Sunday, August 30, 2009, 5-9 PM, at Shashamane Restaurant at 2507 Broadway in Oakland (corner of 25th Street Auto-Row), there will be a report back and fundraiser for Hurricane Katrina Survivors.
The organizations we have been supporting for the past four years are LIFE of Mississippi (Biloxi site) and Common Ground Health Clinic. We will have poets sharing work, the anthology, Words Upon the Waters, Poets and Artists Respond to Hurricane Katrina will be on sale.
We'll have birthday cake for Chairman Fred Hampton, a young revolutionary killed by the FBI/Chicago police in 1969. Other Leos will also be celebrated.
There will be an art auction, so bring art artists and money public. We accept checks. Donations are requested, minimally $10, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. For information email: racewoman@gmail.com
If you can't make it send checks made out to either charity to P.O. Box 30756, Oakland, CA 94604.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
The Annual Ancestral Remembrance of the Middle Passage Sunrise Ceremony at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park
The growing Juneteenth Celebration in Miami is linked to the Annual Sunrise Ancestral Remembrance of the Middle Passage Ceremony, held each year on the Sunday closest to the summer solstice. This year it will be held on the Sunday of the solstice itself, June 21, which is also Fathers Day, beginning at 5:45 a.m. (Those who think that is too early to get up are often reminded of the time not too long ago when our Ancestors had no choice.) The Ceremony takes place at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park (turn left at the second traffic signal on Rickenbacker Causeway, after going through the toll gate [$1.50], just before the Bear Cut Bridge to Key Biscayne).
The Ceremony honors the millions who perished in the Middle Passage (the so-called Atlantic "slave trade") and those who survived to give life to us and future generations. It is traditionally opened by members of the native American community, to invoke the permission and the blessings of the Ancestors of this land. Drummers and musicians are especially welcome, and participants are invited to bring offerings of fruits, grains, nuts, eggs, flowers or other appropriate items, which are placed on a raft of palm fronds and carried out to sea. Brief prayers, performances, artwork, words of wisdom, etc. are also welcomed, as we honor those who endured the horrors of the Middle Passage by "showing ourselves strong."
(We also remember that the Middle Passage was not the first or the only time that Africans crossed the Atlantic to the Americas, but its impact on the making of the world today, and the creation of new African peoples cannot be overlooked or forgotten. And, in the spirit of Juneteenth, we also remember the most important lesson of that observance: "Until all of us are free, none of us is free.")
For more information or directions, please feel free to contact Brother Gene at (305) 904-7620 or Sis. Altine at 786-260-1246. Please spread the word. Asante sana.
The Ceremony honors the millions who perished in the Middle Passage (the so-called Atlantic "slave trade") and those who survived to give life to us and future generations. It is traditionally opened by members of the native American community, to invoke the permission and the blessings of the Ancestors of this land. Drummers and musicians are especially welcome, and participants are invited to bring offerings of fruits, grains, nuts, eggs, flowers or other appropriate items, which are placed on a raft of palm fronds and carried out to sea. Brief prayers, performances, artwork, words of wisdom, etc. are also welcomed, as we honor those who endured the horrors of the Middle Passage by "showing ourselves strong."
(We also remember that the Middle Passage was not the first or the only time that Africans crossed the Atlantic to the Americas, but its impact on the making of the world today, and the creation of new African peoples cannot be overlooked or forgotten. And, in the spirit of Juneteenth, we also remember the most important lesson of that observance: "Until all of us are free, none of us is free.")
For more information or directions, please feel free to contact Brother Gene at (305) 904-7620 or Sis. Altine at 786-260-1246. Please spread the word. Asante sana.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
National and International Remembrance for the Ancestors June 13, 9 AM
Remembrance for the Ancestors June 13, 9 AM PST
It's that time again, our annual ritual pouring libations for our ancestors. We join communities in Charleston, South Carolina, Panama, West Indies, Cape Coast, Ghana, and Brooklyn, New York.
Stop what you are doing Saturday, June 13th at 9 a.m. PST and pour libations for our African ancestors who were taken against their will from Mother Africa. Ask them for strength and endurance. Freedom is a constant struggle. For those who'd like to pour libations in unity. Join us at 8:30 a.m. We will pour precisely at 9 AM. Bring your drums and other percussion instruments to celebrate our ancestors' lives. Bring flowers, breakfast pastry and fruit to share. It is traditional to wear white, but for those who know me...bring yourself, it's what's inside that counts.
Feel the power of that moment as we recall their greatness of spirit and give thanks. Ashay!
Last year we met at the fountain at Lake Merritt in Oakland, across from the Merritt Bakery where the fountain is: E-18th Street at Lakeshore Drive. We can meet there again this year. It is a nice spot, easy to locate and wheelchair accessible.
This is our fourth year participating in the international remembrance of the African ancestors who were bought and sold during the European slave trade. This is also an opportunity to reflect on those subsequent ancestors like Mama Tubman and Baba Denmark Vesey, and ancestors elsewhere in the African Diaspora. It is, a prayer for our survival and an opportunity to greet and support one another in this important work: healing from enslavement: social, political, and economic. It is also an opportunity to reclaim our personal and collective power, plus long overdue justice and equality.
Visit http://maafasfbayarea.com
Listen to Wanda's Picks Radio Friday, June 5, 2009 8-10 AM where I speak to William Jones, one of the founders of the New York Remembrance, Osei Terry Chandler, founder of the Charleston Remembrance and Oshunbumi Hernandez, director of Odunde Inc. The website is: http://www.wandaspicks.asmnetwork.org
20th Anniversary for the New York Remembrance for the Ancestors
Brother William Jones said when asked about the origin of the New York ritual libation for African ancestors who perished during the European Slave Trade, that it was started by faculty at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, Tony Akeem, specifically, and inspired by Toni Cade Bambara.
Now in its 20th year with international participation growing each year, the only simultaneous ritual honoring the memory of our African ancestors, is this Saturday, June 13 at 12 noon ET. The NY ritual is the inspiration for Remembrances for the Ancestors in San Francisco, Oakland, Charleston... the second Saturday in June.
These simultaneous celebrations/commemorations are for our African ancestors' who endured and those who didn't survive the horrific Middle Passage. (Listen to the interview taped June 5, 2009 on http://www.wandaspicks.asmnetwork.org)
The participants begin assembling on Coney Island at Bay 18 at 9:30-10 AM. The drums call one into the circle, where people are dancing and singing and chanting. The libations are poured at 12:00 noon exactly and then people take flowers and go into the ocean. Guests are asked to wear white if possible and to bring flowers and fresh fruit to share.
12th Annual Charleston Remembrance for the Ancestors
Honoring our ancestors who perished during the Middle Passage, those souls who became nameless whose lives were forfeited as a result of the European Slave Trade. If we don’t remember them, who will?
“We are linked in both life and death. Those who share common blood relations never break apart” (Nkonsonkonson).
Gather in the parking lot, Saturday, June 13, 2009@ Fort Moultrie, Sullivan’s Island, Charleston, SC, from 9 AM to 1 PM. All are invited: Clergy, Drummers, Elders, and Youth
Schedule:
10:00 AM Fort Moultrie Auditorium
Tour and discussion of the NPS newly installed exhibition: “African Passages”
11:00 AM Proceed to Toni Morrison “Bench by the Road” for the Libation Ceremony
12:00 PM Libation at 12 noon sharp @ the Fort Moultrie Dock in conjunction with national and international African Diaspora communities in Brooklyn, NY; Portobelo, Panama; Cape Coast, Ghana, WA; Oakland, CA, Atlanta and Augusta, GA.
12:15-12:45 PM Proceed to Dock
Bring flowers for offering and fresh fruit to share
34th Annual Odunde Festival Weekend in Philly: June 12-14th 2009
Odunde means Happy New Year! And is a cultural event which honors the ancestors and connects African people with other African people via the medium of art and creative commerce since 1975. Visit http://www.odundeinc.org/Index.htm
Although ODUNDE is best known for its highly visible annual festival, it provides educational, cultural and activist services throughout the year which support its mission. Many of its larger programs are sponsored or presented as collaborations with cultural, educational or business institutions which share ODUNDE's mission.
ODUNDE Weekend Events Schedule: June 12-14
Friday, June 12:
Business Forum for the Republic of Liberia - 9AM - 3PM
Business Forum for the Republic of Liberia at the Federal Reserve Bank, 7th and Arch Streets, Philadelphia, PA, Cost: $50. Pre-Registration is REQUIRED. Register at interdependence.org or/and call 484-908-2955
Saturday, June 13:
Saturday, the African Business Roundtable – 9AM - 1PM
The Business Roundtable Ambassadors include: Guinea and Sierra Leone at the Philadelphia Department of Commerce, 1515 Arch Streets - 18th Floor, Philadelphia, PA FREE!!
River Procession - 12 noon – 1:30 p.m.
The River Procession leaves from ODUNDE Cultural Center - 2308 Grays Ferry Avenue (23rd & South Streets)
The Egungun Procession celebrates the memory of our elevated and honorable African ancestors. We humbly request that everyone wear white clothing. Bembe (a drum and dance celebration) will follow the procession.
Sunday, June 14:
ODUNDE Festival and African Marketplace –10 AM. – 8 PM
South Street and Grays Ferry Stage Performances…Following the river procession, performances begin on ODUNDE's stages and end at dusk. As a cultural celebration designed for families to enjoy together, ODUNDE emphasizes performers and craft artists from throughout the African Diaspora whose work celebrates the diversity of traditional African or African-American art forms including: African dance, hair braiding, stepping, roller dance, drill team formations, hip-hop and tap dance, traditional African instruments, drumming, rhythm and blues, and traditional African American popular dance forms. Each year ODUNDE employs over 40 artists. Many have launched their careers from our stage.
The ODUNDE Festival was an originator of authentic African Marketplace festivals, featuring traditional foods, art, crafts, clothing and jewelry. The most colorful aspect of the festival which continues throughout the day, The African Marketplace draws return customers every year. We are grateful to its vendors, who are major supporters of our organization.
It's that time again, our annual ritual pouring libations for our ancestors. We join communities in Charleston, South Carolina, Panama, West Indies, Cape Coast, Ghana, and Brooklyn, New York.
Stop what you are doing Saturday, June 13th at 9 a.m. PST and pour libations for our African ancestors who were taken against their will from Mother Africa. Ask them for strength and endurance. Freedom is a constant struggle. For those who'd like to pour libations in unity. Join us at 8:30 a.m. We will pour precisely at 9 AM. Bring your drums and other percussion instruments to celebrate our ancestors' lives. Bring flowers, breakfast pastry and fruit to share. It is traditional to wear white, but for those who know me...bring yourself, it's what's inside that counts.
Feel the power of that moment as we recall their greatness of spirit and give thanks. Ashay!
Last year we met at the fountain at Lake Merritt in Oakland, across from the Merritt Bakery where the fountain is: E-18th Street at Lakeshore Drive. We can meet there again this year. It is a nice spot, easy to locate and wheelchair accessible.
This is our fourth year participating in the international remembrance of the African ancestors who were bought and sold during the European slave trade. This is also an opportunity to reflect on those subsequent ancestors like Mama Tubman and Baba Denmark Vesey, and ancestors elsewhere in the African Diaspora. It is, a prayer for our survival and an opportunity to greet and support one another in this important work: healing from enslavement: social, political, and economic. It is also an opportunity to reclaim our personal and collective power, plus long overdue justice and equality.
Visit http://maafasfbayarea.com
Listen to Wanda's Picks Radio Friday, June 5, 2009 8-10 AM where I speak to William Jones, one of the founders of the New York Remembrance, Osei Terry Chandler, founder of the Charleston Remembrance and Oshunbumi Hernandez, director of Odunde Inc. The website is: http://www.wandaspicks.asmnetwork.org
20th Anniversary for the New York Remembrance for the Ancestors
Brother William Jones said when asked about the origin of the New York ritual libation for African ancestors who perished during the European Slave Trade, that it was started by faculty at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, Tony Akeem, specifically, and inspired by Toni Cade Bambara.
Now in its 20th year with international participation growing each year, the only simultaneous ritual honoring the memory of our African ancestors, is this Saturday, June 13 at 12 noon ET. The NY ritual is the inspiration for Remembrances for the Ancestors in San Francisco, Oakland, Charleston... the second Saturday in June.
These simultaneous celebrations/commemorations are for our African ancestors' who endured and those who didn't survive the horrific Middle Passage. (Listen to the interview taped June 5, 2009 on http://www.wandaspicks.asmnetwork.org)
The participants begin assembling on Coney Island at Bay 18 at 9:30-10 AM. The drums call one into the circle, where people are dancing and singing and chanting. The libations are poured at 12:00 noon exactly and then people take flowers and go into the ocean. Guests are asked to wear white if possible and to bring flowers and fresh fruit to share.
12th Annual Charleston Remembrance for the Ancestors
Honoring our ancestors who perished during the Middle Passage, those souls who became nameless whose lives were forfeited as a result of the European Slave Trade. If we don’t remember them, who will?
“We are linked in both life and death. Those who share common blood relations never break apart” (Nkonsonkonson).
Gather in the parking lot, Saturday, June 13, 2009@ Fort Moultrie, Sullivan’s Island, Charleston, SC, from 9 AM to 1 PM. All are invited: Clergy, Drummers, Elders, and Youth
Schedule:
10:00 AM Fort Moultrie Auditorium
Tour and discussion of the NPS newly installed exhibition: “African Passages”
11:00 AM Proceed to Toni Morrison “Bench by the Road” for the Libation Ceremony
12:00 PM Libation at 12 noon sharp @ the Fort Moultrie Dock in conjunction with national and international African Diaspora communities in Brooklyn, NY; Portobelo, Panama; Cape Coast, Ghana, WA; Oakland, CA, Atlanta and Augusta, GA.
12:15-12:45 PM Proceed to Dock
Bring flowers for offering and fresh fruit to share
34th Annual Odunde Festival Weekend in Philly: June 12-14th 2009
Odunde means Happy New Year! And is a cultural event which honors the ancestors and connects African people with other African people via the medium of art and creative commerce since 1975. Visit http://www.odundeinc.org/Index.htm
Although ODUNDE is best known for its highly visible annual festival, it provides educational, cultural and activist services throughout the year which support its mission. Many of its larger programs are sponsored or presented as collaborations with cultural, educational or business institutions which share ODUNDE's mission.
ODUNDE Weekend Events Schedule: June 12-14
Friday, June 12:
Business Forum for the Republic of Liberia - 9AM - 3PM
Business Forum for the Republic of Liberia at the Federal Reserve Bank, 7th and Arch Streets, Philadelphia, PA, Cost: $50. Pre-Registration is REQUIRED. Register at interdependence.org or/and call 484-908-2955
Saturday, June 13:
Saturday, the African Business Roundtable – 9AM - 1PM
The Business Roundtable Ambassadors include: Guinea and Sierra Leone at the Philadelphia Department of Commerce, 1515 Arch Streets - 18th Floor, Philadelphia, PA FREE!!
River Procession - 12 noon – 1:30 p.m.
The River Procession leaves from ODUNDE Cultural Center - 2308 Grays Ferry Avenue (23rd & South Streets)
The Egungun Procession celebrates the memory of our elevated and honorable African ancestors. We humbly request that everyone wear white clothing. Bembe (a drum and dance celebration) will follow the procession.
Sunday, June 14:
ODUNDE Festival and African Marketplace –10 AM. – 8 PM
South Street and Grays Ferry Stage Performances…Following the river procession, performances begin on ODUNDE's stages and end at dusk. As a cultural celebration designed for families to enjoy together, ODUNDE emphasizes performers and craft artists from throughout the African Diaspora whose work celebrates the diversity of traditional African or African-American art forms including: African dance, hair braiding, stepping, roller dance, drill team formations, hip-hop and tap dance, traditional African instruments, drumming, rhythm and blues, and traditional African American popular dance forms. Each year ODUNDE employs over 40 artists. Many have launched their careers from our stage.
The ODUNDE Festival was an originator of authentic African Marketplace festivals, featuring traditional foods, art, crafts, clothing and jewelry. The most colorful aspect of the festival which continues throughout the day, The African Marketplace draws return customers every year. We are grateful to its vendors, who are major supporters of our organization.
Wanda's Picks Radio June 17, 2009
This week we will be speaking to the founder of the Day of Mourning. Begun June 19, 2007, with a terminus of 2013, this day, 12 AM to 11:59 PM worldwide, African people are invited to participate in the collective mourning of our African ancestors who survived and perished the European slave trade. The premise is that mourning is a way to tune the instrument, to relieve our collective soul of the burden of said memory so we can move on as a community. Given the magnitude of the event, one community or a handful of priest, no matter how well-intentioned cannot address this alone--it needs to be communal. African people are asked to take a moment and mourn our ancestors as individuals or as family or as community. There is no wrong way to participate. Everyone is asked to just do something whether that is a verbal or silent prayer, a walk along a body of water, a meditation, lighting a candle, reading inspirational words of one of our ancestors archived in a slave narrative, hosting a discussion.
Please share your experiences here. We'd like to know what you did and how you felt afterwards. If there are images or video footage you can provide links.
Please share your experiences here. We'd like to know what you did and how you felt afterwards. If there are images or video footage you can provide links.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Maafa Altar a part of Dia de los Muertos Exhibit at Laney College Gallery
Maafa Altar a part of the Dia de los Muertos exhibit which opens at Laney College's June Steingart Gallery, Monday, Nov. 3
The June Steingart Gallery presents Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) from November 3, 2008 to November 15, 2007. This year's theme is "If The Dead Could Vote" which will explore choices that we make which are political, economic and social. The dead have no interest other than the wellness of all who exist on earth. The Dias de Los Muertos is a celebration and a Meso-American tradition honoring our ancestors and remembering them with our friends, family and community. Part of the celebration to make fun of death and the absurdity of societal norms. This tradition invites all to participate knowing that other traditions are very similar. TaSin Sabir and Neter Aameri have an altar for the ancestors in this show. Please join us for the show and participate in our community altars.
The reception will be held on Monday, November 3, 2008 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. For Additional information, please call the June Steingart Gallery at 510-464-3586 or artgallery@peralta.edu
Though seen as a Mexican tradition, all cultures remember their dead. In African culture the ancestors or egun are said to never leave one's side. It is we who forget them. In Haiti, on November 2, the community recognizes Gede, the loa or spirit of the crossroads between life and death. Decked in purples and black, he is a trickster, Ezili Danto told me in an interview on Wanda's Picks Radio Friday, October 31, 10-10:40 segment of the show. Visit http://www.wandaspicks.asmnetwork.org
The notion of tricks and treats is an African one. Gede is also the loa of fertility. I thought it interesting that in Haitian traditional compounds, the dead are buried nearby, so that one can greet the ancestor's remains daily--death a part of life.
FET GEDE Senk: Festival of the Ancestors, featuring Portsha Jefferson, Blache Brown & Petit Le Croix, Lee Iyayo Hetelson & friends, and host, Regina Califa Calloway, was Sunday, November 2, at the Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts, 1428 14th St., Oakland, CA, 12 noon to 6 p.m. $15-$20 sliding scale. Fet Gede Senk is a national holiday in Haiti. Gede is the Haitian celebration of All Souls Day.
It is a time of both jubilant celebration and a time to fondly remember those who have passed on. For this occasion, please wear Purple, Black and White, the traditional colors for Gede. There will be live Haitian Drumming provided by a special surprise guest flying in from Haiti. For more information: raratoulimen@yahoogroups.com www.myspace.com/raratoulimen
The June Steingart Gallery presents Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) from November 3, 2008 to November 15, 2007. This year's theme is "If The Dead Could Vote" which will explore choices that we make which are political, economic and social. The dead have no interest other than the wellness of all who exist on earth. The Dias de Los Muertos is a celebration and a Meso-American tradition honoring our ancestors and remembering them with our friends, family and community. Part of the celebration to make fun of death and the absurdity of societal norms. This tradition invites all to participate knowing that other traditions are very similar. TaSin Sabir and Neter Aameri have an altar for the ancestors in this show. Please join us for the show and participate in our community altars.
The reception will be held on Monday, November 3, 2008 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. For Additional information, please call the June Steingart Gallery at 510-464-3586 or artgallery@peralta.edu
Though seen as a Mexican tradition, all cultures remember their dead. In African culture the ancestors or egun are said to never leave one's side. It is we who forget them. In Haiti, on November 2, the community recognizes Gede, the loa or spirit of the crossroads between life and death. Decked in purples and black, he is a trickster, Ezili Danto told me in an interview on Wanda's Picks Radio Friday, October 31, 10-10:40 segment of the show. Visit http://www.wandaspicks.asmnetwork.org
The notion of tricks and treats is an African one. Gede is also the loa of fertility. I thought it interesting that in Haitian traditional compounds, the dead are buried nearby, so that one can greet the ancestor's remains daily--death a part of life.
FET GEDE Senk: Festival of the Ancestors, featuring Portsha Jefferson, Blache Brown & Petit Le Croix, Lee Iyayo Hetelson & friends, and host, Regina Califa Calloway, was Sunday, November 2, at the Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts, 1428 14th St., Oakland, CA, 12 noon to 6 p.m. $15-$20 sliding scale. Fet Gede Senk is a national holiday in Haiti. Gede is the Haitian celebration of All Souls Day.
It is a time of both jubilant celebration and a time to fondly remember those who have passed on. For this occasion, please wear Purple, Black and White, the traditional colors for Gede. There will be live Haitian Drumming provided by a special surprise guest flying in from Haiti. For more information: raratoulimen@yahoogroups.com www.myspace.com/raratoulimen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
