18th Annual Maafa Commemoration ~ California Central Valley Caravan

The term “Maafa” is Kiswahili for “terrible occurrence” or “reoccurring disaster” and has been used to describe the extraction of people of African ancestry in a global slave trade.

H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the National Republic of Tanzania shared a broader perspective on the creation of the language Kiswahili in the East African Slave Trade, Bagamoyo~Zanzibar. President Kikwete and his high level Tanzania delegation visit to Northern California showcased a renewed focus on California ~ Tanzania extended family relationships, International Sister City Relationship and amazing opportunity for mutually beneficial education, trade, commerce and cultural exchange.

The term “Maafa” begins to bring into focus a broader need to document cargo of enslaved human beings to the ratification of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, in context of a global conversation. Since 1865, the journey towards a greater measure of freedom remains an ongoing challenge with many difficult obstacles and exciting new opportunities in America.

Throughout California, October is Maafa Awareness Month – a time to reflect on the Ancient African History, the legacy of slavery and the ongoing impacts from the transatlantic displacement of people of African ancestry throughout the Americas and beyond.

East, North, West and South Africa, each have unique legacies to share articulating the term, “Maafa.”

Bagamaoyo, Tanzania and Vallejo, California, both historic maritime communities connected to a broader understanding of the ongoing impacts of a terrible occurrence and reoccurring disaster.

Together, both victims and beneficiaries can reflect on ways to mend, repair and heal the damage to Pan African descendants of the enslaved and their Pan African Diaspora throughout the world. The toll has been tremendous: psychological, economic, social, physical, emotional and spiritual.

California Central Valley residents will caravan to the San Francisco Maafa ritual, Sunday morning October 13, 2013, to honor our past and a pray for our future.

People of African ancestry will share a special “extended family,” time of remembrance.
We ask for this event, those who support the well-being of African people respect our desires about the commemoration ceremony and mourning spiritual ritual honoring our ancestors.

Attendees are encouraged to wear white, to dress warmly, bring their children, flowers for the ceremony, vegan or vegetarian breakfast items to share afterward, (along with dishes to serve them on), hot beverages and cups, drums, chekeres, rattles, or your favorite musical instrument. Fire wood is useful for the early morning bonfires Sunday morning.

Essential to bring is a positive mental attitude toward growing a new way forward, healing what is hurting our communities.

Bring copies (not originals) of photos of personal ancestors—family, mentors, other loved ones, you’d like to include on the community altar.

For more information about the Maafa or to join the California Central Valley Caravan to the 18th Annual Maafa Commemoration, please call Khubaka, Michael Harris (916) 997-2451.