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NMLS# 646649
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Caribbean L 18 ife, June 4-10, 2021
Drumming Circle during a rousing tribute to the ancestors at the 30th Annual
Tribute to Our Ancestors of the Middle Passage. Photo by Tangerine Clarke,
fi le
Coney Island tribute
cancelled — honor
the ancestors anyway
By Vinette K. Pryce
For the second year since the pandemic
of 2020 forced lockdowns and
cancellations of all public events, the
annual seaside ritual held at Coney
Island to honor the ancestors will
not be held.
In a press release the organizers
explained that “due to Covid-19 and
continuing mask and social distancing
recommendations on the Coney
Island Boardwalk and beach, what
would have been the 32nd Annual
Tribute to Our Ancestors of the Middle
Passage on Saturday, June 12 has
been cancelled.”
The disappointing announcement
thwarted anticipation of the return of
the cultural annual which was canceled
last year for the same reason.
Supporters hoped that eased
restrictions, the preponderance of
vaccinations and a low infection rate
might have enabled resumption of
the unique tribute which honors
souls lost during the Trans-Atlantic
crossing to enslavement in America.
During the annual heritage fest,
flowers and fruits were usually thrust
into the ocean after recitations and
drumming sessions hailed the martyrs.
Dressed in white or African attire,
honorary elders often poured libations
to mark the ceremonial rituals.
A festive, family atmosphere prevailed
along the boardwalk attracting
curious spectators who have
been known to abandon rides at the
amusement setting in order to join
the cultural memorium.
The People of the Sun Middle Passage
Collective is asking their loyalists
to “pour libation from wherever
you are on that day at 12 noon.”
The act of pouring libation is manifested
by pouring a liquid — wine,
alcohol, oil, milk, honey, water etc —
to the earth or surface as an offering
in memory of the dead.
The organizers are also suggesting
that devotees “pay a special tribute to
our recent ancestors and, especially,
those we lost from Covid-19.”
A fraction: Grenadian Roy Hastick,
comedian/writer Paul Mooney, reggae
radio personality Gil Bailey, actor
Chadwick Boseman, actress Cecily
Tyson, singer Lloyd Price, reggae
songwriter/singers Bob Andy, Toots
Hibbert, Bunny Wailer, U-Roy, Civil
Rights activist/congressman John
Lewis, martyr George Floyd, country
singer Charley Pride, athlete/basket
ballplayer Kobe Bryant, pioneering
keyboardist/singer Little Richard,
NYC mayor David Dinkins, singers
Johnny Nash, Bill Withers, model/
entrepreneur Barbara Smith and so
many who died from the scourge of
the coronavirus.
Receive up to $9,500 toward the
purchase of your first home.
Eligible borrowers can receive up to
$9,500. Certain conditions and restrictions
apply. Program subject to change or
discontinuance without notice.
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