Black Indians NC To Host Powwow Celebrating African American And Indigenous Culture

DURHAM, NC – The first annual Black Indians NC Powwow will be held on Saturday, September 25th at the Southeast Raleigh YMCA (1436 Rock Quarry Road, Raleigh, NC 27610). The free family-centered community event will run from 10 am to 5 pm. A roundtable discussion of experts will start the day at 10 am and grand entry will begin at 12 pm.  

Hosted by the Black Indians NC Advisory Council, a state-recognized nonprofit, the Black Indians NC 2021 Powwow is a traditional Southeastern-style powwow with educational awareness about African American and Native American people from North Carolina. The powwow has gained support from the North Carolina Museum of Art and Office of Public Engagement in the Office of Governor Roy Cooper.

The powwow will feature Aminah Ghaffar (Afro-Indigenous & citizen of the Lumbee Tribe) as the Head Woman Dancer, Nakia Lynch (Haliwa- Saponi) as the Head Man Dancer, traditional drum groups, dancers, retail and nonprofit vendors, a live version of the Black Indians NC “Conversation Circle” Panel, a special presentation honoring tribes and people in North Carolina, and more to be announced.

The “Conversation Circle” will focus on identity as well as the intersectionality of African Americans and Indigenous people in areas of history, culture, food, dance, drum music, and more. The significance of this event is to bring awareness to attendees about the historical and present-day perspectives of Afro-Indigenous people from the State of North Carolina. This event is free, open to the public, and family-friendly for all ages. Begin the journey of learning the history, culture, dance, music, and reconnection for Afro-Indigenous people.

“North Carolina has a rich yet untold history about people of African, African-American, and Indigenous heritage,” stated Kimberly Knight, chair of the pow wow. “The Black Indians NC 2021 Powwow will begin that conversation and celebrate people that identify with both cultures.”

Vendor spots and sponsorships are now available for the event.

Volunteer Application: https://tinyurl.com/BINCPVolunteerApp 

Vendor Application: https://tinyurl.com/BINCPVendorApp

For more information, CLICK HERE or contact BlackIndiansNC@gmail.com