Thank You For Participating in the Inaugural Kwanzaa In August Festival! Mark Your Calendar for the 2nd Annual Festival on Sat, August 3, 2019
PAST EVENTS
unboxed/unbroken: A Celebration of Black Resilience
The celebration begins with a pop-up visual exhibition reflecting Black resilience, determination and joy. Featured artists include Patrick Smith, ZO, Hook E. Free and more. This opening reception features a Q & A with the featured artists. Music by Deep Water Jazz and other special guests throughout the evening.
Kwanzaa Crafts: Beading ( $10 Participation Fee)
DIY enthusiast Khari Dawson leads participants in a beading workshop to craft beaded bracelets and foot jewelry. Children under 8 years-old must be accompanied by a paying and participating adult. or older teen Limit 10.
unboxed/unbound Black Author Showcase
When a book is written through the lens of the Black experience, a memorial to our ancestors is created. Join us as award-winning authors Tracy Chiles-McGhee, Alan King, and A. Jarrell Hayes share excerpts from their popular works of fiction, prose and poetry, with opening by writer Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman. Book-signing with each author follows.
#ForTheCulture: Unapologetic Blackness as a Framework for Freedom
Facilitated by Monica O. Montgomery & Stephanye R. Watts
If #ThisIsAmerica how can people of color center Unapologetic Blackness as praxis for affirming our presence (right to hold and take space), personhood (right to exist unharmed), politic (beliefs and values) and culture (heritage and art)? ‘Unapologetically Black Week’ was a season of cultural programs that kicked off on Juneteenth 2018 at Weeksville Heritage Center in Brooklyn, highlighting the needs and necessity of blackness as a source of strength and a point of pride in polarizing times.”
To embrace the wonders of blackness without seeking validation or explanation from a world that encourages fear and self hatred is to live unapologetically Black. As we propel forward in freedom we rise above respectability and expectations by recentering the nuance of multifaceted blackness. Unapologetically black is a framework that accelerates liberation, by welcoming both the trials and triumphs of the Black experience. How can we transcend the obstacles of oppression that attempt to negate our culture and humanity? Unity, purpose, self determination, and collective work and responsibility are what keeps the fire burning. Education and affirmation are tools to fuel this lifestyle of Unapologetic Blackness, in which we rely on these Kwanzaa principles to persevere. Opening performance by artist Rima Aanjay.
PAST EVENTS
Welcome, Libation and Kwanzaa Experience with Khadijah Moon
Liberated Muse Arts Group welcomes festival-goers with an overview of the day's featured events, and an interactive opening featuring a call to the ancestors through pouring of libations, and a presentation by Khadijah Moon introducing an overview of Kwanzaa.
Waxing Poetic: Black Poets Speak
Award-winning multi-disciplinary artist Olu Butterfly shares new work from her upcoming poetry collection. Poet/Actor Kareema Wambuii performs some of her popular work and international writer D. Creative Soul reads new work and some of her favorite pieces. Book signing and Q & A follows. Hosted by soul singer/spoken word artist Quineice.
GROWING THE GOOD STUFF!
Gardener Darrin Butler leads this interactive workshop on how to begin an indoor or outdoor vegetable or herb garden using pots. Bring your questions and interest in how to take ownership of your ability to grow food.
FREE Admission with Ticket
$10 Ticket comes with a signed CD
Liberated Muse debuts AWAKENING, a tapestry of music--from jazzy blues and spoken word to soulful acapella ballads highlighting today's tumultuous times mixed with optimistic reverence to the power of Black womanhood. This new project, produced by Chez Soleil Music Group and featuring music by multi-instrumentalist Ben Beta, features songs written by and featuring the dynamic vocal synergy of Liberated Muse members Colie Aziza, Anonamas, Lyn Artope and Khadijah Moon. The compilation features songs the troupe has performed in live shows and introduces new work, providing a soundtrack to contemporary social justice issues and celebrating the audacious spirit of resiliency and love for community.
PAST EVENTS
unboxed/unbroken films
Documentary. Drama. Comedy. Thriller. The nation's capital is home to phenomenal talent behind the camera, crafting stories that center the stories of African diaspora. Filmmakers Kia Reed, Pamela Woolford, Cynthia Dorsey and Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman engage in a interactive Q & A of their critically-acclaimed work following screenings of their films.
Kwanzaa Kids Hour
Kwanzaa Kids Hour features interactive children's entertainment, including storybook readings, music and movement fun. Featured guests include Uncle Devin, The Family Dances and children's book author Colie Aziza.
DIY Crafts Build Your Own Teranium ($10 Participation Fee)
DIY enthusiast Khari Dawson leads participants in a workshop to make decorative teraniums. Children under 8 years-old must be accompanied by a paying and participating adult or teen. Limit 10.
the READ
Kwanzaa in August Festival: unboxed/ubound presents The READ, staged readings of five short plays by four Black women from the nation's capital and surrounding areas. The READ offers a compelling Sunday matinee filled with unapologetic storytelling presented by five rising names in the DC and Baltimore community. Free admission. Ticket required.