Elegba Folklore Society

In the Beginning Virginia, Along the Trail of Enslaved Africans
2025-11-08 12:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center, 101 E Broad St, Richmond, VA, 23219, United States
Evolutionary, experiential and visceral along the Trail of Enslaved Africans, attendees have the chance to ponder the impact of enslavement on the enslaved as shared in their own words and from their own view. Embarking by bus after a contextual visit to the Society’s cultural center, participants will walk in our ancestors’ footsteps from their arrival point at river’s edge into Shockoe Bottom, the sites of holding pens, jails, blocks and burial ground.
Hear the narratives of enslaved Africans & the historical record. There may be moments of discomfort and also opportunity to debrief. From our bus and along the walk, participants will have the chance to immerse themselves in past occurrences that impact our perspectives today.
Wear comfortable shoes and dress. Bring a bottle of water, and snacks are also suggested depending on health needs. After leaving the cultural center, the tour is outside and mostly in direct sun, in a wooded area along the river as well as in urban city settings. There will be a generous amount of walking.

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The Power of We: A Collaborative Dance and Drum Workshop
2025-11-15 12:00 - 16:00 | Richmond Movement Center, 14 E. Broad Street, Richmond, VA, 23219, United States
Umoja: Two Paths, One Purpose
“The Power of We” — A Collaborative Dance & Drum Workshop
Saturday, November 15, 202512:00 PM – 4:00 PMRichmond Movement Center14 E. Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219
Join Ezibu Muntu and the Elegba Folklore Society for Umoja: Two Paths, One Purpose, a powerful dance and drum experience celebrating the unity found in rhythm, movement, and community.
This special workshop, “The Power of We,” invites participants to engage in an afternoon of cultural exchange and artistic collaboration led by two master artists — Souleymane Solo Sana of Mali and Docta Yew (Yuma Bellomee) of Washington, D.C.
Through the traditional dances of Mali and the dynamic rhythms of the African drum, participants will explore the interconnectedness of our collective spirit. Together, we will honor ancestral traditions while creating a shared experience of expression, healing, and joy.
About the Artists
Souleymane Solo Sana is an internationally acclaimed dancer from Mali, West Africa. A former principal member of Ballet du District de Bamako, he now directs Kono Gnaga, an organization dedicated to preserving traditional Malian dance and music. Solo’s teachings connect movement with meaning, offering participants an authentic and deeply rooted cultural experience.
Docta Yew (Yuma Bellomee) is a Washington, D.C.–based percussionist, herbalist, and educator. As founder of Ni Dembaya African Drum & Dance Ensemble, he brings the healing power of rhythm to communities across the region. His approach blends ancestral percussion with modern wellness and community building.
Join the Experience
Come ready to move, connect, and be inspired.All experience levels are welcome.
Register today by scanning the QR code on the flyer or visit the link below:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/the-power-of-we-a-collaborative-dance-and-drum-workshop
https://efsinc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ezibumuntu_20251112_reel_3764401598241020223_1_3764401598241020223.mp4
✅ FREE parking is provided!
🚨 Heads up, fam! Because of the Richmond Marathon happening this Saturday, there will be road closures in various parts of Richmond city.
Our event at The Richmond Movement Center (14 E Broad St.) — right on the block between N. Foushee and 1st — is still ON! 🙌🏾 Just make sure to read the details in our reel, plan your route (use Waze app), and come early so you can park easily and enjoy the full experience.
