This archive report was first published on 7 August 2019.
On August 6, 2019, President Uhuru Kenyatta and Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness launched celebrations to mark the International Decade of People of African Descent in Kingston, Jamaica.
The event, held at the Jamaica National Stadium, coincided with Jamaica's 57th independence anniversary and the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Africans in the Americas.
Thousands of enthusiastic Jamaicans attended the colourful ceremony, which featured presentations of songs and dances from the Americas, paying homage to Africa and its rich cultural heritage.
President Kenyatta, the chief guest at the event, said he was honoured to represent the African continent at the launch of the important celebrations.
"It gives me great pleasure to declare Jamaica's commemorations to mark the United Nations Decade for People of African Descent officially open," President Kenyatta said.
Prime Minister Holness announced that Jamaica will host several events over the next year to celebrate the decade, culminating on August 6, 2020.
The launch of the celebrations also coincided with the centenary of the Black Star Liner, ships that were to be used to repatriate Africans in the diaspora back to the continent.
