"We have cracks but we are not a broken society," declared Dr Orville Taylor at the launch of Emancipation Jubilee 2008 held at Devon House in Kingston last Thursday.

It was a perfect charge going into the celebration of everything Jamaican, as Taylor gave many reasons for Jamaicans to be proud and to cherish their super-rich legacy. He highlighted the many strengths of the country including its athletes, artistes and musicians. Unlike many Rastafarian who have chanted time and time again about repatriation, Taylor was emphatic in his commitment, "I will not go back! I'm reaffirming my Jamaicanness, no disrespect to the Rastas," he stressed.

By the time the guest speaker was through one had the feeling they had just gone through a motivational session as he gave many reasons to go into the emancipation celebration with pride.

The 12th staging of Emancipation Jubilee 2008 will take place at the Seville Heritage Park in St Ann on Thursday, July 31. The event is being held in celebration of the African ancestors on the grounds of the Seville Great House.

This year's Emancipation Jubilee, which is being held under the theme 'Passage To Freedom', will see an exciting mix of old and new. The old will be represented in the traditional performances of the Kumina and Dinki Mini groups and the 'chocolate tea' that has become a staple for patrons as they sip from the enamel mugs - some older than the event if one were to judge from their appearances over the years.

Among the new, will be the day and night version of the event to accommodate more of an educational aspect. Activities planned for the afternoon include: storytelling by veteran storyteller Amina Blackwood Meeks; a dramatisation of the story of enslavement and journey to freedom as scripted by the Dramatic Arts Dept of the EXED Community College. There will also be numerous exhibitions on the grounds of the Seville plantation house, all highlighting aspects of the heritage.

At midnight, a dramatic reading of the Emancipation Proclamation will take place, followed by live performances featuring Queen Ifrica, Judy Mowatt and others backed by the Live Wyaa Band.

Persons who look forward to the traditional folk forms will get their fill with the Port Morant Kumina group from St Thomas who will take them through till daylight.

The Emancipation Jubilee is the coming together of traditional folk forms in celebration of the African ancestors. The aim is to educate Jamaicans about various aspects their cultural heritage in a colourful package and relaxed atmosphere.

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