Maroon Festival experience has Dr Umar Johnson wanting more
Published:Monday | January 8, 2024 | 12:11 AMNatrawn Wright/Gleaner Writer
Controversial American motivational speaker, psychologist, and Pan-Africanist Dr Umar Johnson has vowed to return after an intensely moving experience attending the Accompong Maroon Festival for the first time.
Speaking briefly at the First Indigenous Symposium and Linkup, at the Maroon enclave in St Elizabeth on Saturday, Johnson, who was on his second visit to the area, said he felt overwhelmed while making the trek to pay respects to the ancestors.
“It’s my first time here at the Maroon festival, but it won’t be the last time. I’m glad to be here, so many ancestors from Jamaica, so many good vibes I could barely contain myself coming up here a few minutes ago,” Johnson said. “So I’m just glad to be here with you all, and I look forward to spending the entire weekend here. In those words of the Most Honourable Marcus Mosiah Garvey, ‘Up, up, up, you mighty race and accomplish what you will’. Black Power.”
Johnson is widely known on social media for his afrocentric focus and controversial views on issues, most notably his condemnation of homosexuality and interracial relationships.
Accompong was abuzz with a unique cultural fervour during the annual festival, which culminated with the highly anticipated ceremony commemorating the 286th year of the signing of the Windward Maroon Treaty, which ended 84 years of hostilities with the British.
The two-day festivities commenced on January 5 with a symposium consisting of delegates of AIDO Network International, His Highness Paul Jones Egana, Dr Hillary Brown, and Her Royal Majesty Queen Vickylextar, among others, who gathered to pay homage to the ancestors, and in support of Chief Richard Currie, the leader of Accompong in Jamaica’s Cockpit Country.
Momentous Day in J’can History
For advocates of peace, justice, and equality for the black race, as well as adherents to the teachings of Marcus Garvey, the occasion marked a momentous day in the documented history of Jamaica. Beyond the revelry, the celebrations served as a platform to spotlight the rich cultural heritage of the Accompong Maroons and foster a sense of unity.
The convergence of individuals dedicated to the legacy of empowering the black community highlighted the event’s significance and symbolised a collective commitment to upholding ideals that transcend geographical boundaries. Accompong Town not only celebrated history and culture, but exemplified a concerted effort to propel the legacy of those dedicated to empowering the black community. It stood as a testament to global unity, bringing people together in the shared spirit of camaraderie, and cultural heritage.