GREAT BAY--The courage and resistance of St. Martin's enslaved African ancestors will take center stage on Wednesday, November 11, when Conscious Lyrics Radio Magazine presents its 11th Annual St. Martin Day Special, a ten-hour broadcast dedicated to the island's history, cultural identity, struggles and achievements.
The special program, scheduled to air from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on SOS Radio 95.9 FM, will be held under the theme "Work Free, Done!", drawing attention to the historical significance of the declaration preserved through St. Martin's traditional Ponum song and dance.
According to the organizers, this year's broadcast will place particular emphasis on the determination of enslaved Africans to resist slavery, defend their dignity and demand freedom, despite the severe consequences they faced for challenging the system.
The words "Work Free, Done!" represent a declaration of resistance against forced labor and the exploitation of enslaved people, reflecting the determination of those who refused to accept the continued denial of their freedom and humanity.
The program will revisit the historical circumstances surrounding emancipation in French Saint-Martin in 1848, while examining the experiences of enslaved Africans whose resistance and struggle for freedom helped shape the island's history.
The organizers emphasized that St. Martin's past should not be understood solely through the history of European colonization, plantations and slavery, but also through the courage, survival and resistance of the African men and women who challenged those conditions.
Particular attention will be given to the Ponum Dance and its importance as a cultural expression connecting present-day generations with the experiences and struggles of their ancestors.
The annual radio marathon will feature a combination of historical discussions, poetry, music, interviews, commentary and reflections on the development of St. Martin society.
Through these presentations, Conscious Lyrics Radio Magazine intends to explore the relationship between the island's past and present, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural traditions and passing historical knowledge to younger generations.
An important feature of the broadcast will be the inclusion of archival recordings and the voices of individuals who have since passed away but whose contributions, experiences and memories remain part of St. Martin's cultural heritage.
These recordings will provide listeners with an opportunity to reconnect with community figures whose personal accounts and perspectives offer insight into the island's social and cultural development.
The organizers noted that historical knowledge is preserved not only through official records and written documents, but also through oral traditions, music, storytelling, cultural practices and the memories of ordinary people.
By returning these voices to the airwaves, the program seeks to introduce new generations to individuals who contributed to the development of the island and to encourage greater appreciation for their experiences.
The St. Martin Day special will also highlight the island's shared identity and the importance of maintaining cultural connections across both sides of St. Martin.
Under the message "One Island, One People, One Destiny," the program will encourage reflection on the history, traditions and values that connect the island's communities.
The organizers hope that the anniversary broadcast will encourage residents to consider the sacrifices made by earlier generations and the responsibility of preserving their stories for the future.
The 11th Annual St. Martin Day Special will air Wednesday, November 11, from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on SOS Radio 95.9 FM.
