Culture Minister has high expectations for ADHT conference

The late Honourable David H. Allen, J.P. M.P. had a vision as Minister of Tourism to bequeath an enduring legacy, the flame of which would burn brightly long after he departed – namely the development of the African Diaspora Heritage Trail (ADHT).

The ADHT conference has become far more than was originally envisioned and is now becoming the central forum for people of the African Diaspora worldwide to connect and share their stories. It is linking countries around the world through heritage, arts, culture, history and the slave trade. It is reconnecting the descendants of millions of enslaved Africans that were sent across the Indian and Atlantic Ocean, by creating links to their homeland through tourism, pilgrimage and shared history.

As the Minister of Community and Cultural Development it is incumbent on me to preserve and promote our cultural heritage.

The Trail is an important part of Bermuda’s history and we have a cornucopia of ADHT sites in every parish in Bermuda, including a number of gems such as Tucker House Museum in St. George, Pilot House in St. David’s and Commissioners House, at the Royal Naval Dockyard, to name but a few.

Also, aspects of the history, customs, culture and experiences of slaves and their descendants in Bermuda have been officially designated by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as part of the Slave Route Project and therefore must be preserved.

There is a lot that can be gleaned from learning about our roots and celebrating where we came from – and I truly believe this contributes to who we are as a people.

What makes this year’s conference particularly special is the fact that the African Diaspora Heritage Trail conference is being held for the first time in the United States in Lafayette, Louisiana.

The African Diaspora was one of the largest diasporas in history, much of which took place as a result of the Transatlantic slave trade, which saw the displacement of black Africans all over the world – including Bermuda and the United States. So it appears poetic justice that one of the largest destinations for the African diaspora will now be hosting the African Diaspora Heritage Trail Conference this year!

I am quite sure our former Minister of Tourism – David Allen, who had a vision for the world to have an appreciation for the heritage of Africa and the African diaspora, would be quite thrilled at the prospect that the ADHT Bermuda Foundation would be held at place where a vibrant culture, much like our own, is often celebrated.

It should be noted that Louisiana Creole culture is both black and French in heritage and that Creoles are among a rich cultural heritage of people and the word Creole had its origin in Africa, including Senegal and Mali.  This mixed lineage resembles our own diverse, rich blend of cultures. And it is fitting then that the theme for this year’s Conference is “The Journey of the Creole: Seeking Their Promised Land.”

I am very pleased to note that the African Diaspora Heritage Trail has grown in stature and significance internationally and that so far ADHT conferences have been held in Africa, the Caribbean and Canada.

In conclusion, it is my hope and expectation, that the ADHT conference in Louisiana will be a great success and just as importantly, an opportunity for people to explore their connections to the African Diaspora.