We Recognize Our Afro Roots
Saturday 28 July 2018
The Antonio Ricaurte school, headquarters of Pies Descalzos in Quibdó, actively joined the national recognition of Afro-Colombianness. Every May 21, the anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the country is remembered. We celebrate THE FREEDOM OF THE AFRO PEOPLE and their struggle to get it.
The activities took place in the school’s headquarters. In one, the students chose African people to portray. For this, the students had to take into account the way the people dress and dance and their songs and cultural expressions in general. It was also proposed that the students prepare typical dishes from the Chocó region such as rice, cod and enyucados, among others. The children also explained a little of the history of each town, as well as its importance in the development of society.
During the activities, the attendees could observe and recognize the history behind the Afro-Colombian hairstyles that are observed in the region. The importance of herbal doctors for many inhabitants of the region was also discussed. The students also had an opportunity to experience dances and music such as the chirimia, representative of the afro people. The importance of illustrious figures at the local level was also highlighted, such as the founder of the Chocó Technological University “Diego Luis Córdoba.” Of course internationally known figures such as Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, Malcom X, and others who have made a great contribution in the struggle and freedom of the Afro people were also discussed.
