The First Call
Presented in Collaboration with BAMBDFEST 2021 International
A community ritual by Ayodele Nzinga
produced with Calling Up Justice
July 31 2021 Digital Space Opens 11:30
This Simple ritual begins at MIDNIGHT for 33 Minutes
Our Black community has gathered annually on New Year’s Eve to observe “WATCH NIGHT” since, “Freedom’s Eve”, December 31, 1862, when free Blacks and Black slaves came together all across the nation to await news that the Emancipation Proclamation had become law on New Year’s Day, 1863. Join us now July 31, 2021 for THE CALL where we will gather in song, music, prayer, and art to set the intention for the next Watch Night to see us safely through another year.
ARTISTS AND SPEAKERS: Daniela Cobb; Adunni; Minister Cherri Murphy; Queen J. Tarika Lewis; Cyree Jarelle; Tinu Abayomi-Paul; and Nyree Young
PRODUCTION TEAM: Producer Claudia Alick; Assistant Producer Cheri Miller; Stage Manager: TaiReika L.A.; Production Assistant: Julia K. Rice
BAMBDFEST Dr. Ayodele Nzinga: Artistic Director; Lisa Evans: production manager
BAMBDFEST BIENNIAL 2023 INTERNATIONAL is a multi-day, multi-venue festival in celebration of the Black Arts Movement Business District, Black Arts & Culture, and economics in Oakland, CA. Founded in February 2019, produced by the Lower Bottom Playaz, Inc. in collaboration with BAMBD, CDC, funded by a Creative California Communities grant from the California Arts Council the festival was an annual event through August of 2021.
REGISTER FOR THE CALL AT BAMBDFEST http://www.bambdfest.com/Events.php
The Call Reprise
Rebroadcast of this event August 31.
PRODUCTION TEAM: Producer Claudia Alick; Production Assistant: Lucia Mills-Low