On Saturday, July 6, 2024, beginning at 7 a.m., Congo Square will host the annual New Orleans MAAFA Commemoration, a community event that remembers and reckons with the horrors of the transatlantic and domestic slave trades, while also seeking release from the chains of their legacy. Maafa, a Kiswahili word meaning “horrific tragedy,” refers to the period known as The Middle Passage. This year’s event, presented by the Ashé Cultural Arts Center, promises to be a deeply moving experience.
Ashé Cultural Arts Center is dedicated to promoting, preserving and celebrating African and African American culture through artistic expression, educational programs and community engagement. Ashé serves as a hub for cultural activities and a platform for voices of the African diaspora.
The 2024 theme, Radiant Rhythms, celebrates the divine power of African drums. For centuries, the stories of Africa have been forged in rhythm by musical griots who pay tribute to the unwavering resolve, indomitable strength and indelible history of African culture. This year’s commemoration will honor this tradition, highlighting the role of African drums in storytelling and cultural preservation.
Participants will gather at Congo Square, located at 701 N Rampart Street, a site rich with historical significance and a symbol of resilience and cultural heritage. The MAAFA Commemoration will include a ceremonial saying of the names of those enslaved and free, victims of tragic events and senseless violence. Organizers state that “This solemn act of remembrance serves as a bridge connecting the past with the present, ensuring that the sacrifices and stories of our ancestors are never forgotten”.
Attendees are encouraged to wear all white attire, a symbol of peace and unity. The local community and visitors alike are invited to join this commemoration event, which will feature healing, testimony, and a celebration of ancestors, existence and survival.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, July 6, 2024
Time: 7 a.m.
Location: Congo Square, 701 N Rampart Street, New Orleans, LA
Attire: All white attire preferred
For more details, visit the Ashé Cultural Arts Center website.
