The term "Maafa" is Kiswahili for "terrible occurrence" or "reoccurring disaster" and has been used to describe the European slave trade or the Middle Passage. The term "Maafa" also references the Black Holocaust historically and presently. In the San Francisco Bay Area, October is Maafa Awareness Month--it is a time to reflect on the legacy of slavery: victims and beneficiaries in the short and long term and look at ways to mend, repair and heal the damage to Pan African descendants of the enslaved and their New Afrikan societies.
The toll has been tremendous: psychological, economic, social, physical, emotional and spiritual. The Maafa ritual, October 10, 2010, is an honoring of our past and a prayer for our future. All black people are invited to come and share in this time of remembrance. We ask for this one event, those who support the well-being of black people respect our desires about the commemoration ceremony and mourning ritual.
Attendees are encouraged to wear white, to dress warmly, bring their children, flowers for the ceremony, vegan or vegetarian breakfast items to share afterwards, (along with dishes to serve them on), hot beverages and cups, drums, chekeres, rattles, and positive energy. Fire wood is useful for the bonfires Sunday morning.
The organizers will not be responsible for security if attendees decide to spend the night. If anyone needs a ride or can pick someone up please call (641) 715-3900 ext. 36800#. All donations are tax deductible and checks can be made out to: Wo'se House of Amen Ra and mailed to: Maafa San Francisco Bay Area, P.O. Box 30756, Oakland, CA 94604. Check our blog and calendar (www.maafasfbayarea.com)
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
641) 715-3900 ext. 36800# mail@maafasfbayarea.com, or visit www.maafasfbayarea.com
Photo credit: Alan Kimara Dixon Maafa 2009
