Kunta Kinte Celebration Canceled But The Tradition Was Not Completely Broken

Despite reports that the annual Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival would not take place this year due to budget challenges, a commerative ceremony still garnered support from Annapolitans, local officials, community members, the local drum and bugle corps, Chris Haley, and of course, The Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Foundation and Kunta Kinte Celebrations, Inc. The modest ceremony that was held on September 29th at the Annapolis City Dock proved that many individuals refuse to give up on a nationally recognized fusion of African-American history, arts, entertainment and community involvement that crosses racial and ethnic lines.

The late Leonard A. Blackshear founded the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Foundation, but died in 2006. His wife, Patsy, still diligently works with supporters to foster the commitment of what her husband began in honor of a slave who represents countless ancestors, and the late Alex Haley. Under a sunny sky, she provided insight about the statue grouping and Kunta Kinte's difficult voyage.

                                     

Chris Haley (pictured on the left below), who is a descendant of Kunta Kinte, introduced himself during the gathering, with a bit of wit and impromptu humor. The resident of Prince George's County shared serious sentiments with the crowd about what the day meant to him, although he intentionally did not prepare remarks.

 "It is your responsibility, your honor, your gift that you have to move forward. Some where, some time, someone in our past stepped here into the world and made that unprepared step."

Rose petals were distributed to attendees. Adults and children let them fall into the same waters where Kunta Kinte was said to have arrived in Annapolis, Maryland.

 

 After the ceremony ended, an attendee of the gathering informed Chris Haley that he and his family inspired her to dig to find her own roots.

"You are such an inspiration to someone like me," she remarked, smiling.

A spirit of togetherness and hope lifted spirits of those who quietly missed this year's expected Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival. In that way, the purpose of it was still represented today. The festival is expected to resume next year.

On the website, The Kunta Kinte Celebrations Board of Directors offered a call to action:

"Volunteers are needed to keep this important Annapolis event moving forward. To become a member of the 2014 Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival Planning Committee, contact the team at KuntaKinteCelebrations@gmail.com
Thank you for your continued support!"


Have you read this month's edition of Grove Street Ezine? I cordially invite you to click the link.


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