On Saturday, August 11th, 2012 near the Seaford Sports Complex - and during the opening ceremonies of the Eastern Shore AFRAM Festival - a group of celebrants gathered to recognize and honor the sacrifices of their African ancestors. The tribute took place at the restored slave cabin which sits next to the Ross Mansion and plantation. The cabin stands as a symbol of the disparity between the lives of the planters, and the people who produced their wealth for centuries leading up to the Civil War and Emancipation.

The relocation of the festival to the Seaford Sports Complex created a unique opportunity for this observance on such a significant and historic site. All visitors to the festival were welcomed to witness and participate in the event which included an African libation ritual offered by Dr. Donald Blakely.

At the end of the ceremony a memorial wreath was presented as a tribute for the ancestors here, and throughout the Diaspora. The procession receded back to the festival grounds accompanied by African drums by SANKOFA of Dover, DE.

Follow the link to see the original ceremony and images, HERE >