Taken at MAAFA Commemoration

MAAFA is a Kiswahili word that means "great tragedy" referring to the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, during which time, millions of African captives were brought to the Americas where they were subjected to chattel slavery. The MAAFA Commemoration offers an opportunity for the community to reflect on this great transgression against humanity and distance ourselves institutionally—in word and deed—from this transgression, its legacy and the evolved practice of racism in our civic, social, spiritual and personal lives. This MAAFA Commemoration takes place annually in New Orleans, Louisiana during the July 4th weekend.