{"id":7551,"date":"2024-02-21T09:24:34","date_gmt":"2024-02-21T13:24:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/barbados.org\/blog\/?p=7551"},"modified":"2024-02-26T09:05:10","modified_gmt":"2024-02-26T13:05:10","slug":"sankofa-pilgrimage-to-barbados","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/barbados.org\/blog\/sankofa-pilgrimage-to-barbados\/","title":{"rendered":"Sankofa Pilgrimage to Barbados"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Historical ties between Barbados and Liberia will be celebrated and strengthened in May 2024, with a Back2Barbados pilgrimage to Barbados by Liberians with roots on the island. This is a story of exploitation<\/strong>, resilience<\/strong>, and the ultimate triumph of freedom<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Historical Ties<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Timeline<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The relationship between the island of Barbados and the African continent traces back to the mid-17th century with the transporting of enslaved Africans<\/strong> to the Caribbean islands by Europeans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By the late 17th century, Barbados was one of the major destinations for enslaved persons, with sugar production driving the demand for labor in the British colony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The abolition of the slave trade<\/strong> in 1807 marked the official end of the horrendous transatlantic slave trade throughout the British Empire, including to Barbados. However slavery itself was not abolished until 1834, with full emancipation<\/strong> granted in 1838.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1865 approx. 50 families, totaling 346 persons, made the momentous journey back to the continent from Barbados – this time a journey of choice and freedom<\/strong> made by descendants of enslaved Africans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These Barbadian migrants contributed to the cultural and social fabric of Liberia during its formative years. In fact two of Liberia\u2019s presidents – Arthur Barclay and Edwin Barclay – were of Barbadian descent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Pilgrimage Back To Barbados<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In May 2024, Barbados will welcome Liberians and other Africans of Barbadian ancestry for a special Sankofa pilgrimage<\/strong>. The event promises to strengthen ties, raise awareness, and celebrate the 159th<\/sup> anniversary of the Barbadian settlers journey to Liberia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Fittingly the pilgrimage takes place during the Season of Emancipation<\/strong><\/a>, a time of reflection, education, and celebration commemorating the end of slavery in Barbados.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While in Barbados, visitors will trace their genealogical ties to Barbados, visit historical sights on the island, and celebrate our shared heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Sankofa” represents the importance of learning from the past, understanding your roots and history, and using that knowledge to guide and shape the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Follow the Pilgrimage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Visit back2barbados.com<\/strong><\/a> for up to date information on the pilgrimage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sights of Interest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Rock Hall Freedom Village<\/a>: site of the first freehold village created by former slaves in 1841.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Newton Slave Burial Ground<\/a>: the largest and earliest slave burial ground discovered in Barbados.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emancipation Statue<\/a>: symbolizing the breaking of the chains of slavery at Emancipation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Monument to the Barbadian Family<\/a>: following the Barbadian Family\u2019s journey, past and present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Golden Square Freedom Park<\/a>: a place for reflection, education and agitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Golden<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Island Tours<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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