Jubilee

On October 24, 1964, Zambia officially gained independence from the United Kingdom. This lead an end to an oppressive political regime that included a hut tax, in which the colonial government taxed the local people, which in essence forced them to work in order to pay off the tax. Round about or not, this was slavery.

So this October 24^th, 2014, marking the fiftieth year of Zambian independence was special indeed. It celebrated the successful fight to end that oppression fifty years ago and it celebrated a joyful people, proud and empowered, looking toward the future.

For the past two weeks, King David School has spent one to two hours every day preparing for an Independence Day Celebration that occurred on Thursday, the 24^th. Between all grade levels, there was line dancing, traditional dancing, breakdancing, songs, poems, dramas, modeling, and even a Mr. and Miss Independence Competition!

My 8^th graders did a spectacular job performing a poem I wrote for them! Here is the text:

Independence Song

This is the day the nation was born.

This is the day Rhodesia was torn.

A colony gone, now Zambia stood.

Her people rejoiced as all people should.

That big, big day was fifty years ago,

Look around and see what it shows:

A kind, friendly people with peace in their hearts,

Nshima on their fires; they surely look smart.

The beat of a drum and some clapping of hands,

Starts a song, long and strong, sung all through the land.

“We are independent today and in the future to come.

“Let us spread freedom for all and not just for some.”

“We are a family today, now and forever.

“We take care of each other. May hate happen never.

“May each know their worth and follow their dream.

“Fifty years together has made us a team.”

                                   Grade 8 performing at the all school event on October, 23rd.

After a successful day of celebrating with students on Thursday, I decided on Friday morning that I would take up the invitation of my fellow YAV, Devin, and travel to  her compound to spend the night and take part in the official Jubilee Celebrations at the newly built Heroes Stadium. I was nervous because that meant on a long mini-bus ride (by myself!) on what I thought would be an extremely busy and crowded day! After only getting on the wrong bus once (ha!) I made it to an indeed busy and crowded Mandevu, where I met both Devin and Rebecca. Later in the day we each donned a unique Jubilee chitenges (wrap skirts) and made our way into the Independence fray. Needless to say, three white women in African garb attracted a lot, A LOT, of attention and we had to dodge face painters who were determined to give Devin tattoos. We finally made it into the newly-opened stadium which we have admired many times from afar since coming to Zambia.

The place was packed and we didn’t exactly know where to go, so after much wandering and a sorry attempt at sitting on scorching hot stadium seats (the African sun, I’m telling you…) we stood and watched the country’s military spell out the words like “Jubilee” on the field and then demonstrate their fighting skills. My favorite part was when a solider that had fallen from the fake gunfire had his close up on the jumbotron, and just as our sympathies were being drawn out in full force, the “dead” solider opened his eyes to survey the area. The entire stadium found this extremely entertaining. The other highlight was seeing the first President of Zambia, Kenneth Kaunda, from afar. No matter his politics, he was an important leader and it is amazing to say I was with him celebrating the Independence he brought about.

I feel extremely honored to not only have witnessed this historic event, but really be a player in its celebration as I danced and sung with my students and with Zambians on the streets of Lusaka. I pray and hope for so many good things for this country. To the next fifty years and beyond!