25th Annual MAAFA Commemoration San Francisco Bay Area Reflection, October 11, 2020

 Thanks to everyone who was able to attend the 25th Annual Maafa Commemoration San Francisco Bay Area in Zoom. The beach ceremony was by invitation. Here is a link to both events and a commentary on the first: Beautiful day!

Wanda Sabir Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, African Ancestor Ritual was really wonderful. We gathered early morning distanced so that we could keep each other safe. The beauty of the gathering evident in the patience and comradery, love and compassion. Youth helped with the altar this year, young women named for goddesses, MAAT and KALI and a young man accepted Brother Neter Aa Meri's call for assistance. We saw them take the food to the ocean, distribute flowers to those assembled along with candles and other items. As they ate the potatoes, rice and other items, I recalled years past when I'd arrive at 4 AM as Neter Aa Meri was building the altar and explained the various items on the table as I tried to name all the images in the backdrop poster.

 King Theo led a wonder Holistic African Movement, preceded by Brother Dar's lovely rendition of Negro Spirituals such as Many Thousands Gone and Old Freedom. Uncle Bobby and Sister Beatrice joined Sister Wanda Sabir in recalling the largest Slave Revolt in US History in January 1811 in Louisiana, just east of New Orleans. Last year, in November, hundreds of us gathered to reenact the March to New Orleans for Freedom. The morning wasn't as cold as the previous year. Anchoring the morning rituals were the spiritual crew from Wo'se Sacramento, with Ministers Alicia Teasley and Imhotep Alkebu-lan. They were a great team. One could feel the earth cracking open as Minister Imhotep walked the circle with the Unity cup inviting everyone to dip his or her hand into the liquid. I had on gloves and thought about viral transmission briefly as I complied.

 Lessons for future gatherings would include hand sanitizer for everyone and a hand washing station. We were distanced and Brother Che, lead officer in the Community Ready Corps and when available, founder, Turha Ak, have been volunteering security for MAAFA SF Bay for a number of year stressed the importance of wear masks and covering one's mouth and nose and distancing. Sunday there were four men securing the space for us. Brother Dar opened the Ritual with select Negro Spirituals, Many Thousands Gone with Oh Freedom. We liked it so much, we had him sing it again before the morning Ritual closed.

King Theo shared an African Holistic Movement that like every activity that morning, spoke to the themes: unity, sacred spirit, Sankofa and Ancestral wisdom. From the songs Minister Alkebulan had us singing to Min. Alicia's invocation to the creator, we were reminded that we are the medicine. The healing lies in each of us and in the collective application of the medicine. Wellness is communal.


The drummers were outstanding! The balance of the energies evident in the interplay. Ayikwei H T Scott's set up was unique. He had an array of percussion instrument enhanced electronically-- enabling his orchestral presence. Ava Square-Levias led us in movement which helped up located once again within our person our strength. She is one of my favorite choreographers, because she consistently lives the movement, that is, Black or African Liberation Movement as an embodiment.

 Oscar Grant's Uncle Bobby or Cephus X Johnson and Sister Beatrice joined me in remembering the Slave Rebellion Reenactment last year in November. It was Dread Scott's brainchild, to have a body of Africans dressed in period costumes March to Lew Orleans along the same path these Africans in January 1811 marched. Hundreds of us traveled from throughout the country to New Orleans where we met East along the River where the sugar plantations were located. Each morning over several days we met to pick up machetes, muskets or cane knives, eat breakfast and the board buses to take us to the site. We walked on levees along a road, the same trail of tears our ancestors whose names we called, marched for freedom-- our rallying cry, just as theirs, "Victory of Death." "On to New Orleans." "We're Going to End Slavery." NOLA was the political seat at that time, so the Africans were headed there to discuss their demands.

 Sister Beatrice said that even though this was a reenactment, most of us were not acting. It took several conversations for the white crew who didn't comprehend what African Americans present were reliving and the emotional toll this March to NOLA was creating. The two then began to call the names of people killed by police. Desmond Iman invited those present to release pent up emotions attached to anger and grief so that we could free ourselves. As he shared a personal story of loss he has carried since age 11 when his 11 year of cousin who lived in the south was a victim of racial terror.

We closed with a ringing of bells for the 400+1 years of African American history 1619-2020. The beach was empty almost to the end. We started a bit after 6 AM and ended at about 8. We went a bit over. The plan was to end at 7:15, sunrise.


The Ritual at the beach was by invitation to keep people safe. A few people showed up whom we did not know, but they were few. The commemoration was virtual this year.
Here is a link to both: Virtual 25th Annual MAAFA Commemoration Part II 


and Virtual 25th Annual MAAFA Commemoration Part I

Thanks to Brother Kwalin Kimathi who hosted the first program (as well as gave tech support as did Sister Koren Clark) and to Brotha Clint and Sister Afua who joined him in Zoom to talk about the MAAFA Tradition in the SF Bay. We also want to thank Melvin Phillips who videotaped for the livestream broadcast and thanks to Brother Che and the other men from Community Ready Corps for onsite security. 


Special thanks to King Theo Aytchan Williams, Iya Ava Square, Iya La Tanya Carmical, Ayikwe Scott, Baba Darinxoso Oyamasela, Mins. Alicia Teasley and Imhotep Alkebulan, Desmond Iman, Brother Neter Aa Meri and his assistants; Sistar Gwendolyn “Sunrise” Traylor; Brother Cephus “Uncle Bobby” Johnson, Sister Beatrice X Johnson. For the second part of the 25th Anniversary of MAAFA SF Bay Area, we want to thank Sister Karla Brundage for her tech support, Sister Koren Clark for tech support, Sister TaSin Sabir for her website and media development; Brother Mike Jackson, Montgomery MAAFA and ICCAAMP for his media support; and of course all the contributors to the Virtual 25th Annual MAAFA Commemoration in order of appearance: 

Sister Wanda Sabir, host; Sister Opal Palmer-Adisa, Ph.D.; Brotha Clint; Baba Kola Thomas; Seestah IMAKHÜS Njinga Okofu Ababio, Brother Alonzo “Zochi” Young, (Ethiopia); Iya Mahealani Uchiyama; Aishah Bashir and her mom: revered ancestor, Iya Jaquelyn Hadiah McLeod; Joan Tarika Lewis on her cousin, revered ancestor, Sister Makinya Kouyate; Baba Ustadi Kadiri & Sister Bisola Marignay on revered ancestor, Brother Tahuti; Ms. Nia McAllister; Sister Bisola Marignay, Ph.D.; Iya Queen Hollins, Earthlodge; Iya Osotunde aka Mama C (Tanzania); Kumasi-- Black Liberation Pledge; Dr. Francis Cress Welsing, MD., revered ancestor, “A Liberating Black People’s Prayer for Peace” (©1996); Ms. Koren Clark on her father, honored ancestor: Dr. Syed Malik al Khatib (1940-2014); Min. Alan Laird, M.Div; Baba Eddie Abrams -- Umoja House; Karla Brundage -- The Black Arts Movement; Min. Mxolisi, M.Div., Wo’se co-founder; Sister Piwai (Zimbabwe); Sister Omitola Akinwunmi (Uganda)—she will lead the Virtual Maafa Townhall Workshop 11/22, 2-4 in Zoom; Sistar Gwendolyn “SunRise” Traylor; Brother Mehib Holmes, Atlanta, GA; Sister Kharyshi Wiginton, “MeToo,” Texas; Brother Bryant Bolling and Sistar Zakiyyah Capehart-Bolling; Honored ancestor, John Coltrane for his “Love Supreme” -- and to all those who are a part of the MAAFA Commemoration SF Bay Area Global family. 


Don’t forget to visit the MAAFA SF Bay Area Boutique for gifts.

4th Sunday September Virtual MAAFA Townhall

 We are really excited to have Ms. Alita Henderson joining us to talk about her project: Say I Love You to Yourself. Ms. Henderson writes: "Taking the time to pause and reflect on your personal needs…your self-care needs is the reason I promote “Say I Love You To Yourself”.   I facilitate a safe space to engage in this work and help you get reacquainted with what nurtures and nourishes you.  This formula will be different for each of us. 

"The external forces of our society (institutional racism, the minor aggressions) that we normalize or internalize, negatively impact our whole person (mind, body & spirit). We must change this paradigm.  We must become the balm to our wounded souls. We must learn to speak healing over ourselves and to one another.  Learning to appreciate ourselves is the start of this healing path."  

Bring your pounding sticks. Ava will lead us in a song. 

Upcoming: October 25, 2-4 p.m., Iya Arisika Razak will host an ancestor meditation workshop. 

You can bring a person of African Ancestry to the meeting with you. Let me know the person's name and email address in advance. These events are free, but we ask for a donation for the facilitators. The 25th Annual MAAFA Commemoration is next month too. Sunday, Oct. 11, 11-1:30 PM PT we will have a Virtual MAAFA Commemoration Ritual broadcast via Zoom and maybe YouTube. I have attached a flier. The beach ceremony is by invitation only. You can watch this (6 AM PT- 7:15 AM PT) as well via Facebook.com/maafabayarea

Virtual Altar

Please add to the Virtual Altar. 

 

MAAFA San Francisco Bay Area Townhall July 26, 2020

 Topic: MAAFA San Francisco Bay Area Townhall

Start Time : Jul 26, 2020 01:33 PM

Meeting Recording:

https://cccconfer.zoom.us/rec/share/QSbGNZQG5OMQoo9aTPp1wx8es3dwEmNM52kj-vPqwgR0yMYpR6ZsJTKf9LH2kt54.yc1XF-53oiZzaxtJ

MAAFA San Francisco Bay Area Townhall, Sunday, August 23, 2020

Topic: MAAFA San Francisco Bay Area Townhall

Date: Aug 23, 2020 04:24 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Meeting Recording:

https://cccconfer.zoom.us/rec/share/nn2CIK6x4F2opsAv8lGLpZ3FHCAmfqNsu64v1Bm26w3nVYZIuFfr0ptIuQSDpDrZ.wmP0rXJGOvSKSQu0

MAAFA Virtual Townhall June 28, 2020

This month, the Virtual MAAFA Townhall featured, the film "Beah: A Black Woman Speaks," directed by LisaGay Hamilton (2003).  We followed the screening with a conversation with the director. One of the tasks we took on was to start a campaign to get HBO to re-release the film for
Beah Richards Centennial, Sunday, July 12, 2020. More will follow regarding this drive and how you can help. In the meantime, enjoy the conversation.

Audio transcript: 
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/rec/play/7pB-ce_5qzM3SdPGtASDVqR9W47uKf2shHQX-acFmkjnUnRQNFbyYLpAMbeCPWJRiW94oZyqMUUhPBhc

Video Recording:
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/rec/share/BQ2XpAGsWK00wEaUh5QKQeH7VBtdjIhE_oPzYChBlkk2OYho-kSfp6n-oWbt3EiT.XcsAkq1--2TQSfC5?startTime=1593387248000

Celebrating Beah Richards

https://youtu.be/2DnhAEgGxjo

MAAFA SF Bay Virtual Townhall May 24, 2020

Greetings Everyone:

Virtual Village: MAAFA Townhall Sunday, May 24, 2020 5-7:15 p.m. 

This is an invitation to our 4th Sunday MAAFA Virtual Townhall. It started last month and is an opportunity for those of us who honor African Ancestors and realize the untapped power that lies within reach to meet like-minded Black people. Black people who are positive, creative and determined and above all have faith in our victory.

There are presentations and breakout rooms for getting to know the people in the room. There are tasks or homework assigned in advance. This month we'll be starting to make a staff for our altars and talking more about altars.  There is a film and discussion. We will also have poetry and a dance demonstration and a song. I hope you can make it. Please dress comfortably so you can move if you want to participate. You can invite a friend, as long as the person is Black and/or indigenous African identified.

This space is for us exclusively.  If there are questions or you do not receive the password and event code, let me know. Register now, so that everything is worked out before Sunday. You know me, I will be crazy moments before and might miss your SOS (smile).

For some of you, I might have sent this to your Facebook account or emailed this information to you. This email is more detailed. I will follow up once your register with the final agenda. 

Peace and Blessings,

Wanda Sabir
Visit www.wandaspicks.com

Virtual Village: MAAFA Townhall Sunday, May 24, 2020 5-7:15 p.m.

Ground rules: Use your camera. We want to see you. This is a safe space for Black people. Black people are welcome. This is a space where love is a tangible expression. We call on our ancestors who love us, for strength, guidance, help, protection and safety. Collectively we honor those African men and women and children whose tenacity laid a foundation still holding us afloat now.

Please send me other values important to you.  I will add them to the list.

Program
Theme: Keep Walkin ’

1. MAAFA 2019 Slide show introduction as we assemble (Brother Anyika Nkululeko, 7 mins)

2. Libation (2-3) Min. Alicia Teasley, Wo’se Sacramento

3. Prayer (2-3) Min. Alicia Teasley, Wo’se Sacramento

4. MAAFA song (1-2) – Brotha Clint

5. First Break Out – What song makes you smile and why? Hum a few bars or sing a few lines (7-10 minutes)

6. “Sacred Space”(18:49 min) – film by Ava Square-LeVias about Queen Ifasade Hollins, founder Earthlodge Center for Transformation (20 + discussion) – 35-45 mins. minutes.  https://www.imdb.com/video/vi2816321049

Ava will continue and talk about her altar making process and staff. If you brought your materials, you can start making your staff as you listen. We hope to talk more about staffs and pounding sticks and stories in July with Melanie DeMore. (Still working out the details).

7. Breakout – How do you commit to your body and stay present? Share a grounding practice (7-10 minutes). 

Resources:
Grounding Stones: https://www.healing-crystals-for-you.com/grounding-stones.html

Meditation: https://earthingcanada.ca/grounding-meditation-techniques/

Root Chakra (trust, belonging) – https://holistickenko.com/7-chakras-and-body-health/

Grounding techniques: https://www.healthline.com/health/grounding-techniques


8. Habari Gani: What’s the word in the community (15 mins)

Mental Health
Health
Economics – work
Family
Education
Recreation

9. Meditation through Song (7 mins)
McCoy Tyner’s “Contemplation” (1967 The Real McCoy). Bisola Marignay sings Jean and Doug Carn recorded version (1973 LP Revelation on the BlackJazz label)

Soul in a restful place, peace when the day is ending.

I sit and I contemplate, and search my life from its very beginning.

Oh, oho,o,o oh. 

Come on in and get in line. 

Acknowledge the One that's most Subline!

You must find a way to get back home.

Sit down and work it out. See what it's all about.   

Search til you find true peace of mind.

You better strive on or you'll die hard,

and no one will shed a tear for a child of the Creator,

whose blinded by her own fear.

You are free from the day you're born. 

So, find a place of your own,

A place where you can survive,

A place to be alive!

Life is what you make it!  it's up to you how you want to take it!

True knowledge is free. Open your eyes and see.

Have faith in yourself. Be what you want to be,  

Contemplation!  Sweet meditation!

Some of you are disconsolate, Travel for you to relocate, leaving the other behind

What you do, what you see, and what you know, is all that you can use. 

Look at your mind and watch grow for a million years.

Well that is real to me. Your life is not short it's eternal you see. 

So, contemplate and find the key!

Please let my mind be free that my spirit alive might see, 

And go home in another place there to exist in the mist of God's Grace.

8. Closing Workshop: Ancestor Dance –Māhealani Uchiyama, dancer, musician, author and teacher (20-25 mins). Visit: https://www.mahea.com/

Ann Marie Davis, “Ourselves Walking” + “We Are the Universe” excerpt poem (5 min). Visit: https://annmariedavis.com/

Processional: Ajuana Black “Walkin’” (4:04 mins) Link: https://www.reverbnation.com/ajuanablack/songs

Announcements:

Global African Liberation Day is Monday, May 25, 2020, 8:30 AM PT on Facebook
https://africanliberationday.net/

Africa Day Concert, May 25, 9 AM ET (?)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyP_ZBjeSy4&feature=youtu.be&app=desktop


NPR Links to Live Virtual Concerts:
https://www.npr.org/2020/03/17/816504058/a-list-of-live-virtual-concerts-to-watch-during-the-coronavirus-shutdown

Please bring resources to share with everyone. Post the information in the chat and I will send the chat to everyone after the meeting. I wasn’t able to share the program for April. It needs editing and I have not figured this out yet. However, the hope is, for May. I can post it in the maafasfbayarea.com Blog. I did write about it there and in wandaspicks.com Web Exclusives: http://wandaspicks.com/category/web-exclusives/

I will have a short survey for everyone after the meeting. Please fill it out and send it in, so we can develop meetings with topics you might be interested in exploring. The centerpiece for all our gatherings is African Ancestors of the Middle Passage—we are because they did not give up. I just completed a really wonderful story called Many Thousands Gone: An American Fable (1965) by Ronald L. Fair. He is the author of the book, Hog Butcher (1966) that became the genesis for a film—the book reissued by the same title: “Cornbread, Earl, and Me (1975).
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072822/fullcredits

The next gathering is June 13, 8:30-11:30 AM program (live), 12 noon to 8:30 AM June 14 (prerecorded) programming. It will be hosted by the International Coalition for the Commemoration of African Ancestors of the Middle Passage. If anyone would like to coordinate a live libation at Lake Merritt for the MAAFA SF Bay Area International Program, let me know.
The

The 4^th Sunday is June 28, 5-6 p.m. I will hold the space.  It has been hard to get attendees to register early. If someone could help with promotion, I could use the help.

We are committed to this monthly meeting schedule through October, MAAFA Commemoration Month in CA; however, I scheduled through Dec. 2020. We can continue into the 2121, if there is interest.  The May-October dates are in collaboration with https://www.communityhealingnet.org/emotional-emancipation-circle/

4^th Sunday in July is July 26, 5-7 p.m.  

Zoom Video Link for May Virtual Townhall: 
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/rec/share/ZbywBedn8yDnRVIusF2P50m74PrGyNSQGgV_Vd483PIlPU_w8DPJIIeThD_Cy5cM.2Bs92TkRO9H1q6Wb?startTime=1590364381000

Oliver Mtukudzi - Todii

This song speaks to partners who infect their partners with disease (HIV or AIDS). He asks, "What can we do?"

First MAAFA SF Bay Area Virtual Townhall, Sunday, April 26, 2020

Sunday, April 26, Maafa San Francisco Bay Area hosted its first, but not last virtual townhall. This meeting was to check-in with African Diaspora people who revere African Ancestors of the Middle Passage, and were interested in joining in conversation with others who feel the same.

Covid-19 has impacted all of us in a multitude of ways and Ms. Wanda Sabir, CEO, of Maafa SF Bay Area convened the gathering today to rally and recall our strengths and offer practical tools to everyone as a means to sustain and buffer us where we feel most vulnerable.

Guests at the meeting shared stories of resilience and remembrance, attended an altar or shrine assembly demonstration and lecture. Brother Neter Aa Meri has been building altars for the Annual Maafa Ritual and for other occasions when asked, for minimally 20 years. He shared his practice with us and gave those present the thinking behind the altars they bow and kneel to each October.

With Brother Anyika Nkululeko’s photo essay in slide form fresh in our minds, where we saw images of many present that frigidly cold Sunday in October last year, we listened to Brother Neter Aa Meri followed by large and smaller group conversations. What went on in those break-out sessions, stayed there, but snippets were shared out later.  Guests were given an assignment in advance, to bring to the gathering an object they valued and would perhaps put on an ancestor altar. Another assignment, the first breakout, was to think about what makes them so strong.  The musical prompt was Nigerian-British composer and singer Labi Siffre’s “Something Inside So Strong.”

Widya Batin, 20, was co-host. A San Francisco native, she is well-known for her work on the Buchanan Mall in the Fillmore. She also received the 12th Annual NEN Award for Best Community Challenge Grant Project presented by Mayor London Breed. Watch the short film: Spirit of Fillmore which shows the community engagement and design process for the mural. (Widya is far left front in jacket and black pants.)

Next Village Talk: May 24, 5-7 PM. Save the date: International Libations for African Ancestors, Sat., June 13, 2020 8-11 AM PT

If you are interested in getting on the mailing list for the MAAFA Virtual Village Talks, fill out a questionnaire at maafasfbayarea.com The sign-up is also in the calendar. 

We continued after Neter Aa Meri's wonderful presentation with another small group breakout session and then had a larger discussion called Habari Gani? What’s the News? where Brother Anyika voiced concern over African American youth who do not wear masks while out or physically distance themselves from each other. Adeshima and Cardum shared that they are starting a venture with an entrepreneur in Ghana who makes lovely face masks, yet since the mandatory Sheltering-in-Place has not been able to sell. Widya was interested in getting stylist masks wholesale and organizing her partners in the 'Mo to get young Black folk to "mask up."

Seated at home in front of a Sankofa Bird Batik, Ade shared poetry of travel cross oceans genetically and the wonderment of return as Cardum told at story of a tiger whose fierce cunning and ferocity evaded captivity.

Brother Haneef pulled out his tenor saxophone and I thought, wow, we're going to have music. He played "Now" by Kenny Garrett, on soprano saxophone. A perfect song for the conclusion of a wonderful time together.

Damu Sudi Alii, who was to give our Elder Talk, shared "Song for Somayah," a poem about a warrior friend of his. Renee Moore or "Peaches" is the woman who surrendered after the LA police shootout at Panther Headquarters in 1969 to save the lives of the other Black Panthers members inside. Bobby Hutton had surrendered in Oakland, and the police shot him in cold blood. With bullets flying, Peaches told Damu that they hadn't returned fire, they just wanted to get out alive. I don't know if she was the only woman, but she volunteered. The thinking was perhaps LAPD wouldn't shoot a Black woman as quickly as they would a Black man. They got lucky.

I prepared the following talk; however, I didn’t have time to share with the assembly.  After the talk, I was going to share this really nice video wishing the fasters Ramadan Mubarak: 

Ramadan Mubarak

This is the Blessed Month of Ramadan for the submitters, Muslims, people who believe in the oneness of creation. During this time of sheltering-in-place, we fast – abstaining from food, drink, sex, and acts and thoughts which are contrary to the benefit of all life.

We read 1/30th of the Qur’an which was revealed this month—the first five verses in Sura Al Alaq or the Clot, “Read, in the name of your lord who created; Created [people] from a clot of congealed blood (zygote); 3. Read! For your Lord is most generous.[1] 4.Who taught by the pen. 5.Taught [people] what [they] knew not. [2]

One of the main takeaways from what became Sura or Chapter 96, is that knowledge is power and that answers can be found in texts and also in each other. Our ancestors are texts. They are embodied libraries, which is why when one starts the process of creating an ancestor altar the first step is talking to your elders who hold the stories of our people. Ancestors are Timbuktu libraries held in safe keeping from marauders who would burn down our intellectual and spiritual edifices if given a chance. The ancestor altar and/or shrine is preservation of the African species. Calling the names of one’s ancestors keeps their work from being erased.

Ramadan is a fast which begins and ends with the sighting of the new moon (28-30 days). Ramadan is a time of internal excavation; we turn our gaze inward as we think about our own hearts and souls and how we can get closer to oneness with the all – the source of everything.  Of course, people, human beings have a responsibility to take care of the planet and those who live here with us. Although the human species is more viral than the worse contagion, the optimum relationship with other species is one of cooperation, compassion, and humility.

Yeye Luisah Teish says in “Shift Catalyst: Eartha’s Children,” a story she shared last week on a Wanda’s Picks Radio Show Special (4/19), Mother Earth, sent us to our rooms.

Sheltering-in-Place can be a blessing. We have had to slow down and get closer to those aspects of ourselves we have been avoiding. We have had to contemplate those deep questions, such as life and death and how we plan to live the time we have left. We have also, some of us, had to face loss, lots of loss – missing those hugs goodbye and not even being able to have a closing ritual with loved ones.

Ceremony – these practices, are grounded in beliefs that support the oneness of an evolutionary life cycle that rotates in a way that nothing is ever lost of value and the old is the womb of what is new. This is what ancestors tell us. They live in the earth, at least that’s where we put them, whether that is ashes or flesh—then the worms have a feast and the elements over time transform what was lifeless back into life as our ancestors become clouds and the breeze on our cheeks and the water so precious, and the fire that burns away darkness each morning.

Ramadan Mubarak. Ramadan Karim is the response. Blessed Ramadan. Glorious Ramadan is the response. What can you give up this month— we are a species that consumes more than it needs for survival.

Hunger or the desire for food causes us to empathize with many who are always hungry. The breath of the person fasting is sweet to the nostrils of creator and creation. Ramadan – intentional abstinence is something we all participate in today. There is so much beyond our control. We think we are in control, but are we?

We think we are the most intelligent species because of our ability to have choice, but are these really choices or just responses to stimuli in a maze we did not know we were trapped in? Who or what holds the strings to our lives?

Our African ancestors are people who lived before us, some we were able to meet before they moved onto another realm, which is accessible. These ancestors, like the architects of landscapes from death: City of Bones, are examples of creativity and tenacity of spirit. Black Betty speaks of ancestral songs – “mouths burning with song.”

We know the Nommo is an Africentric term that identifies the power of words to speak life into being. Dr. Molefi Asante “characterizes nommo as the process undertaken in community to foster transformation in that community by naming the current reality and re-imagining a future. Nommo are the ancestral spirits of the Dogon (Mali) and are derived from a Dogon word meaning “to make one drink”. Nommo implies the power of words to create harmony and balance in the face of disharmony”.[3]

When I think about the City of Bones in August Wilson's "Gem of the Ocean," I see spirit beings that occupy the space between then and now, now. What Black Betty describes to Citizen is ancestral terrain. This landscape is filled with beauty and wonder. The ancestors are on our side.

Energy cannot be destroyed. It only shifts or shows up in a new form. We are the dirt beneath our feet, the water falling from the clouds, the sand from the ocean, the breeze on our cheeks, the butterfly just out of reach.

Think about our friends and loved ones who are locked in cages who have been sheltering in place for days, months, years, some in county facilities held because they missed an appointment with probation, or couldn’t pay a fine – who now wait scared that someone from outside will bring the virus inside. I am writing 14 women in two state prisons: Central CA Women’s Facility in Chowchilla and the California Women’s Facility in Corona. The women tell me about infected staff who are walked off the site and prisoners who came in contact with staff, sent into quarantine or solitary confinement.

One woman has stage 4 cancer, another has heart problems and anxiety. Liz tells me how she is so thankful the nurses come to work to take care of her, because they could take sick leave and leave her and others locked up without medicine and support.

Another woman whose three daughters have had to grow up without their mom shares how two weeks ago today, the women in cells had sandwiches for dinner because the shift who prepared meals had a sick guard(s) and the institution had to quarantine that housing unit. Many of the women think what if the Correctional Officers or COs just stop showing up and they are locked in these cells and left to die?

I assure them that there are those of us outside who will not allow the state or federal or county government to forget them, but I am not there. I am sheltering in place in a two-bedroom apartment walking distance from a beach. I am privileged and I thank the creator for my blessings. I can drive to my daughter’s house and look at my grandchildren from behind the window. I can see my youngest grandchild crawling and pulling up in WhatsApp video calls and texts. It is not the same, but it could be a lot worse.

We hold on to the rope that the creator has extended to us, the same rope our ancestors held, the same rope that we grab as we exit the "Doors of No Return" at the Maafa Ritual each year in October, symbolic of the connection that never breaks between us and those who have shape-shifted whom we know still exist. We are never alone because all that ever was resides with each of us, a little piece of a vast and conjoined universe.

I want to close with another Sura or chapter which Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) found comforting, and I love as well. I recited it when I was in labor with my first daughter, Bilaliyah.

Inshirah, or the Expansion (Sura 94)

Bismillah Ar Rahim, Ar Rahim

Have we not expanded your chest
And removed from you your burden
Which weighed down your back
And raised the esteem in which you are held?
Surely, with every difficulty there is relief
With difficulty there is relief
So when you are free from immediate (anxiety or harm), work hard
And to your lord give all your attention

Ashay, ashay, ashayo.

[1] “He has blessed humans with the capacity to learn and teach" (Dr. Shabbir Ahmed, translator, "The Qur'an as It Explains Itself," 6th Edition, July 2016, Florida). 

[2] “The Pen symbolizes the transmission and exchange of knowledge through written records, unique to man. Since this is a Divine gift to mankind” (Dr. Shabbir Ahmed, translator). 

[3]  The Power of NOMMOhttp://iel.org/sites/default/files/iel-lt2-power-of-nommo.pdf

Video Link for April MAAFA Virtual Townhall Meeting: 
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/rec/share/xWrV6Kx0v4WCPtnPzoT1tCevgpCVK_6iQTRLjnfz5eZWbzYz04lfMQ6LxnQxqWtR.EBy478NxgrNmB3ba?startTime=1587933351000

MAAFA 2019 Commemoration Slide Show

MAAFA 2019
Credits Anyika Nkululeko

MAAFA Commemoration 2019 Reflection

MAAFA 2019 was a beautiful, if chilly, 24th Annual Commemoration Ritual, Sunday, October 13.  The majority of those present seemed to appreciate the opportunity to honor and remember African Ancestors of the Middle Passage and beyond. 

I loved Uzo’s choreography—it embraced all the elements of the MAAFA Song Cycle from Opening the Way, Healing, A Love Supreme, Freedom to Giving Thanks. It was so lovely and it warmed us up inside and in our spirits.

Uzo sang with Akanke in "Bring It Up" another high moment in the ceremony. People loved the song and its accompanying gestures. I liked how Ebun Akanke told everyone these words and movements could be a meditation elsewhere when our spirits needed lifting.

The Black Pledge read in Kiswahili by Baba Bamidele Agbasegbe Demerson, Chief Curator & Director of the African American Museum and Library, was an awesome bonus. In 2018, we didn’t have anyone present who could read the language and could not share it.

It is really powerful and others in the audience knew many of the words like Uhuru—Freedom! and Umoja.—Unity!

The smaller circle concept continues to resonate with me—I just love being in the circle with the babies. I remember last year a few really little ones sat in the sand and played. I remember a few times when the mics didn’t work we circled up to hear better. I thought about starting in the smaller circle sooner, but the Ritual of Forgiveness needed more physical space.  Brother Sidney and the Wo’se drummers provided a sweet soundtrack.  It was good to see them back. It was like old times.

We didn’t have anyone under five in the center, but two brave teens joined us and then younger children with their siblings and parents also joined us. Then the circle grew as the other men and women literally had our backs. I was happy to see Dr. Nunley present; her father is really ill. I was glad we were able to give her love and support.

It was the beginning of MAAT, so Neter Aameri came early and set up the altar and then left it with his friend to take apart once the ceremony was complete.  Last year, the tent that covers the altar blew off. He got a new one for this year.

From Kym's reflection on MAAFA to Karla's meditation to Bisola's "Hallelujah- Heavy Heavy-- Ship a Sailin'" to Melanie Demore's beautiful song-- "Mother Africa  -- My Children Are Beautiful, Black Ebony Brown--They Are My Crown," felt good.  We were close, we were warm. Ringing the bells for the ancestors was also really fun. 1 minute is a long time. Imagine that 1 minute times 100 years of 1 minutes times 4 for 400 years (1619-2019).

When I applied for the First Amendment Permit, the administrator told me that she didn’t know if Golden Gate Recreational Area participated in the National Day of Healing August 25, at 3 p.m. ET, so we would do it for this region on Sunday, Oct. 13.  What I thought was amazing was the synchronicity given the date of the California Constitutional Convention in Monterey 170 years ago that day.

I went to the Buffalo Soldier galleries at Fort Point after the Ritual. There is also a lighthouse there. It is one of the first lighthouses in the state. 

Ebun Akanke and I drove to the Presidio and I took a free shuttle to Fort Point. It didn't get any warmer. I learned more about the National Cemetery and who's buried there at the Fort when I spoke to the NPS Ranger.  I also saw the cemetery on my way to the Fort, which is not walking distance, but the cemetery is. 

Fort Point looks like the slave dungeons in El Mina and the Citadelle Henri Christophe near Cap Haitian built to fight the French. I guess a fort is a fort is a fort. On the roof we were almost directly under the Golden Gate Bridge and the view of the beaches and San Francisco and the East Bay and Marin country was amazing.  So were the Blue Angels aircraft in their acrobatic chorography. I had never watched the performances before and what I liked was the colored smokes ending each flight—red white and blue. My friend said the money spent on such displays could house a lot of under and unhoused people on San Francisco streets.

For this Veteran's Day, given the 400 Years of African American History Act, I'd like to develop 4-5 teams of people who can place flowers on these men’s graves and join us to ring bells for the 400+ years of African history at the National Museum that day. We can divide the 450 into groups of 75 and cover the entire property. Let me know if you are interested in developing a team for the Veteran’s Day Libation for Buffalo Soldiers. I have 1 person on my team so far (smile). 

Slavery ended officially in CA in 1872 (7 years after the end of the Civil War).

I am also planning to participate in the Slave Rebellion in New Orleans, Nov. 8-9. I need someone here to be co-lead on this since I will be out of town and unavailable the weekend before.   I have been trying to connect with folks who are pushing for a Buffalo Soldier Museum in San Francisco and a statue of Col. Charles Young, first African American Superintendent, but I haven't had much luck. Everyone is too busy.

Maafa Commemoration Ritual
Sunday, October 13, 2019

Continue the Wolosodon / Djondon* rhythm/dance as people go through the dungeon past the imagined Doors of No Return…voices whisper: “Remember”

Call their names . . .
We remember the recent transition of Queen Diahann Carroll (July 17, 1935 – October 4, 2019) American actress, singer, model and activist.  We remember her as the first Black woman with a primetime show, Julia. Husband killed in Vietnam, she was a registered nurse, taking care of a male child—witty and wise, I remember running home from school to watch the show.  Ms. Carroll received an Academy Award for Best Actress nomination for the film Claudine (1974). She was a founding member of the Celebrity Action Council, a volunteer group of celebrity women who served the women's outreach of the Los Angeles Mission, working with women in rehabilitation from problems with alcohol, drugs, or prostitution. She helped to form the group along with other female television personalities including Mary Frann, Linda Gray, Donna Mills, and Joan Van Ark.

We remember Toni Morrison (February 18, 1931 - August 5, 2019) — who wrote in her Pulitzer Prize winning novel, Beloved (1987), “Those white things hab taken all I had or dreamed,” Baby Suggs said to Sethe, her daughter in law, “and broke my heartstings too. There is no bad luck in the world but whitefolks” (89).

Morrison, who received the Nobel Prize for Literature, becoming the first black woman of any nationality to do so. In 2012, President Barack Obama awarded Morrison the Presidential Medal of Freedom. 

– Call your names . . . Ashay.

We also hold close the memory of others who worked locally for the liberation of our people and those who were victims of recent natural disasters --

We also remember recent victims of the bloody Maafa on US soil.  Say their names and they live on. Ashay.

Stolen Lives Project and the October 22 (Oct. 22, we honor those killed by police.)
http://stolenlives.org/ and http://october22.org/

1664 Police Killings in 2018 https://mappingpoliceviolence.org/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2019/national/police-shootings-2019/


. . . May their souls rest in peace. Ashay, Ashay, Ashay-o.  Blessings to the rebels such as Nat Turner, an enlightened, fearless warrior for the Creator(s)’ Justice.

Do not forget the past. Also remember our kinfolk in Ayiti (Haiti) and the Southern states recovering from hurricanes and other storms and kinfolk in the Diaspora in Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Mozambique and here in the San Francisco Bay Area who are unhoused and under housed and in San Francisco subject to municipal conservatorship.

While we wait for our sisters and brothers to make it to the other side, the shores where we were taken, dance dundunba—the Warrior Dance or create your own. We will not let these shackles break our spirit. Call on the ancestors in this mighty dance and be free. . . .

An Ancestor note:
             Toni Morrison writes in Beloved:
            “Baby Shugs is speaking to the community who has gathered un the woods for a service she officiates.  “[Baby Suggs] does not tell them to clean up their lives or to go and sin no more. She did not tell them they were the blessed of the earth, its inheriting meek or its glorybound pure.
           “She told them that the only grace they could have was the grace they could imagine. That if they could not see it, they would not have it.
          “Here,” she said, “in this place, we flesh; flesh that weeps, laughs; flesh that dances on bare feet in grass. Love it. Love it hard. Yonder they do not love your flesh. They despise it. They don’t love your eyes; they’d just as soon pick them out. No more do they love the skin on your back. Yonder they flay it. And O my people they do not love your hands. Those they only use, tie, bind, chop off an leave empty. Love your hands! Love them. Raise them up and kiss them. Touch others with them, pat them together, stroke them on your face ‘cause they don’t love that either. You got to love it, you! And no, they ain’t in love with your mouth. Yonder, out there, they will see it broken and break it agin. What you say out of it they will not heed. What you scream from it they do not hear. What you put in it to nourish your body they will snatch away and give you leavins instead. No they do not love your mouth. You got to love it. This is flesh I’m talking about here. Flesh that needs to be loved. Feet that need to dance; backs that need support; shoulders tht need arms, strong arms I’m telling you. And O my people, out yonder, hear me, they do not love your neck unnoosed and straight. So love your neck; put a hand on it, grace it, stroke it and hold it up. And all your inside parts that they’d just as soon slop for hogs, you got to love them. The dark, dark liver—love it, love it, and the beat and beating heart, love that too.  More than eyes or feet. More than lungs that have yet to draw free air. More than your lifeholding womb and your life-giving private parts, hear me now love your heart. For this is your prize. Saying no more, she stood up then and danced with her twisted hip the rest of what her heart had to say while others opened their mouths and gave her the music. . . ” (88-89).


– Call your names . . . Ashay.

We also hold close the memory of others who worked locally for the liberation of our people and those who were victims of recent natural disasters --

We also remember recent victims of the bloody Maafa on US soil.  Say their names and they live on. Ashay.

Stolen Lives Project & the October 22 (Oct. 22, we honor those killed by police.)
http://stolenlives.org/ and http://october22.org/

1664 Police Killings in 2018 https://mappingpoliceviolence.org/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2019/national/police-shootings-2019/


. . . May their souls rest in peace. Ashay, Ashay, Ashay-o.  Blessings to the rebels such as Nat Turner, an enlightened, fearless warrior for the Creator(s)’ Justice.

Do not forget the past. Also remember our kinfolk in Ayiti (Haiti) and the Southern states recovering from hurricanes and other storms and kinfolk in the Diaspora in Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Mozambique and here in the San Francisco Bay Area who are unhoused and under housed and in San Francisco subject to municipal conservertaship.

Welcome: Iya Wanda Sabir

As we process through the Doors of No Return give thanks for what we remember . . . trauma induces amnesia, yet the body remembers what the mind forgets. Intuition is another name for Divine Spirit. The bones which lie between Alkebulan and the West, link black people genetically through this liquid experience: sweat, blood, feces, urine, milk, afterbirth, death.

The transcontinental passages, our ancestors packaged as if they were inanimate cargo, connects our souls and scarred bodies to this day. The Maafa Commemoration acknowledges this. The yokes and chains and shackles many of us still bear speak to this, as does freedom.

Maafa Theme Song (Call &Response): Brotha Clint, composer/singer

Dedication: for the Millions

MAAFA we remember you. The Middle Passage/ And All that we’ve been through/ We’re still here/ Lest we forget/ Our heads to the sky/ We cry . . . why? – (© Clint Sockwell II, Dana Sockwell and Roberta Robinson)

Libations and Prayers:  Min. Imhotep Alkebulan; Min. Alicia Teasley; Mama Ayanna Mashama

A Liberating Black People’s Prayer  (Call and Response--youth volunteer)
(for Justice and Peace) By: Frances Cress Welsing, M.D., © 1996

To say and envision when in prayer

Thou who art Blacker than a trillion midnights,
Whose eyes shine brighter than a billion suns

Thou whose hair doth coil tighter than a
Million springs, radiating all energy throughout the universe,

We beseech THEE, ONE and ONLY ONE,

To give to us total strength, to carry out
THY will for the universe!

To establish JUSTICE on planet EARTH and live in PEACE.


Yoruba Prayer -- Val Serrant
Oṣunfemi Wanbi Njeri – Song for the Ancestors; Call for Osun

Ebun Akanke Adeṣoka –Bring It Up
Bryant “Mr. B” Bolling and Zakiyyah Capehart Bolling and The Prophet Samuel (guitar), will present a call and response rendition of "Redemption Song" and "We Must Remember, Lest We Forget” (poem).

Drumming: Led by consensus

Black Pledge: From Brother Kumasi, Prison Movement Historian
Recited by Mama C – Call and Response

Nina mweusi ( I am Black)/ nina mtu mweusi  ( I am a Black person)/ wa akina weusi (of Black blood)/ na amini weusini (and I believe in Blackness)/ najua ueusi ni uzuri/ (and I know that Black is Beautiful)/ na ninatakabari sana wa ueusi wangu (and I am very proud of our/my Blackness)/ na urithi mwafrika wangu (and our/my Afrikan Heritage)/ kwa haikosi (for surely)/ tuna watu waroho (we are soul people)/ na sasa (and now)/ na fanya ( I make)/ rehani hii  (this pledge)/ nitakumbuka daima huu ( I will always remember that)/ uzuri wa umoja ni nguvu (the Beauty of Unity is Strength)/ na pamojana umoja maambo yote, yana weze kana (and with Unity, all things are possible)/ ushinde!....(Victory!)/ uhuru! (Freedom!)/ na amani daima! (and Everlasting Peace!)/ taifa eusi sifa! (Praise the Black Nation!)/ lazima tushinde mbilashaka! (We shall Conquer without a Doubt!)/ kwa nguvu za weusi, (for Black Power,)/ ni rehani wetu weusi (is our black pledge)/na zingo! (and Revolution!)/ na zingo! (and Revolution!)/ na zingo! (and Revolution!)
 
Talk Back: Other prayers and offerings. 1-2 minute limit per person up to 10-12 people (10-20 minutes). Prayers requested from those assembled in traditional African and African Diaspora (which includes English languages) –

Poetry:  
Mama C from Tanzania – THOSE LEFT BEHIND

Tongo Eisen Martin—Blood in My Eye

Primal Release – Facilitators: Sister Lola and Brother Clint: Take a deep breath from your abdomen or stomach. Reaching deeply into your soul, let those things which do not belong to you – go. Let it fly from your mouth. Release the anger, the pain, the resentment.

Ritual of Forgiveness Call and Response (Red Roses passed out) – Iya Wanda Sabir

Some confuse forgiveness with amnesia and reluctantly remain bound to a millstone and drown in a sea of regret. Children of the fishermen know the sea to be primarily a place of nourishment, renewal and fond farewells.

We will always cherish the memory of those who go before us

Our ancestors walk through the corridors of our minds setting sign posts to guide us into our rightful legacy, and so/ We will always cherish those torn from us in the middle passage by corporate greed, / Those torn from us by Jim Crow violence still speak to us as we weave our own destinies,

The bitter taste of unripe fruit felled by drive-by shootings still linger in the recesses of our souls, and we can hear the cries of youth stolen by neglect, pestilence and starvation, / Yet, we must go forward if we are to honor their memories,/ We must cast away all impediments to progress if we are to honor lives lost to greed and fear

And so today we choose . . .

We choose compassion of our own free will and we consciously reject the lure of revenge.

Today we choose understanding over blame,

And like our South African cousins we choose truth and reconciliation over ignorance and bigotry

We choose to be confident and to have confidence in each other, for we are not victims, but warriors.

We choose to acknowledge our choices, as we acknowledge that our determination to do so is the foundation of our freedom.

As you recite and agree with the words above invest the red flower with any negative energy you choose to cast off, removing petals as you do so.  Let the petals fall to the ground, and bury them in the sand along with the remains of the flower— © Sister Sheba Makeda Haven
                                        

Community: Maafa Song Cycle with Interpretive Movement: Sister Kharyshi Wiginton, MAAFA 2019 choreographer

Chorus leader: Min. Mxiolisi (Recorded)

Maafa Chants/Songs/Prayer (these are not literal translations from the Yoruba)

1) Olulana o, Olulana                     (Opening the Way)

                – wa lana-fun-mi o

                – oti lana-fun-mi o

2) Iwosan re o, iwosan                  (Healing)

                – emi ti gba’ wosan

                – iwo ti gba’ wosan

                – awa ti gba’ wosan

3) Ife-loju o, Ife-loju                      (Love supreme)

                – ore mi ife-loju

                – ara mi ife-loju

4) A ti d’on-nira                               (Freedom)

                – ominira di t’awa

                – awa ti d’on-nira

5) Ope l’awa nda                               (Giving thanks)

                – ope mi lo repete

                – ope lo ye mi-mo dupe

Chant/Song—

© 2004 Lyrics by Wanda Sabir & Candido Obajimi, Arrangement revised Yoruba translation and additional lyrics by Kola Adesokan.  All Rights Reserved

Embracing our Youth (16-24) and anyone currently in need of support (spiritual, psycho-social-emotional)

Inner Circle

Kym Upton – MAAFA
Karla Brundage—Conquered
Mama C—Ancestors
Alice Walker

Sister Bisola Marignay, Ph.D.: Circle of Life Ritual that centers on the Pan-African belief of the circle of life consisting of the living, the departed, and the unborn would be the one to do. It would consist of the following:
                                
1. A call consisting of song & sounds to the ancestors with responses from everyone.                   

2. Individuals are asked to envision the content of their overcoming and how it reflects the strength and intelligence we have inherited from our ancestors;                                

3. How have we expressed love for kin? Individuals are asked to place a hand on our kins’ shoulders on both sides of us.

4. Gratitude humming will start. The humming is a mediation for our inherient riches ending in silent appreciation.


Reflections – Iya Wanda Sabir & Brother Michael Khubaka Harris – 400 Years of African American History – CA

CA African Ancestors Remembered – Say their names

Announcements I

11 AM:  National Cemetery Visit after the Ritual

Visit to the National Cemetery to honor the 450 Buffalo Soldiers buried there.  We will drive over to the Visitor Center to get directions to visit the National Cemetery and other landmarks—The Barracks East Cantonment and The Stables, tracing the legacy of African American soldiers in the segregated Union Army. These men were the early stewarts of the what became the National Park Services, Dept. of the Interior. Col. Charles Young was the first African American Superintendent. He wrote the manual.
https://www.nps.gov/prsf/learn/historyculture/the-visitor-center.htm

https://www.nps.gov/prsf/learn/historyculture/buffalo-soldiers.htm

https://www.nps.gov/prsf/learn/historyculture/buffalo-soldiers-in-the-national-cemetery.htm

Healing Bells
400 Years of African American History Act– 4 minutes total; 1 ring for each 1 hundred years
https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1892/africanamericanhistorycommission.htm

Conclusion
Walk to the water now and spend time with your ancestors in Quiet Meditation and Prayer at the water’s edge—toss flowers on the waves –

Ashay, Ashay, Ashayo.

On the Beach Today

Feel free to drum, fellowship, sing and dance afterwards. Enjoy the food people have brought to share

Donations:

There are costs incurred hosting this community event.  Right now the folks you see in the program are coming out of pocket each year. This year costs were for materials for the altar, the port-a-potty, bus charters, food, flowers, candles, gas, photocopying, generator, security honorarium, postcard printing and design, website design (in the past venue rental costs, postage, video camera and tapes, advertising). For some of us, this has been a 24 consecutive year libation. Please send donations to: Maafa San Francisco Bay Area, P.O. Box 30756, Oakland, CA 94604. Make checks out to Wanda Sabir.

Announcements II

Register to VOTE online or have a ballot sent to you: https://registertovote.ca.gov/


Ancestor Chat & Chew Thurs., Oct. 24, 6-8 PM

1. The MAAFA Commemoration Dinner and Conversation is at the Health and Human Resources Education Center (HHREC), 1905 San Pablo Avenue, Oakland, Thursday, Nov. 1, 6-8 PM. It is a potluck this year, so bring substantive entrees and we can provide beverages and plates, cups and cutlery.  Come out and reflect and share your experience with others. For more information and to RSVP call 510-499-9349.

FILM
2. Check in for date for the November screening: Maafa Commemoration Film and Discussion of True Justice: Bryan Stevenson’s Fight for Equality, directed by Peter Kunhardt, George Kunhardt and Teddy Kunhardt  https://www.hbo.com/documentaries/true-justice-bryan-stevensons-fight-for-equality/about


2. Claudine Screening and Sister-Social in honor of Queen Diahann Carroll later this month. Check maafasfbayarea.com or follow https://www.facebook.com/maafabayarea/

3. ODC Theater presents Àse Dance Theatre Collective in the West Coast premiere of Have K(NO!)w Fear: A Bluessical with Adia Tamar Whitaker: Artistic Direction, Choreography. . .

October 17 – 19, 2019, Thursday – Saturday at 8 p.m. at ODC Theater, 3153 17th Street, San Francisco.  Tickets are: $15 – $30.  To purchase tickets, call 415-863-9834. Or online visit odc.dance/Bluessical. To listen to an interview with Whitaker visit Wanda’s Picks Radio Show, Wed., Oct. 9, 2019 (http://tobtr.com/s/11530597).

4. Film 
“Always in Season” (89 min.), Oct. 23, 7 p.m., Big Roxie with director, Jacqueline Olive and editor Don Bernier in person for Q and A at special advanced screening on October 23 and opening night, November 1.
https://www.roxie.com/ai1ec_event/always-in-season/?instance_id=37189

Synopsis for Always in Season: Claudia Lacy wants answers. When her 17-year-old son, Lennon, was found hanging from a swing set in Bladenboro, North Carolina, the authorities quickly ruled his death a suicide. In light of suspicious details surrounding his death, and certain that her son would not take his own life, Claudia is convinced Lennon was lynched.

5. 400 Years of Resistance to Slavery and Injustice Series

As a part of its 400 Years of Resistance to Slavery and Injustice Series https://400years.berkeley.edu/home, a coordinated response to the creation of a federal commission to study the impact of Black lives on the making of America and the impact this system had and has had on African people then and now.

UC Berkeley adopted an initiative to look at scholarship that engages community in critical discussion around this “taboo” topic.  The series began in August and continue through Spring 2020. Events include film and author events, poetry readings and lots of conversations which invite a collective interrogation of the 21^st century freedom dance African people continue to perform despite all the legislation that says slavery is past. The events are all free.

TODAY
Tongo Eisen-Martin, award-winning poet, movement worker, and educator Tongo Eisen-Martin, has an event this afternoon, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, 1:30 PM  at the Berrkeley Art Museum Pacific Film Archive.  Other poets are: Bay Area Poetry Marathon curator Eric Dolan, Salvadoran-American rapper/actor Fego Navarro, https://400years.berkeley.edu/events/oct-13-reading-eric-dolan-fego-navarro-tongo-eisen-martin

6. Pan African Global Trade and Investment Conference in Sacramento 2019 Oct. 15-17

The 9th Annual Pan African Global Trade and Investment Conference will focus on expanding the State of California’s multilateral trade, commerce and cultural exchange programs with Africa and the Caribbean through a modification and expansion of the current programs of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-BIZ).  Oct. 16-17 will be at Sacramento State University. Visit https://www.panafricanglobaltradeconference.com/

Top of Form

For other events visit:
Visit wandaspicks.com and listen to blogtalkradio.com/wandas-picks with cultural events related to African Diaspora people

Clean up: We always want to leave the beach more pristine than when we arrived. There is no designated clean-up crew. You are it (smile). Take trash or other debris with you when you depart.

Questionnaire on website:  maafasfbayarea.com

Sign-in sheet (pass clipboard during the larger circle) so we can know who was here. Please include your contact information and email address. We need help during the year leading up to the Ritual Commemoration.  For information or to get in contact with us: maafasfbayarea.com@gmail.com or call Iya Wanda Sabir at 510-255-5579 and leave a message.

Affiliate Organization: International Coalition for the Commemoration of African Ancestors of the Middle Passage (ICCAAMP), RemembertheAncestors.com 

Thanks

The MAAFA Planning Council: Brother Kwalin Kimaathi, Sister Kym Upton; Michael Khubak Harris; Sister Karla Brundage, Sister Carol Afua Yates, Sister Colette Winlock, Sister Lola Hanif, Brother Sidney and the Wo’se drummers,  Sister Ebun Akanke Adeṣokan, Brotha Clint Sockwell, Brother Neter Aa Meri, Brother Anyika Nkulukelo (official photographer), Shaheer Y. Givens, Mighty Four Films/Video (415.305.5149); HHREC and Downtown TAY, organizers of the “Get on the Bus” chartered transportation from Oakland; Community Ready Corps for Self Determination (security) http://www.crc4sd.org/; Sister Wanda Sabir (wandaspicks.com), Tongo Eisen-Martin, Mama Charlotte Hill O'Neal, Minister Imhotep Alkebulan, Min, Alicia Teasley, Brother Val Serrant, Oṣunfemi Wanbi Njeri, Joan Mama Ayana Mashama, Sister Bisola Marignay, Bryant Bolling, Zakiyyah Capehart Bolling, The Prophet Samuel, Ms. Alice Walker, Joan Miura and Dr. Gail P. Myers (welcome back).

Donors: Brother Kwalin Kimaathi and Dr. Delene Richburg, Sister Wanda Sabir, Sister Karla Brundage. Blessings and thanks, of course to the Egungun –Ancestors (or angels) and to all who are present.

Please share any personal footage taken with us: mail@maafasfbayarea.com Facebook.com/maafabayarea Include a description and your name. We are always interested in stories and reflections to post on the website. Please send those as well to mail@maafasfbayarea.com

Announcements III:

Check the website: MAAFASFBayArea.com for upcoming gatherings such as Maafa Commemoration Film and Discussion next month and the Ancestor Chat and Chew at HHREC. We would also like to get together quarterly to have Diaspora Talks and MAAFA Issues Forums – Strategy Salons are another plan and a Book Discussion Group.

Here are titles we’re thinking about: Beloved by Toni Morrison; Barracoon: The Story of the Last Black Cargo by Zora Neale Hurston; If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin. We Are the Ones We’ve Been Waiting For by Alice Walker.

What would you suggest?

What films are you watching that you’d recommend? Museums, galleries, music, plays . . . Art is how we remember who we are despite the distances that separate us from kin, homeland—it is the rememory that sits in place waiting for us to return. It is the language we speak without translation.  We are whole despite temporary fragmentation. Nothing goes away or disappears.

Send your titles and descriptions to maafasfbayarea.com@gmail.com

Sound Track Mix – Brother Kwalin and Brotha Clint:

Wolosodon / Djondon

Wolosodon (Wolosedon, Wolosodan, Djondon, Jondon, Djonfoli) comes from the Kayes region (Stephan Rigert) or from the South - East part of Mali, near the border with Burkina Faso (R.Clark). It means "Dance of the Woloso", dance of the slaves. It concerns the slaves who used to serve at the royal courts of the Mandinka Kings and their families. The dance shows the family honor and family solidarity.http://www.realafrica.net/cdata/2324/docs/549889_1.pdf

Photography and Taping (NO)

Improvisational at its core like African people historically –This program is subject to change, so stay loose.  This is holy space, so no photography during ritual unless previous arranged.  No permission is granted on the beach.  NO EXCEPTIONS.

[1] Gye Nyame" (jeh N-yah-mee) is the name of the camouflaged adinkra symbol.  Its native African translation means: No one lives who saw its beginning and no one will live to see its end, except God. Gye Nyame (except god) is revered as one of highest Akan adinkra or spiritual symbols (http://originalscientist.blogspot.com/2010/08/is-african-symbol-gye-nyame-spiral.html).