MAAFA 2009
Maafa 2009 was chillier than usual, but our hearts were certainly no less warmed by the ancestors’ tight embrace. As supplicants made their way through the Middle Passage to the Wolosodon rhythms, the slave march through the Doors of No Return to the beach where each person held a piece of string—symbolic of a connection…a philosophical connection to the homeland, family and history. It was really beautiful as we sang the Mbongi song from the Kikongo tradition, Wolosodon from the Bambara or Mali Kingdom, then prayed in Yoruba and Shona with an English translation. As we stood turned in the four scared directions, spirit grabbed Mama Geri and Mama Ayanna…we had service that morning on the beach as winds whipped our faces, tears dried before they left one’s eyes. There were many new faces and the feeling was certainly reverent and celebratory. We were all thankful to the ancestors for the day and the life and the company and the spirit. Visit www.maafasfbayarea.com to see photos and reflections as they become available.

Photo credit: Copyright 2009 Sara Marie Prada, All Rights Reserved