*Long Beach – Black History Month is an annual celebration of the magnificent achievements by African Americans in the United States History.
The event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson. Since 1976, every U.S. President has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month, African American Heritage Month. (Source History.com).
The Aquarium of the Pacific presented the 14th Annual African-American Festival, a celebration of music, story and art in African-American culture, February 27-28, 2016.
“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth… Let the sea roar, and the fullness thereof, Let the waves clap their hands in glee, and hills sing out their songs of joy before the Lord.” (Psalm 98:4, 7-9).
Attendees at this year’s festival were able to experience the sights, sounds, and movement that weave the bright fabric of the local African-American community while exploring the wonders of the Pacific. The festival featured music, dance, storytelling, crafts, and ethnic foods for the public’s enjoyment.
Thousands of people strolled through the Aquarium of the Pacific on Saturday, February 27th, for the popular annual celebration of African culture. Most events took place in the Honda Blue Cavern. The Honda Blue Cavern Dive Show was a popular attraction all day.
Fantasia Dance Ensemble is a fabulous talented, multi-cultural dance ensemble. They opened the show with some fantastic dance moves. They launched into a sea going adventure with “Fantastic Voyage” by Lakeside followed by an infectious Calypso version of “Under the Sea.”
Baba The Storyteller held a captivated audience of kids and their parents during his segment of the program. He shared ancient wisdom from the Ancestors through music and stories. The story that he shared resonated with the audience. He encouraged kids to enjoy their time as kids and not try being a grown-up before their time and the importance of listening to their parents.
The program shifted into high gear with the energetic performance of PISE (Positive Images of Self Expression) led by Imani Hayward. Kee a dynamic vocalist kicked off their segment of the program to showcase her amazing vocal stylings on “If You Believe,” and “Love on Top.” A group of Praise Dancers accentuated the program followed by a solo performance by Imani Hayward to the inspiring, uplifting tune “You Are Beautiful Like a Flower.”
The pulsating sounds of the high energy/high octane Dembrebrah African Dance rocked the house, with West African Dance and drumming that thrilled the crowd.
The LA LA Mardi Gras Second Liners were a perfect segue after Dembrebrah. Audience participation was encouraged as they led the lively crowd in a traditional New Orleans Second line with beads and colorful umbrellas.
The Festival also featured DJ Seven Seize holding it down on the ones and twos, followed by Deep Red for some relaxing Spoken Yoga.
Ambiaz Muzic Experienz allowed people to make beautiful music by partaking in the interactive drum circle. A vast array of percussion instruments was available for all comers for this fun activity.
The festival continued with performances by Homeland Crew-Breakdancing and Popping; musical performances by Per Se and David Lewis exciting kids during the Children’s African Storytelling in the Marine Life Theater.
The 14th Annual African-American Festival was engaging, educational, enlightening and entertaining. Aquarium of the Pacific is known for presenting top notch, variety of diverse activities for the entire family. For more information about the Aquarium of the Pacific visit their site online www.aquariumofpacific.org or call (562)-590-3100.
Ricky Richardson is a Southern California based writer, music reviewer and photographer. Contact him via: [email protected]
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