“Sound Di Abeng: An Evening of Reasoning with Chief Richard Currie”

Jamaican Accompong Maroon Chief Richard Currie (Contributed)

Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, in partnership with the State of Accompong, is honored to announce a historic event featuring a first-ever presentation by a Jamaican Accompong Maroon Chief in the United States. Chief Richard Currie, the Paramount Chief of the Cockpit Country, will be the key presenter for “Sound Di Abeng: An Evening of Reasoning with Chief Richard Currie,” providing an unprecedented opportunity to engage with the rich heritage and culture of the Maroons.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, May 25, 2024

• Time: 3:00 PM

• Venue: Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, 8000 W. Broward Blvd, Suite 1202, Plantation, FL 33388

• Registration: www.islandspacefl.org/maroontalk

Chief Currie, a prominent leader and advocate for Indigenous rights, is eager to share insights into the unique culture of the Maroons with the Caribbean diaspora and the wider community. The event will include a panel discussion moderated by Dutty Bookman (@duttybookman) featuring esteemed Indigenous persons, including Dr. Ben Yisrael (@halleluyahlifestyle), who will delve into Maroon history and their ongoing relevance, addressing both the challenges and achievements of the Accompong Maroons.

The evening will explore:

• The Rich History of the Maroons in the Caribbean: The Maroons are descendants of enslaved Africans who escaped from plantations and formed independent communities. Notably, the Jamaican Maroons are renowned for their resistance against British colonization, leading to the signing of a peace treaty in 1739 which granted them autonomy and land.

• Correcting the Narrative: The panel will focus on rectifying misconceptions about the Moors/Maroons, emphasizing their significant contributions to the cultural and historical landscape of the Caribbean.

• Vision for the Future: Chief Currie will outline his vision for strengthening relationships within local and international Indigenous communities through cultural exchange and empowerment initiatives.

Island SPACE Caribbean Museum is committed to preserving and promoting Caribbean culture and is thrilled to host this groundbreaking event. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to meet Chief Currie, engage in enlightening discussions, and partake in a cultural experience like no other.

Island SPACE co-founder David I. Muir remarked, “This event is an unprecedented milestone for Island SPACE and the Maroon community, providing a platform to educate and engage with our diaspora and allies. We aim to foster understanding and build bridges between our past, present and future.”

Interested parties can learn more and reserve their spot at www.islandspacefl.org/maroontalk.

About Island SPACE

Island Society for the Promotion of Artistic and Cultural Education (Island SPACE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of arts, culture, history, and educational initiatives that represent the Caribbean region, in South Florida and the broader diaspora. The public is invited to visit the Caribbean museum Thursdays through Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m. and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. General museum entry is $10 per adult and $5 per child. Contact museum@islandspacefl.org or call 954-999-0989, or visit islandspacefl.org to learn more.

About Accompong

Accompong is an autonomous Maroon community located in the Cockpit Country of Jamaica. Known for its rich history and cultural heritage, Accompong continues to celebrate and preserve the traditions of the Maroon people while advocating for indigenous rights and sustainable development.

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