The First of August Movement, in collaboration with community, social and cultural organisations in Buxton and Friendship, will stage its annual Black Is Beautiful Pre-Emancipation Cultural Evening on Friday, July 31, bringing together residents and visitors to celebrate African heritage, emancipation and the enduring legacy of one of Guyana’s most historic villages.
The event, which begins at 7:00 p.m. at the newly constructed Buxton Market Tarmac, forms part of activities marking the 188th anniversary of full emancipation, which took effect on August 1, 1838.
Organisers said this year’s observance also commemorates the remarkable achievement of Buxton’s African ancestors, who in 1840 pooled their resources to purchase Plantation New Orange Nassau, establishing one of Guyana’s earliest post-emancipation villages and creating a lasting symbol of self-determination and community ownership.
The evening’s programme will showcase a wide range of African-Guyanese cultural expressions, including steel-pan music, African drumming, kweh-kweh, nansi stories, songs, dance, poetry and presentations from representatives of different generations. Renowned Buxton reggae artiste Mark Batson is expected to be among the featured performers.
The organisers will also recognise students from Buxton and Friendship who excelled at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, highlighting the Movement’s commitment to celebrating academic achievement alongside cultural pride.
A village elder and a young person are also expected to deliver reflections on the sacrifices made by Buxton’s founders and the responsibility of today’s generation to preserve and build upon that legacy.
In a statement announcing the event, the First of August Movement said the annual programme has evolved into far more than a cultural showcase.
It described Black Is Beautiful as a community institution that allows Buxtonians to reconnect with their history, honour the sacrifices of their forebears and pass African-Guyanese traditions to future generations.
“Emancipation must be remembered not simply as the ending of enslavement, but as the beginning of our ancestors’ determined struggle for land, dignity, education, economic independence and control of their communities,” the Movement stated.
The organisers explained that this year’s event has been moved from its customary location to the new Buxton Market Tarmac because ongoing road construction works have made the previous venue unsuitable for safely accommodating patrons, performers, vendors and the infrastructure required for the programme.
Food and drinks will be available throughout the evening, and residents of Buxton, Friendship, neighbouring communities and the wider Guyanese public are being encouraged to attend.
Admission details and the final performance schedule will be announced by the organisers in the coming days.
