Ceremony

The Annual Remembrance Ceremony: Culture by the Sea

This annual event collectively honors the millions of enslaved Africans who perished during the Middle Passage, the transatlantic “slave trade” route from Africa to the Americas. This commemoration is held on the second Saturday in June. 

After assembling to a drum call in the early evening, there is storytelling, the Nguzo Saba, a procession to the beach, libation, offering of flowers, commentary, blessings, and a sunset closing circle. Each year is unique depending on who gathers to remember … to heal … and perhaps to share a gift with the community. One year we were gifted with poetry, another time with dance.

While there are many touching and meaningful moments each year, many participants are especially moved when they offer their flowers, throwing the petals in the water to mark the graves of those souls who perished during the Middle Passage. For others, the Libation with its powerfully poetic oratory, usually led by cultural scholar Dr. David A. Anderson/Sankofa (top, right), leaves an indelible mark on their consciousness.  One young man (above, right) expressed his feelings in the sand this year after offering his flowers to the water.

Join us for the 8th Annual Ceremony: Saturday, June 10, 2006 at 6:30PM
Durand Eastman Park at Lake Shoreline (take North Goodman Street - it becomes Kings Highway - to Lakeshore Blvd., turn right, the parking lot is in sight on the left.) Look for the African flags! You are invited to bring fresh flowers as an offering. Also bring a lawn chair, if desired, and some fruit to share.

Click here to see a flyer. Feel free to share this with others.

Would you like to help in some way? 
Would you like to initiate a Remembrance Ceremony in your community? 

Please contact us. Email or call J. K. Langkans at (585) 467-1793.

This Remembrance Ceremony was the result of a commitment made by two participants in the Building Community Program. That commitment took them to Sullivan’s Island, just outside of Charleston, SC, one of the sites where captured African men, women and children were brought to be sold into enslavement. On this same island they honor the millions who perished in the horrific voyage, the Middle Passage, on the second Saturday in June.