The annual New Orleans Maafa Commemoration is a community remembrance event, a moment to reckon with the horrors of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, and a release from the chains of its legacy. Maafa is a Kiswahili word meaning “horrific tragedy” and refers to the period known as The Middle Passage. This year’s event is presented by Ashé Cultural Arts Center on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 7:00am, beginning at Congo Square (701 N Rampart St.)

This year’s theme coincides with the Ashé 25th Anniversary theme of unASHÉmed, where we unapologetically acknowledge and honor our ancestors, history, and the traumas they endured for their survival and our existence. Maafa identifies historically-significant locations of New Orleans’ own history as a major slave market, such as Esplanade Avenue and The Tomb of the Unknown Slave in Tremé. In closing, we say the names of those enslaved and free, victims of tragic events, senseless violence, as well as all those who were, so that we might be.  

In New Orleans-fashion, the procession will follow drummers from Congo Square to the Mississippi River and will include performances, prayers, and words of healing.

All white attire is preferred. The local community and visitors are invited to attend this commemoration event of healing, testimony, and celebration of our ancestors, existence, and survival.