting African Consciousness, Dismantling Colonial Legacies ».
The annual ceremony included a libation led by Elder Equino Moyo, a sacred African tradition that honours ancestors and symbolises the connection between past, present and future generations.
« So through libation we join with our ancestors, we actually become our ancestors. Without ancestor communion, there’s no renewal and the cycle of life is broken. »
The libation is more than a ceremonial act. It is a spiritual practice of remembrance and renewal, reinforcing the belief that honouring those who came before us helps strengthen our connection to heritage, community, and future generations.
« The act of remembering our ancestors through the libation we are going to pour, using water links the ancestors to we, the living, and the yet to be born. »
As Emancipation celebrations are set to begin, Elder Moyo encouraged participants to reflect on both their individual and collective responsibilities.
« Understand what you do and what you fail to do and what you do incorrectly to harm your community. »
Elder Moyo stressed that African consciousness must be reflected not only in words and cultural pride but also in meaningful actions that strengthen and uplift communities.
