The term “Maafa” is Kiswahili for “terrible occurrence” or “reoccurring disaster” and has been used to describe the European slave trade or the Middle Passage.

The term “Maafa” begins to bring into focus the timeline from 1619 - 1865; from the first documented cargo of enslaved human beings to the ratificication of the 13th Amendement to the U.S. Constitution.  Since 1865, the journey towards a greater measure of freedom remains an ongoing challenge with many difficult obstacles and exciting new opportunities.

Throughout the Sacramento region and Northern 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.

Thursday, October 4, 2012, 6:30 pm, Queen Sheba Restaurant, an open forum on Maafa Awareness Month will be featured as part of Africa Nights, 1704 Broadway, Sacramento, California.  After viewing the documentary, Slavery by Another Name, meaningful conversation toward solutions will guide the way.

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.

Sacramento residents will caravan to the San Francisco Maafa ritual, October 7, 2012, to honor our past and a pray for our future.  People of African ancestry come and share in this special time of remembrance.  We ask for this one 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 Sacramento Caravan to the  Maafa, please call (916) 997-2451.