Freedom Schooner Amistad left Freetown several months ago, but her spirit is still present there.   

The Lantern Parade Festival In Sierra Leone (history) in the capital, Freetown, on Saturday, 26 April, celebrates its 47th Anniversary of Independence from British rule. Sierra Leone, a country that has suffered an eleven-year civil war, is back on its feet and back in business. 

This parade was viewed by his Excellency the Vice President of Sierra Leone, Government ministers, the Mayor of Freetown, and other important Sierra Leoneans in public offices. There were very impressive lanterns, from the British handing over power, to other historic legacies, such as Amistad, the story of Sengbe Pieh and fifty-two others who fought with their own hands to gain Freedom, Justice, and Equality. There were judges to decide the best lantern to climax the occasion.

Listen to Interview with Donald George (In Krio)
by DJ Hedd from African Diaspora Radio 

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This Lantern shows Queen Elizabeth handing over Sierra Leone to Sir Milton Margai in 1961, 47 years ago.

 This depicts the legendary Sengbe Pieh of Amistad.

 Many of the Lanterns depicted the Inauguration: This one shows Ernest Koroma taking the Salute after he was handed the Staff of Office.

 This depicts the theme of growing rice to feed ourselves. Farmers are shown as well as the growing rice.

DHL Couriers International also sponsored a Lantern and this depicts a DHL Plane bringing deliveries into the country.

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