Organized by Sequoia Ascension, The Atlanta Afroindigenous Peoples Festival (AAPF) was a captivating weekend celebration dedicated to uplifting and honoring the rich and diverse cultures of Black, Native, and Afroindigenous communities in the South. This festival invited Black and Afroindigenous folks from all communities, shades, enrollment statuses, queer and gender identities, ages, and abilities to take part in a variety of intentionally crafted activities—all aimed at creating spaces of belonging, learning, and joy.
Day One of AAPF, Saturday, June 14th, kicked off with a screening of a powerful film titled Duality: A Collection of Afro-Indigenous Perspectives. This film featured insightful interviews that uplifted the rich histories of Black and Native American lineages and was followed by a community discussion. The festival then offered Powwow Dance and Gullah Geechee Sweetgrass Basket-Making workshops—both beginner-friendly. Day One culminated with Powwows & Ciphers: A Sacred Place to Be, an evening-length performance that explored Afro-Indigeneity through a fusion of Black Vernacular and Native American music and dance.
Curated by Emmy-nominated dance duo Al Taw'am, the show featured an exceptional cast of Black and Afroindigenous dancers. Day Two of AAPF, Sunday, June 15th, was the Afroindigenous Powwow—a historic event, as it marked Atlanta's first Afroindigenous powwow on public record. The powwow featured vibrant exhibitions from artists, including Grammy-nominated Afroindigenous musician Mumu Fresh.
To learn more about Sequoia Ascension, check out their website by clicking this link.
