Elegba Folklore Society

34TH Down Home Family Reunion A Celebration of African American Folklife
2025-08-16 16:00 - 23:00 (America/New_York) | Abner Clay Park, Brook Road and West Clay Street, Richmond, 23219, United States
The Down Home Family Reunion returns Saturday, August 16, 2025 at Abner Clay Park in Richmond, VA. Celebrate African American folklife through music, dance, storytelling, food, and community.
Save the date — more details coming soon.

In the Footsteps of Maggie Walker
2025-07-12 12:00 - 16:00 | Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center, 101 E Broad St, Richmond, VA, 23219, United States
Elegba Folklore Society guides this cultural history tour as a contextual biography of Jackson Ward luminary, Maggie Lena Walker. Evolutionary from her birthplace in Church Hill to her elevation in Historic Jackson Ward, attendees have the chance to ponder black excellence and community building in early 20th century Richmond in light of its significance today. The tour concludes with a visit to Mrs. Walker’s home. Join us as we collaborate with the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site in celebrating her 161st birthday!

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The Black Book Expo, A Conscious Literary Festival - Honoring Our Mothers
2025-05-11 15:00 - 19:00 | Pine Camp Arts Center, 4901 Old Brook Rd, Richmond, VA, 23227, United States
THE BLACK BOOK EXPO, A CONSCIOUS LITERARY FESTIVALSaturday, May 10, 3p – 7p, and Sunday, May 11, 3p – 7p

Richmond, VA • Elegba Folklore Society will present the 2025 Black Book Expo ⦿ A Conscious Literary Festival, May 10 – 11, 2025 at the Pine Camp Arts Center, 4901 Old Brook Road in Richmond, VA 23227. From 3p – 7p on both days,the mid-Atlantic regional public is invited to browse and buy books, experience live entertainment and meet both celebrity and independent authors. While this is a free family event, donations are cheerfully accepted. The suggested amount is $10.

The Black Book Expo, A Conscious Literary Festival will showcase a vast display of literature featuring topics including black history, social justice, science, health, African Diasporic culture, African spirituality, personal development, novels and children’s books.

Saturday’s theme, Survival Strategies, will feature a talk and chat with Anthony T. Browder from his book, Survival Strategies for Africans in America, 13 Steps to Freedom. Mr. Browder has authored or co-authored 15 publications which are currently used in classrooms around the world. Also a publisher, cultural historian, artist and an educational consultant, he has lectured extensively throughout the United States, Africa, Caribbean, Mexico, Japan and Europe, on issues related to African and African American History and Culture.

Recognized by RVA Dance Awards for Best African Choreography, Elegba Folklore Society’s African dancers and drummers will also appear. According to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Elegba Folklore Society consistently brings a great level of education, professionalism, artistry, expertise and thoughtfulness into each one of their performances and presentations. Elegba Folklore Society’s performances continually promote a dedication to education, artistic expression, incredible skillset and technique, while also helping to preserve cultural and artistic traditions.

On Sunday, the Black Book Expo, A Conscious Literary Festival turns to Honoring Our Mothers with a special array of books for women and musical love presented by songstress, Desirée Roots. Ms. Roots is a celebrated musical and theatre icon. With over 35 years of experience, she has showcased her triple-threat talent in the gospel, jazz and theatre regionally and internationally. Along the East Coast, Ms. Roots has performed with orchestras, jazz ensembles, and her own groups. As a Grammy-nominated recording artist, she has also produced shows like Ella at 100, celebrating Ella Fitzgerald’s centenary. In 2014, she received the Theresa Pollak Award for Vocal Excellence.

Children are invited to Kemi Abifarin’s, Calabash Experience. Through her story telling, Kemi Abifarin shares the greatness she sees in African American culture and community and uses that energy to encourage, inspire and invoke positivism on all levels. The tools she chooses are in words, stories, families and in personal medicines. Ms. Abifarin is listed on the Virginia Commission for the Arts and Greater Richmond Wolf Trap Teaching Artist Rosters. Also, an artist educator with the Richmond Performance Alliance, she was recognized as this group’s 2023 Support Artist of the Year.

Independent Authors will make presentations and sign their books. Live streaming will occur from the event, as well, via the Society’s Facebook page. Books will also be available on the Society’s website. If you are an independent author and would like to participate, please contact imani@efsinc.org.

The public may follow Elegba Folklore Society on Facebook and Instagram for updates. They may also contact the Society at 804.644.3900, story1@efsinc.org and find more details at www.efsinc.org.

This program is made possible, in part, by Dominion Energy, the City of Richmond and the Arts & Cultural Funding Consortium.

The Black Book Expo, A Conscious Literary Festival - Survival Strategies
2025-05-10 15:00 - 19:00 | Pine Camp Arts Center, 4901 Old Brook Rd, Richmond, VA, 23227, United States

Vision Doll Workshop
2025-04-05 10:00 - 15:00

3rd Saturday Documentaries: Olympic Pride - American Prejudice
2025-03-15 17:00 - 20:00 | Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center, 101 E Broad St, Richmond, VA, 23219, United States
Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center will be hosting viewings of different documentaries of our little known yet largely influential history.
This week we will be showing Olympic Pride- American Prejudice, a documentary about the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, at the height of racism and terrorism in Hitler’s Germany. We know the story of Jesse Owens well, come learn of 17 other African-American athletes that competed that same year.

2024 Capital City Kwanzaa Festival
2024-12-28 13:00 - 19:00 | Greater Richmond Convention Center – Exhibit Hall B, 5th & Marshall Streets, Richmond, VA, 23219, United States
Capital City Kwanzaa Festival December 28, 2024

Capital City Kwanzaa Festival presents performances, workshops, children’s activities, The African Market, food and more observe the year’s-end Kwanzaa holiday, a cultural affirmation of values, thanksgiving and growth. This event is the largest of its kind in Virginia, and therefore, one of the largest on the East Coast. Elegba Folklore Society’s Artistic Director first produced a Kwanzaa program in Richmond in 1986 and the Society first presented its festival in 1990. (Annually during the December Kwanzaa Holiday)

2024 Capital City Kwanzaa Festival Details

2024 Capital City Kwanzaa Festival Vending Application

2024 Capital City Kwanzaa Festival Volunteer Signup

2024 Capital City Kwanzaa Festival Parking

2024 Capital City Kwanzaa Festival Covid Protocols

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Richmond Folk Festival: Textile Origin Stories - 9/29/2024
2024-09-29 13:00 - 18:00
Join us at the Richmond Folk Festival for a journey into the African origins of textiles and music! Explore indigo fabrics, kente cloth, African American quilts, and more. Engage with the ngoni, banjo, and the soulful sounds of the kora and djembe. Experience live demos, workshops, and performances by talented artists.
Let’s celebrate the richness of African cultural traditions together!

Richmond Folk Festival: Textile Origin Stories - 9/28/2024
2024-09-28 13:00 - 17:00

Run Richmond 16.19 - Friday, September 21st
2024-09-21 07:00 - 09:00 | Kanawha Plaza, S 8th & E Canal St, Richmond, VA, Richmond, VA 23219, United States

Run Richmond 16.19 - Friday, September 20th
2024-09-20 17:00 - 20:00 | Main Street Station, 1500 E Main St, Richmond, VA, 23219, United States

33rd Down Home Family Reunion, A Celebration of African American Folklife
2024-08-17 16:00 - 23:00 | Abner Clay Park, Brook Road and West Clay Street, Richmond, 23219, United States
33rd Down Home Family Reunion, A Celebration of African American Folklife – August 17, 2024 – Details Below

Down Home Family Reunion, A Celebration of African American Folklife is a downtown weekend festival that celebrates African American folklife with world music and dance, the Heritage Market, special children’s events, interactive site demonstrations and delicious down home food. It is designed to show aspects of West African cultural traditions that are African American and that have been absorbed by the American South. This is one of the Society’s original programs created in 1990.

33rd Annual Down Home Family Reunion Details

2024 Merchandise Vendor Application

2024 Food Vendor Application

Talented Youth Inquiry

33RD DOWN HOME FAMILY REUNION SEEKS TO PRESENT TALENTED YOUTH The festival’s Annie Tyler New School Pavilion is a popular haven for our children. Rev. Tyler loved children and worked lovingly with Elegba Folklore Society to create quality cultural experiences for them until her death. May the good she did last forever. Cultural craft making teaches lessons, games ensure fun and the stage showcases talented youth. Please contact us if you are interested in arranging a performance!

Share Your Community Service

SHARE YOUR COMMUNITY SERVICE AT 33RD DOWN HOME FAMILY REUNION If your community-based organization provides a community service you want people to know about, you may want to tell them from a table in the festival’s Waverly Crawley Community Row. Waverly Crawley was a fixture in Richmond’s Historic Jackson Ward, the festival’s location. He constantly encouraged people to get involved in the community to make it better. He wanted people to know that they could make a difference. Please contact us if you are interested in a table. May the good he did last forever.

Small Business Exhibitors

Small Business Owners! You are invited to the 33rd Down Home Family Reunion! This Celebration of African American Folklife will happen on Saturday, August 17, 2024, 4p – 11p in Richmond, Virginia!

Contact Us to Join Us in the SmartMart

• Display and tell your story

• Interact with and distribute materials to festival attendees

• Be highlighted in one prize drawing from the Main Stage!

How You Benefit Fast-track the promotions of your products/services to Richmonders and visitors by distributing product samples and prize drawings. Reinforce your marketing and public relations campaigns by distributing your flyers, discount coupons, business cards, surveys and other promotional materials.

Enhance your product or service image in the Richmond business picture. Be highlighted among your peers and in the community in our covered SmartMart business tent. One table, two chairs and signage will be provided. Demonstrate your commitment to civic/social vitality. Be highlighted in one prize drawing from the Main Stage. This festival connects aspects of West African traditions with those of African Americans through the ambience of a family gathering. The festival’s location is Abner Clay Park, located downtown in Historic Jackson Ward.

World music and dance headline the Down Home Family Reunion along with site demonstrations and children’s programs. This event couples history with its contemporary significance. With an expected attendance of 13,000 the festival includes a SmartMart with you in mind. Please contact us if you are interested.

Parking

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Working Roots
2024-07-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center, 101 E Broad St, Richmond, VA, 23219, United States
This interactive 2023-24 HBCU Scholars Fellowship presentation explores the historical connections between African American magic traditions—such as Hoodoo or Rootwork—and strategies of resistance to anti-black violence.
We will consider how enslaved Africans created magical objects, techniques, and concepts that have survived into the era of #BlackLivesMatter. From the uses of graveyard dirt to the Book of Psalms as a book of spells, this presentation challenges audiences to connect the role of liberation throughout African American religious history, in general, to the more specific context of magic’s application during slave rebellions and contemporary protests against police brutality. Healing and harming through supernatural means, in this way, becomes a radical practice governed by the pursuit of freedom.
Connect with culture. Enjoy the discussion, food and beverages.

Juneteenth 2024, A Freedom Celebration - A Tribute to the Ancestors, Along the Trail of Enslaved Africans
2024-06-09 14:00 - 19:00 | Manchester Dock, 139 Virginia Street, Richmond, VA, 23219, United States
Join Elegba Folklore Society on Sunday, June 9 beginning at 2p at the Manchester Dock with A Tribute to the Ancestors, Along the Trail of Enslaved Africans. An evolutionary, experiential and visceral walk along the Trail of Enslaved Africans, attendees are invited to immerse themselves in past occurrences that impact our perspectives today. From the African arrival point at the Dock to Shockoe Bottom and the sites of holding pens, jails, blocks and African burial ground, interpreters will interweave the narratives of enslaved Africans with the historical record. Participants will have the chance to ponder the impact of enslavement on the enslaved as shared in their own words and from their own view. This program includes riverside meditative community rituals for Ancestral homage.

Juneteenth 2024, A Freedom Celebration - Featuring the Black Book Expo (June 8th)
2024-06-08 14:00 - 19:00 | Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA, 23220, United States
Juneteenth 2024, A Freedom Celebration featuring the Black Book Expo will happen on Friday, June 7 through Sunday, June 9 as we are, thematically, Dancing with the Ancestors.
Join Elegba Folklore Society at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture on June 7 – 8, at 5p on June 7 and at 2p on June 8, for a vast display of literature featuring topics including black history, social justice, science, health, African Diasporic culture, African spirituality, personal development, novels and children’s books. Short talks by independent authors and book signings, a keynote speaker, live performances plus the Freedom Market filled with unique finds, tasty food and beverages and highlighting the Get Woke Youth Summit compliment this conscious literary festival in observance of Juneteenth.

Celebrate African and African American Art: Nigeria
2024-06-08 11:30 - 15:00 | Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Cheek Theater, 200 North Blvd, Richmond, VA, 23220, United States
TheTalkingDrumMusic

Be in our audience for excerpts from The Talking Drum. The drum is a legendary communications tool — a punctuating teller of life as it happens. This lively delivery of African and African American folktales and narratives combine with vocal and instrumental music to engage audiences along a rhythmic journey over continents and through time.

The Talking Drum has been called:

“Absolutely fantastic!”

Enjoy all! Then, join us next door at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture as Juneteenth 2024, A Freedom Celebration featuring the Black Book Expo continues with independent authors, live performances, a vast display of books plus snacks and drinks, 2p – 7p. Serendipity!

Juneteenth 2024, A Freedom Celebration - Featuring the Black Book Expo (June 7th)
2024-06-07 17:00 - 21:00 | Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA, 23220, United States

Elegba Folklore Society Cultural Tours
2024-04-13 12:00 - 2024-11-09 16:00 | Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center, 101 E Broad St, Richmond, VA, 23219, United States
In the Beginning…Virginia, Along the Trail of Enslaved Africans

Evolutionary, experiential and visceral along the Trail of Enslaved Africans, attendees are invited to immerse themselves in past occurrences that impact our perspectives today. From the African arrival point at river’s edge to Shockoe Bottom and the sites of holding pens, jails, blocks and African burial ground, interpreters will interweave the narratives of enslaved Africans with the historical record. From your bus and along the walk, participants will have the chance to ponder the impact of enslavement on the enslaved as shared in their own words and from their own view.
Contextually, this interactive experience begins at Ẹlẹgba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center, a space that emphasizes the authenticity of continental and Diasporic Africa through material culture.
Please encourage participants to wear comfortable shoes and dress. Bottled water is also suggested. The sites on the trail occur in a wooded area along the river as well as in urban city settings. There will be some walking.

In the Footsteps of Maggie Walker
Ẹlẹgba Folklore Society creates and guides this cultural history tour as a contextual biography of Jackson Ward luminary, Maggie Lena Walker. Evolutionary from her birthplace in Church Hill to her elevation in Historic Jackson Ward, attendees have the chance to ponder black excellence and community building in early 20th century Richmond in light of its significance today.

Meet the Maasai
2024-03-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center, 101 E Broad St, Richmond, VA, 23219, United States
Chief Joseph Ole Tipanko, Cicilia Seleyian & Kilenyi John Parsitau are returning from Maasailand in Kenya. Be in our audience to learn about their storied history and contemporary life ways. Browse & buy amazing handmade beaded jewelry.

3rd Saturday Documentaries: Hapi
2024-03-16 15:00 - 18:00 | Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center, 101 E Broad St, Richmond, VA, 23219, United States
3rd Saturday Documentaries at Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center • Hapi • Saturday, March 16th • 3pm • FREE ADMISSION
Drawn from the lore of Hapi, the Kemetic diety who presided over the flooding of the Nile that brought forth fertile soils, bountiful crops, and a rich economy, this film explores the relationships between economics and culture.

Why Kemet Matters: The Reclamation of African Culture With Anthony T. Browder (3rd Saturday Documentaries)
2024-02-17 15:00 - 17:00 | Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center, 101 E Broad St, Richmond, VA, 23219, United States
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Anthony T. Browder is an author, publisher, cultural historian, artist, and an educational consultant. He is a graduate of Howard University’s College of Fine Arts and has lectured extensively throughout the United States, Africa, Caribbean, Mexico, Japan and Europe, on issues related to African and African American History and Culture.
He has traveled to Egypt 54 times since 1980 and is currently director of the ASA Restoration Project, which is funding the excavation and restoration of the 25thdynasty tomb of Karakhamun in Luxor, Egypt.
Among Browder’s books are Nile Valley Contributions to Civilization and the soon to be released Why Kemet Matters. Both are available at the Ẹlẹgba Folklore Society.

The Talking Gourd: Glen Allen Library
2024-02-08 18:00 - 20:00 | Glen Allen Library, 10501 Staples Mill Rd, Glen Allen, VA, 23060, United States
Join Omilade Janine Bell of the Elegba Folklore Society for The Talking Gourd
Be engaged by images, oral histories, music and ceremony to interactively learn about Mother Africa’s global contributions and influence. Feel culturally enriched and joyful. Feel new connections to the shaping of the world.
Catch the Buzz —
“I found it interesting that many styles of architecture, medicine and other sciences, economics, art and many other disciplines were originated in Africa.”
“She was very engaging. I could have sat and listened to her all day.”
We’re saving your seat!

The Talking Gourd: Fairfield Library
2024-02-05 18:00 - 20:00 | Fairfield Library, 1401 N Laburnum Ave, Richmond, 23223, United States

Before There Was History, There Was Black History: The Kemet Collection
2024-02-02 17:00 - 2024-02-29 17:00 | Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center, 101 E Broad St, Richmond, VA, 23219, United States
The public is invited to visit Ẹlẹgba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center, 101 E Broad St in Richmond, VA, to explore the origins of civilization. Artifacts, photographs and material culture from Egypt, the north eastern African country that was known in antiquity as Kemet, will be on view beginning Friday, February 2 with an opening reception from 5p – 9p.
Before There Was Any History, There Was Black History :||: The Kemetic Collection will be displayed as an infusion of expressive art into Ẹlẹgba Folklore Society’s permanent collection, ARTiFACTS, through February 29.
From architecture and engineering marvels to mathematics, from spirituality to its artistic expressions, from Kings and Queens of an ancient past to artifacts, decor, adornment and fashion, visitors can learn the influences of Kemet (a.k.a. Egypt) on the shaping of the world.
Located in the downtown arts district, Ẹlẹgba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center’s visitors are invited to experience, browse and buy.

2023 Capital City Kwanzaa Festival
2023-12-30 13:00 - 19:00 | Greater Richmond Convention Center – Exhibit Hall B, 5th & Marshall Streets, Richmond, VA, 23219, United States
Capital City Kwanzaa Festival December 30, 2023

Capital City Kwanzaa Festival presents performances, workshops, children’s activities, The African Market, food and more observe the year’s-end Kwanzaa holiday, a cultural affirmation of values, thanksgiving and growth. This event is the largest of its kind in Virginia, and therefore, one of the largest on the East Coast. Elegba Folklore Society’s Artistic Director first produced a Kwanzaa program in Richmond in 1986 and the Society first presented its festival in 1990. (Annually during the December Kwanzaa Holiday)

2023 Capital City Kwanzaa Festival Details

2023 Capital City Kwanzaa Festival Vending Application

2023 Capital City Kwanzaa Festival Volunteer Signup

2023 Capital City Kwanzaa Festival Parking

2023 Capital City Kwanzaa Festival Covid Protocols

CONTACT US

REAL BLACK FRIDAYS Holiday Sales Event - December 15th
2023-12-15 12:00 - 21:00 | Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center, 101 E Broad St, Richmond, VA, 23219, United States
Deck the halls with African art
Fa la la la la
It’s the Real Black Fridays. Visit for discounts & cheer.
Our Home is Your Home. Come, feel the Vibe.
The Real Black Fridays
Give the Gift of Culture
December 8th & 15th.
Open Late!
Covid Protocols. Safety First.

REAL BLACK FRIDAYS Holiday Sales Event - December 8th
2023-12-08 12:00 - 21:00 | Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center, 101 E Broad St, Richmond, VA, 23219, United States

3rd Saturday Documentaries: Belly of the Beast
2023-11-18 17:00 - 19:00 | Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center, 101 E Broad St, Richmond, VA, 23219, United States
3rd Saturday Documentaries at Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center •Belly of the Beast • Saturday, Nov. 18th • 5pm • FREE ADMISSION
When an unlikely duo discovers a pattern of illegal sterilizations in women’s prisons, they wage a near impossible battle against the Department of Corrections. Filmed over seven years with extraordinary access and intimate accounts from currently and formerly incarcerated people, BELLY OF THE BEAST exposes modern-day eugenics and reproductive injustice in California prisons.

3rd Saturday Documentaries - Frantz Fanon: His Life, His Struggle, His Work
2023-10-21 17:00 - 19:00 | Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center, 101 E Broad St, Richmond, VA, 23219, United States
Frantz Fanon, was a Martinique-born psychiatrist, political philosopher and Pan-Africanist. He used both his clinical research and lived experience of being a black man in a racist world to analyze the effects of racism on individuals –- particularly on people of color — and of the economic and psychological impacts of imperialism.
He gravitated towards radical politics and the philosophy of black consciousness known as negritude. His 1952 book, Black Skin, White Masks, offers a penetrating analysis of racism and of the ways in which it is internalized by its victims. In it Fanon espouses the concept of cognitive dissonance, and says, “Sometimes people hold a core belief that is very strong. When they are presented with evidence that works against that belief, the new evidence cannot be accepted. It would create a feeling that is extremely uncomfortable, called cognitive dissonance. And because it is so important to protect the core belief, they will rationalize, ignore and even deny anything that doesn’t fit in with the core belief.”
This film traces the short and intense life of one of the world’s greatest thinkers of the 20th century. English subtitles.

First Fridays ArtWalk at Elegba Folklore Society's Cultural Center
2023-10-06 17:00 - 21:00 | Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center, 101 E Broad St, Richmond, VA, 23219, United States
October 6
First Fridays ArtWalk • 5p – 9p
Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center
101 E Broad St
Richmond, VA 23219
Free
Announcing the Afro Funk Wear Collection
See for yourself. Wearable art with creative and eclectic applications of denim and Senegalese influenced Baay Faal fabric treatments. Feast your eyes. Adorn your body.
Plus! Prints, Memorabilia, Artifacts, Imports, Collectibles, Home Decor, Wearables, Books, Jewelry, Shea & Cocoa Butters, Black Soap, Oils, Incense & More.
