50 years ago, on February 26^th 1970, around 200 students from The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine campus marched to Port of Spain, arriving at the Canadian High Commission and Royal Bank of Canada to protest the racism against Caribbean students at Sir George Williams University in Montreal, Canada. As the numbers of protesters grew, the movement continued to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, which was deemed an overarching institution of the “white power structure”. They shouted, “Power to the people!” as they adorned the statues of the church in black cloths and perched a sign saying “Freedom Now!” in the arms of one statue.

The Commemorative March & Gathering of the 50^th Anniversary of 1970 Uprising was held in Woodford Square yesterday, to honour this notorious period in Trinidad and Tobago history. The event was well-attended by those who marched 50 years ago and those still involved in the movement to this day, such as Former chairman of the Emancipation Support Committee Khafra Kambon, current chairman of the Emancipation Support Committee Zakiya Uzoma-Wadada, Former chairman of the National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago Dr. Winston Suite, Director of Cross Rhodes Freedom Project Shabaka Kambon, Political Leader of the Movement for Social Justice David Abdulah, Dr. Claudius Fergus, Eintou Pearl Springer, Senator Taharqa Obika and others to honour and remember the movement.

Keep up with the National Trust as we cover and highlight pivotal moments in Black Power History. Stay tuned for more information on our events that will be held in honour of the 50^th anniversary of Black Power Movement.

Reference: Trinidad Express

Photo Credits: Leslie-Ann Paul

Author: 

Maya Doyle

Research Officer