Reel News TT Exclusive: “ESCTT Kadija Dyer” Celebrating the Rise of Africanism in Trinidad & Tobago
Interviewer: Keturah Lewis, Host of Reel News TT
Location: Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain, Trinidad
Event: Opening of Emancipation Celebrations 2024
Embracing African Heritage
Kadija Dyer, Program Officer of the Emancipation Support Committee of Trinidad and Tobago (ESCTT), exudes pride and enthusiasm as she speaks about the significant cultural shift observed over the past decade. During her interview with Reel News TT’s Katurah Lewis at the opening of this year’s Emancipation Celebrations, Kadija emphasized the resurgence of Africanism among people of African descent in Trinidad and Tobago.
“Over the past ten years, we’ve seen a remarkable increase in the embrace of African identity,” Kadija began, her eyes shining with conviction. “People are now more comfortable in their own skin, celebrating their black image with pride and confidence.”
The Shift in Beauty Standards
One of the key indicators of this cultural renaissance, Kadija pointed out, is the noticeable change in beauty standards. “Hairdressers across the nation are receiving numerous requests for locs and braids,” she explained. “There’s a visible decrease in the demand for relaxers, which reflects a broader acceptance and celebration of natural hair.”
Objectives of the ESCTT
Kadija attributes this positive shift to the dedicated efforts of the ESCTT. “Our objectives have always centered around promoting African culture and identity, and it’s heartening to see these objectives bearing fruit,” she said. “The increase in Africanism is a testament to the effectiveness of our initiatives.”
A Vibrant Marketplace
This year’s Emancipation Celebrations have attracted a wide variety of vendors from across the globe, enriching the cultural tapestry of the event. Kadija highlighted the presence of vendors from Jamaica and Ghana, who bring with them a diverse array of goods and cultural artifacts. “It’s amazing to see the international participation. We have vendors who have been coming for over twenty years, consistently contributing to the vibrancy of our celebrations,” she said.
Reiterating the Narrative
Throughout the interview, Kadija repeatedly emphasized the growing comfort and pride among people of African descent. She believes that highlighting this narrative is crucial in reinforcing the progress made and inspiring further growth. “It’s important for us to keep sharing this story,” she asserted. “The more we celebrate our African heritage, the stronger our community becomes.”
Honoring Women and Celebrating Queen Omega
A special highlight of this year’s festival is the honoring of women who have made significant contributions to the cultural and artistic landscape of Trinidad & Tobago. Among the honorees is the Trinidad & Tobago reggae icon, Queen Omega. Kadija expressed her excitement about this recognition. “Queen Omega’s impact on reggae music and her advocacy for African culture have been profound. It is only fitting that we honor her contributions during this celebration of our heritage.”
A Vibrant Celebration
As the interview progressed, the festive atmosphere at Queen’s Park Savannah provided a vibrant backdrop. The Emancipation Celebrations, with their colorful displays of African art, music, and dance, perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the movement. Kadija expressed her joy at witnessing such a lively and inclusive celebration of African culture.
“Events like this are vital in fostering a sense of unity and pride within our community,” she said. “They provide a platform for us to showcase our rich heritage and connect with our roots.”
Looking Ahead
Looking to the future, Kadija remains optimistic. She envisions continued growth in the embrace of Africanism, driven by ongoing education and cultural initiatives. “We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I’m confident that we’re on the right path,” she concluded. “Our community is strong, and together, we will continue to celebrate and elevate our African identity.”
Interviewer’s Note: Kadija Dyer’s passion for her work and dedication to promoting African culture is truly inspiring. Her words resonate deeply, reflecting the profound impact of the ESCTT’s efforts on the cultural landscape of Trinidad and Tobago.
