Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Support Commission Applauds Schools on Black Heritage Month Celebrations

St. John’s Antigua and Barbuda…5th March 2025……….The Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Support Commission (ABRSC) extends its congratulations to schools and institutions across the nation for their enthusiastic engagement in Black Heritage Month celebrations. These activities have played a vital role in deepening the focus on and spreading knowledge of the achievements of Black people, particularly within the Caribbean.

While Black History Month has traditionally emphasized the accomplishments of African Americans—understandably so, given that the observance was conceptualized and institutionalized in the United States—the ABRSC commends local efforts to highlight the rich contributions of Africans and their descendants in shaping the history of Antigua and Barbuda. These contributions span the struggles for emancipation from European enslavement, the rejection of colonial rule, the proclamation of independence, and the ongoing pursuit of social and economic development, including the global movement for reparatory justice.

A standout example of this cultural celebration was the Villa Primary School’s Likkle Man Pelle Black Heritage Month Calypso Competition. Now in its sixth year, the event honored the legacy of Likkle Man Pelle, a prolific writer who mentored numerous student artists and contributed significantly to Antigua’s calypso culture. The ABRSC was proud to support this initiative and awarded the 2025 Calypso Monarch, Jaedah ‘Sweet Melody’ Baird, with a brand-new keyboard to aid in her musical development. The Commission also congratulates all nine contestants for their outstanding performances and their ability to meaningfully present themes of Black history and reparatory justice. Special recognition is also extended to Richie Francisfor his continued dedication as a writer and mentor to young calypsonians.

Throughout February, several schools engaged in Black Heritage Month festivities, including cultural displays and African Dress Day. As part of these observances, ABRSC members Joy Lawrence and Dr. Lenworth Johnson made presentations to Grades 5 and 6 students at Villa Primary School during their Heritage Day, where she also presented a copy of her book, The People’s Point. Lawrence also addressed students at Glanvilles Secondary School, sharing insights on the history of Bethesda and its surrounding areas. Meanwhile, Mr. Regis Burtonengaged students at Sir Novelle Richards Academy, fostering discussions on Black heritage and the ongoing reparations movement.

Chairman of the ABRSC, Ambassador Dorbrene O’Marde stated, “we too honour the statement that every month is Black History month but eagerly embrace the opportunity of a month-long concentrated exposure to and interpretation of our past history. Too many of us do not use our history to inform present thinking and planning for the future. We hope observations such as Black History Month and our Emancipation Watchnight and Africa-CARICOM celebrations can help us keep racial pride burning and place us firmly in the considerations of a regional Caribbean and a global Africa.’

The ABRSC remains committed to fostering awareness and education on the historical and cultural contributions of Africans and their descendants, ensuring that the dialogue on reparatory justice continues to be an integral part of national consciousness.