AFRICAN TRIBAL DANCE Dancing is in the blood and could not be erased through slavery. The dance styles of hundreds of African ethnic groups came to the New World. Towards the end of the ceremony, a feeling of joy and pride takes over and there is joyful dancing and drumming. seen here on the right dancing is Agnes Free Spirit Wiley Richardson

YOUTH Children are taught at a very young age by the elders to learn the tradition of honoring ancestors.

FLAGS All the voices and music blend to become one indescribable sound. A woman stands alone in deep thought as people around her are dancing to the drumming. A person waves the African American red black and green flag in the background and another person is carrying a homemade flag. People often create their own flags to symbolize a country or to make a statement. Flags are powerful symbols and have been used in all parts of the world especially during wartime. The confederate flag became a symbol of support for slavery during the Civil War.

PILGRIMAGE Some people travel long distances to attend a MAAFA ceremony. The silent pre dawn walk to the waters edge is solemn and slow. The collective purpose of the event is to give tribute to the ancestors that died during slavery.

WINE AND CRACKERS An offering of wine and crackers is given for a toast to the ancestors .This ritual originates from Southern churches.

HEALING The Queen Mother Imaku is giving a healing / blessing during the tribute to the ancestors on Coney Island. Queen Mother Imakhu is a respected healer , lecturer ,writer and musician . Imakhu@imakhu.com

EXPRESSION during the walk to waters edge, a man wearing a GOD IS BLACK tee shirt passes a man carrying a Lion of Judah flag at the tribute to the ancestors

THE DJEMBE Drumming is considered the heartbeat of Africa. The strong memories tied to the drumming in Africa helped many from going mad during the brutal voyage from Africa to America. Drums were forbidden on plantations because it was understood that messages could be sent through patterns in thee rhythm. Drums in Africa are used in almost every ceremony, ritual and event. The djembe is the drum used most often and is carved from a single piece of wood. These drums are handed down to family members. In this photo drummer Ant Hatcher is calling upon the ancestors with his djembe.

CLEANSING cleansing hands Ritual using essential oils and specially prepared herbs to be used during a sacred ritual

BELLS A woman prepares for a ritual using a bell. It is believed that ancestors can hear the sound of a bell.

IMMERSION Entering the water fully clothed is a symbolic way of greeting the ancestors. Many people fully immerse themselves in water. Cold water is purifying and self baptizing .

The woman on the left holds a pineapple , this is an offering to the ancestors. People bring fruit flowers and personal notes to cast into the sea.

SPEAKING a trance-like state speaking to the ancestors- In religions in Africa - Death does not mean the end of life - Ancestors continue to live and communicate with family members

TRANCE-STATE Water immersion is part of the ritual for some people . The water can provoke an emotional reaction.

LIBATION An elder prepares for a libation. The libation is an important part of the ritual. A Liquid is poured as an offering the the ancestors. Very often rum or milk and honey is used.

FULL WATER IMMERSION

THE SHEKERE a respected elder dressed in white creates a rhythm with a shekere , The shekere is a handmade rattle percussion instrument. The memories of this instrument was brought to America in the minds of many enslaved.

AFRICAN DANCING There was a time when slaves were forced to dance on ships and plantations while being whipped. This was a common heartless humiliating practice among slave owners to exercise slaves. In spite of this degrading practice the beauty of tribal dance represents survival of African tribal culture .

SYMBOLISM In ancient Egypt, all women adorned themselves with jewels. The woman pictured here Is wearing symbolic jewelry and is holding a silver ankh –( the Egyptian symbol for life) Egyptians believed stones and metals had hidden magical properties. It was popular for rich and poor to wear jewelry for protection against evil and misfortune

A woman stands at the waters edge contemplating the unthinkable and sends prayers to all of the souls that perished during the transatlantic slave trade.