On October 24th, I participated in a great Zambia tradition and celebration-Independence Day. Like Independence Day celebrations in the states, festivities usually take place outdoors with music and food. However, the traditional Zambian Independence Day makes me wish that America's took place during the school year, when all students could participate in traditional ceremonies.
Independence Day is a well-thought out celebration, with teachers organizing well in advance and pupils practicing performances for weeks. Mumena's celebration began with a speech from our Chief. He thanked the community for coming together and celebrating such an important event and gave a brief history of Zambia's struggle toward Independence.
On October 24th 1964, after years of struggle Northern Rhodesia, now Zambia, received its independence from Great Britain. This was due to the freedom fighter Kenneth Kaunda and his followers. This was no easy feat. Prior to gaining independence, Zambia spent many years of oppression and racism by many "whites." Zambians had to purchase items in a store window because they were not allowed to enter shops and many were forced into slavery and harsh working conditions.
Luckily, things have gotten much better and October 24th is a grand reason to celebrate. I spent the day learning about the history of their struggles by watching a skit and slam poetry, listened to the most beautiful school choir I've ever heard, and witnessed cultural dances that made my eyes swell up in tears. The cultural dance involved young girls dressed in cultural clothing, a lot of hip shaking, tribal music, and even one young girl being hoisted up on long wooden boards, dancing over the heads of the men lifting her. My words could never really do the visual justice though.
Teachers, parents, political figureheads, and the majority of students attended this event. And after hours of celebration the guests and even the pupils feasted on goat, nshima (Zambia's staple food, a thick corn porridge), and cabbage. Needless to say, the event was quite possibly the most entertaining thing that I've been a part of. There isn't a movie or amusement park that could rival the experience that I was proud to be apart of today.
Gracie Geremia is a Peace Corps volunteer and past Lovelock Relay for Life community coordinator for the American Cancer Society. She is now on a 27-month assignment in Zambia, Africa. The Lovelock Correctional Center sends occasional care packages to Geremia. To be part of this package program contact Lt. Olivas at 273-4279 or donations can be dropped at the LCC gatehouse. The Lovelock Review-Miner will publish periodic updates of her adventures in Africa.
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