Event bridges, highlights West African and African American traditions

Kerri Gentius, Contributing Writer

The influence of West African culture settled over Abner Clay Park as people gathered together as far as the eye could see. 

The Elegba Folklore Society hosted its 32nd Annual Down Home Family Reunion on Aug. 19. The reunion is a showcase of West African influence on southern African American culture, according to the EFSINC’s website. The event, created in 1990, is one of the EFSINC’s original programs. 

The EFSINC is a cultural arts and education nonprofit that focuses on building connections between Africans and African Americans through the arts, said Imani Bell, a production assistant and lead dancer with the Elegba Folklore Society’s dance company. 

“That is really what the Down Home Family Reunion was born from — cultural bridges,” Bell said.  

The event boasted an array of varied interests and activities for attendees to enjoy, especially musical entertainment, which ranged from blues and reggae to Afro-Caribbean, Bell said.

African dancing music and its “groove” was showcased at the event as well, according to Bell. 

Attendees danced to the rich dusky timbre of Lady E, Richmond’s Duchess of Blues, and the rocksteady music of the Tunji Band had revelers swaying and skanking in the crowd. 

One of the musical performers, Angelica Baylor, a recording artist and backing vocalist for Ginuwine, thrives on connection, she said. 

“I deemed myself actually a Neo-pop artist and that is where Neo-Soul meets pop,” Baylor said. “I like to put the two together because I am a singer. I like to sing and belt, but I like to dance.”

Other musical acts included Zydeco royalty of the Carrier family, Dikki Du and the Zydeco Krewe, led by Troy Carrier, according to EFSINC’s website. 

Zydeco, a musical genre which originated in South Louisiana from the French Creole and African population, is rooted in West African, Caribbean and French culture and their influence can be found throughout the South, according to the upcoming documentary, Zydeco By Birth. 

Music and dance were not the only showcases of the Down Home Family Reunion — various food and merchandise vendors were integral parts of the event as well. 

Richmond’s own Taste of the Caribbean made an appearance with traditional Caribbean dishes like curry chicken, king fish and shrimp. Other food vendors served Italian ice and Southern homestyle comfort foods. 

West African art and clothing lined the perimeter of Abner Clay Park with vendors showcasing a spectrum of work to inlude handmade jewelry, unique beaded handbags and print works. 

Awa’s African Art keeps the community in mind in everything that they do, according to Abdoulaye Fall, assistant and nephew of Awa Thiam, the owner of Awa’s African Art. They also hold sacred West African traditions through food, hair care and art, Thiam said.

Awa’s African Art started selling art to support women and negotiate on their behalf, as selling their wares at the festival is a great way to foster women-led entrepreneurship, Fall said.  

Lateef Jawana, the visionary behind Art Light Designs, displayed unique Afro-Diasporic inspired light plates. BLK RVA’s table invited visitors to tour Richmond’s historic sites, and Beaded N Beauty by Aaliyah, showcased an eclectic collection of beaded handbags and headwear.

The Down Home Family Reunion had much to offer anyone interested in getting involved with their local community and African heritage. This yearly event will continue to be a cultural bridge between members of the African Diaspora.

“Our history is our power, knowing our roots, knowing the foundation is powerful because it gives you a sense of self and a stronger knowledge of self,” Bell said. “Therefore, you carry that energy wherever you go, and you can walk with your head a little bit higher.”