The journey began in Aberdeen, a neighbourhood in the country’s capital of Freetown, travelling 5 km through the city to the House of Representatives and the Office of the President. Following its visit here, the Baton was brought to the historic site of the Cotton Tree.
The Cotton Tree, a large and ancient kapok tree, is an important symbol for the city of Freetown with links to the first modern settlers of the city. Having gained freedom from slavery, these early settlers marked their arrival in Sierra Leone with a moment of prayer and reflection at the site, which remains a popular place for prayer today.
After visiting Sierra Leone’s most famous landmark, the Baton continued to travel through the city, where performers, musicians, and hoop dancers took to the streets to celebrate the Baton’s arrival, showcasing the vibrant culture of Sierra Leone.
Day two got started in Sussex Village, where Her Majesty The Queen once visited in 1961. The Baton was then carried to York Village, an area that holds historical significance as the village is one of the locations where enslaved persons were kept in the 17th century, but also where free men and women settled in 1824.
The Baton also visited Kent Village, where local historian Taimu A. Turay spoke passionately about the significance of the Baton’s visit and the history of the village. Standing on a boat and holding the Baton, Turay explored the historic significance of the area, which was once used as a slave port, but is now a fishing port for the local area. Linking the present with the past, he described the role enslaved persons had played in clearing the passage for boats, now used for the fishing port. In closing his address, Turay led the crowd in a rendition of a song that used to be sung to mark the passage and return of enslaved persons. It was important for both Birmingham 2022 and the Sierra Leone Commonwealth Games Association to visit these villages to recognise and respect the history of slavery
That night, a closing ceremony was held at Benguma Military Training Centre.
The Queen’s Baton Relay’s next stop is Ghana on 26 October. To stay up to date with the Queen’s Baton Relay and everything else Birmingham 2022 related, follow @birminghamcg22 across social media.
