Celebrating Jamaican Independence
This article will take approximately 2 minutes to read
Published 3 Aug 2022 in Raising Awareness
Read our update today from EmbRACE working group member, Ben Johnson, who shares an insight into Jamaican independence day, which takes place on the 6th August every year!
What is Jamaica’s independence?
Jamaican Independence Day is arguably the biggest day in the country's history – it marks the Independence from the United Kingdom, which was first granted on August 6th, 1962. Which is now a national bank holiday and is a huge celebration. This year, the festivities are
going to be even bigger as Jamaicans across the globe celebrate 60 years of independence!
A Brief History Timeline
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1509: Jamaica became an imperial colony when Spain conquered the Island
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1655: British forces took the island and the British Empire claimed it.
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1728-1740: The Maroons of Jamaica fought back and won a war against British forces
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1795-1796: British forces came back and won the second war against the Maroons
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1800’s: Slavery was abolished and Jamaicans gained the right to vote!
20th century: Marcus Garvey promoted Black nationalism and became the most notable Black leader of his day. During the Great Depression, workers protested inequality and fought the authorities in Jamaica and other Caribbean colonies.
1943: labour leader Alexander Bustamante won an electoral victory and established a new, more liberal constitution. After World War II, Jamaican leaders developed the government structure to prepare for independence.
1962: Bustamante’s party won the election and he became prime minister. That same year, the UK Parliament officially granted Jamaica independence, and Bustamante became the independent country’s first prime minister.
2022: Jamaica remove Queen Elizabeth as the head of state ahead of the 60th Anniversary of Independence.
Celebration of Jamaican Independence Day
Independence day typically starts off with the flag-raising ceremony to honour how far Jamaica has come and includes a Grand Gala where there are hundreds of performers and a vibrant float parade. This year, the festival will also include the Jamaica 60 Film Festival, street dancing, and so much more!
How you can get involved!
The West Midlands has the second highest population of people of Jamaican decent in the UK and as a result Jamaican independence is celebrated annually throughout the city centre (Victoria Square). Food and drink stalls can be found in abundance along with the carnival-esc atmosphere typically associated with the Jamaican islands.
For more information click here or Google ‘Jamaican Independence events’