ADACI

African Diaspora Ancestral Commemoration Institute
3243 M Street, SE • Washington, DC 20019 | P.O. Box 77278 • Washington, DC 20013
Phone – 202.558.2187 • 301.292.6822 • 443.570.5667
eMail – adaci3@gmail.com• WebSite – www.adaci.net

F O R  I M M E D I A T E  R E L E A S E

May 16, 2012

Contact(s):  Karla Wynn Diouf (443) 570-5667 • Paula Wright Coleman (301) 455-8348 • Eurica Huggins (202) 558-2187

WHAT:      ADACI holds Day-Long Celebration Honoring 20 Years of Commemorating the Ancestors
WHO:        African Diaspora Ancestral Commemoration Institute (ADACI)
WHEN:     Saturday, June 16, 2012, 11am – 1pm and 6pm – 10pm (doors open at 5pm)
WHERE:  African Heritage Center • 1320 Good Hope Road, SE, • Washington, DC 20020, and  The Embassy of Nigeria • 3519 International Court, NW • Washington, DC 20008

The African Diaspora Ancestral Commemoration Institute (ADACI) will present its 20th Anniversary African Ancestral Commemoration on Saturday, June 16 with a mid-day procession and ceremony at the Anacostia River, an inaugural Dinner and the “Walking in the Footsteps of the Ancestors” Awards Ceremony and Celebration at the Embassy of Nigeria later that evening.

The first event highlights a ceremony at the Anacostia River, from 11am – 1pm. Opening prayers and libations take place at the African Heritage Center, 1320 Good Hope Road, SE, Washington, DC 20020, followed by a procession to the Anacostia River.  In accordance with many religious traditions, participants in the river procession are invited to wear white clothing to the spiritual healing ceremony. African spiritual traditions associate water as the source of all life, manifesting in expressions of health, fertility, cleansing and purification. The concept of water as a source of life and healing in mind, body, and soul is found in almost all religious practices, including Christianity, Islam, and the Bahá’í Faith which utilize water as an important symbol of purification.

The second event of this year’s celebration is ADACI’s 20th Annual “Walking in the Footsteps of the Ancestors Awards” Presentation and Fundraising Dinner on Saturday Evening, June 16th from 6pm – 10pm hosted at the Embassy of Nigeria, 3519 International Court, NW, Washington, DC 20008.  This year’s Awards honorees are: Abena Walker, author, educator and pioneer innovator of African-centered curricula; Askia Mohammed, renowned journalist and talk show host at WPFW Radio; Januwa Moja, cultural activist and African-inspired designer of wearable art; Mr. Stanley Straughter, Chairman of the Mayor’s Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs, Philadelphia, PA; Dr. Gloria Herndon, philanthropist and supporter of African culture and art; and Mr. Maurice Carney, Co-Founder of the Friends of the Congo.  This memorable night of honor and celebration, hosted by Sister-of-Ceremonies, Sandra Rattley, community activist and media specialist, also includes a special presentation by Haile Gerima, world renowned filmmaker of the internationally acclaimed film Sankofa and Professor of Film at Howard University, who will discuss his documentary-in-progress on the history of the Maroons in the United States. Guests may participate in a silent auction while viewing a slide presentation introducing the Center for Black Culture and International Understanding located in Oshogbo, Osun State, Nigeria. To cap off the evening of celebration, there will be music, entertainment, and literary performances by several local and international artists including poet Laini Mataka and neo-soul artist Afi.

Advanced Tickets: Adults – $45 ($50 at the door); Couples – $80 ($90 at the door);  Students/youth – $25;                                      Children under 10 – Free.

ADACI will also collect donations of school supplies to support its ADACI-Senegal education programs in villages throughout Senegal.

*Simultaneous celebrations are being held in Senegal and Nigeria!*

The African Diaspora Ancestral Commemoration Institute (ADACI) was founded in Washington, D.C. in 1992 as a community-based cultural, educational, and spiritual non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose purpose is to institutionalize the commemoration of the millions of Africans who perished during the Atlantic and other periods of enslavement. This mission is accomplished through the observance of ceremonies and the presentation of artistic, educational, and cultural activities which include: Youth Empowerment Workshops & Conferences; Academic & Educational Lectures; Film Festivals; Senior Citizens’ Cultural Events; and Visual and Performing Arts Presentations. ADACI has two Continental African Chapters, ADACI-Senegal (est.1993) and ADACI-Nigeria (est. 2004). Visit www.adaci.net for more details.