The 25th annual Tribute to the Ancestors of the Middle Passage took place Saturday, June 14 from noon to sunset on the boardwalk in Coney Island, N.Y. Founded by Dr. Mary Umolu, the tribute pays homage to the millions of lives lost during the trans-Atlantic slave trade. The tribute also acknowledges sisters and brothers who have made significant contributions to the Black Liberation Movement, such as Gil Noble, host of the television show “Like It Is,” and Baba Jitu Weusi, founder of the National Black United Front.
Sponsored by Medgar Evers College, Middle Passage Collective and Akeem Productions, the ceremony is always open to people of all faiths and spiritual traditions. The program included African dancing and drumming, libations, spoken word poetry and musical performances. The program concluded with a procession into the water, in which participants make their offerings to the ancestors.
Although it was not required, most people wore white or African attire for unity.