Location: Kingston, Georgetown
Classification: Commemorative Monument
Period/ Year Built: 1974
Historical Background / Description:
The African Liberation Monument is located on High Street, Kingston, Georgetown in the compound of Umana Yana. The monument pays homage to those who had endured and continues to struggle for their freedom from human bondage. It was unveiled on August 26, 1974, on ‘Namibia Day’ (also known as Hero’s Day, a public holiday observed by the south-western country of Namibia) by President Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham as Guyana’s way of showcasing its support towards the liberation movement that was developing in the continent of Africa.
Designed by Guyanese architect Mr. George Henry, the monument originally consisted of five polished bull-forehead greenheart poles cast in quartz stone of varying elevations. The varying heights of the poles signify individuals of different age groups involved and affected by the movement for liberation. The poles were refurbished on a few occasions, the most recent being in 2016. The African Liberation Monument was gazetted as a National Monument in April, 2001.
