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As mentioned in my previous blogs, I wanted to talk more about the incredible African Traditions Symposium that I participated in while in Puerto Rico. But first I wanted to share some photos from the Museum of African Heritage in Viejo San Juan. It’s important to see exhibitions like this when much of Latin America is still trying to downplay the richness of its black heritage and also when some folks today are still trying to glaze over the atrocities of the past and of the present that perpetuate racist ideologies.

Images from Museum:

The shackles were actually used on the ankles of enslaved Africans in Puerto Rico.

This "collar de Hierro" was used to punish enslaved Africans in Puerto Rico who rebeled. (See below:)

With that said, spiritual/ cultural boricua powerhouse Dr. Marta Moreno Vega, (founder, Caribbean Culture Center, NYC) teamed up with close allies to organize an annual symposium in Puerto Rico that would promote awareness of, and celebrate the rich cultural and spiritual traditions of the African Diaspora. Having such a gathering take place in Puerto Rico is a great opportunity for healing from the repression and oppression faced by blacks and our traditions, on that island and throughout the diaspora. It was a great honor to be invited to participate in the symposium’s exhibition and a real gift to be present for this life-changing gathering.

The symposium took place mainly in Viejo San Juan on July 11^th and 12^th and in Carolina on July 13^th and 14^th, 2007. Here are some highlights:

Huge highlight for me personally, Dr. Babatunde Lawal gave a presentation on the role and importance of Art in Yoruba culture. I left there on a high. (will discuss more in my next post)

Another weepy moment for me, seeing these gorgeous girls dancing a beautiful bomba in an incredible cultural arts center in Piñones.

Again, witnessing the power of Bomba. I love this blurred photo because it captures the spirit of the dancers' movements.

This photo of a rasta baby waving an Ethiopian flag at el Teatro Fortunato Vizcarrondo in Carolina captures the diversity of Boricuas who turned out for the symposium.

Last but not least, huge highlight: the lovely people I met and bonded with at the symposium. One such person is Tortolan/ Boricua brother Leroy AKA "Black Power". This brother was among the many beautiful souls I met while there.

Can't go on forever so I'll post more details about paintings, peoples, presentations and performances in subsequent posts.

Peace+light,

Yasmin