Celebrate 60 years of Jamaican independence
The first English-speaking Caribbean nation to gain its independence, Jamaica has been a cultural beacon exuding strength, culture, and pride since gaining its independence from the British crown 60 years ago. Celebrations this year have taken on an international scale, uniting island dwelling and diasporic Jamaicans alike under the banner, “reigniting a nation for greatness.” To ignite this flame, the government has hosted events around the globe and sponsored a series of cultural contests including song, dance, cooking and theatrical performance.
Festivities began in Canada in March of this year with an honorary display of Niagara Falls lit up in the colors of the Jamaican flag, signifying the close relationship between the two countries. The celebratory events moved from London in April to Pennsylvania, New York and Florida in April, giving Jamaicans living abroad opportunities to consume their favorite foods, listen to beloved artists and uplift their home country.
Jamaican independence was granted to the country by the British crown in 1962 after establishing an independent system for governance, but the pathway to freedom was paved by a legacy of Black political resistance and activism that continues to impact today’s generation. In Jamaica, those escaping slavery would often join the indigenous Taino people in the center of the island, creating Maroon communities. These communities were so formidable that they could interface with the British on their own terms and even defeated the British in an 18th century war.
Nearly 200 years later, Marcus Garvey would promulgate Pan-Africanism around the world, creating a sense of kinship for Black communities around the world, who previously thought of themselves as distinct. Although many of Garvey’s attempts to actualize his thinking were never brought to full fruition, his legacy lays in the sense of empowerment and independence he sought for Black people, and for his efforts in organizing working class Black people at a time when the movement in America sought to promote an image of respectability.
Active organizing around worker’s rights and the labor movement ultimately pushed the country towards freedom. The greatest factor fomenting the desire for independence was the discrepancy between earnings between British colonists and local laborers. A period of unrest marked by strikes, rioting and other workplace incidents brought the country’s first independent leader, Alexander Bustamante, to prominence after he was arrested at a protest and inspired to start the country’s first trade union.
More than half a century later, the country celebrates its rich history with a Diamond Jubilee, the gala closing out a week-long party held in Independence Park with attractions for all ages. From kids activities and gospel performances, to dance competitions and a festival pageant, the excitement engages every aspect of culture and celebration. After a year of centering solo performances to comply with Covid-19 regulations, this year’s event is happy to welcome groups of performers back to the stage.