The Atlanta Afroindigenous Peoples Festival Celebrates The Rich & Diverse Cultures Of Black, Native, & Afroindigenous Communities

The AAPF says,

This festival invites 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.

What can festival-goers expect at the AAPF?

Festival-goers can expect to learn tons of cultural practices and stories from the communities! Some special events include:

• Duality Film Screening & Conversation –

  • They say, “In collaboration with Black Indians NC, this extraordinary event will feature the screening of the captivating film Duality: A Collection of Afro Indigenous Perspectives. This film highlights insightful interviews that uplift the rich history of Black and Native American lineages. Following the screening, we will engage in a short panel discussion led by activist, artist, and community leader YoNasDa LoneWolf, with the makers of the film, Frederick DeShon Murphy & K. Knight. This gathering of hearts and minds, inviting those with a love for history, knowledge, and conversation.”

• Fancy Shawl & House Workshop –

  

  • They say, “Led by the amazing Butterfly Effect Dance Group & Khadijah Siferllah, this workshop offer hands- on learners the opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant rhythms and captivating movement of Fancy Shawl (Native American) & House (Black American) dance. This Workshop is an open-level, inviting individuals to explore a variety of movement practices. Our mission is to ensure Indigenous dance remains accessible to Indigenous communities while igniting a passion for traditional dances and preserving the essence of our cultural heritage.”

• Gullah Geechee Sweetgrass Basket Workshop –

  

  • They say, “Join us for a hands-on class where you’ll learn the sacred art of Gullah Geechee Sweetgrass Basket Making, a tradition passed down for centuries in the Lowcountry. Guided by Jennifaye Singleton, you’ll discover the rich history and cultural significance of this indigenous craft, while learning the basics for creating your own beautiful, hand-made basket using locally sourced sweetgrass and other natural materials.”

• Powwows & Ciphers: A Sacred Place to be

  • They say, “Artistically directed by Emmy-nominated dance duo Al Taw’am, Powwows & Ciphers: A Sacred Place to Be is a groundbreaking dance expression delving into Afro-Indigeneity through the fusion of Black vernacular and Native American music and dance. This evening-length piece explores enduring issues shaping Black and Native communities, touching on themes such as Land Back, gentrification, resilience, and more. The piece features a collection of award-winning and outstanding Black, Indigenous, and Afro Indigenous ensembles and artists, such as Lyrric Jackson Dance Company, Wontanara, Umi IMAN, Jamaal Isaac, Lashay, Butterfly Effect Dance Group, Lady Krow, and DiaSole Dance.”

• The Afroindigenous Powwow

  • They say, “The Afroindigenous Powwow will celebrate the cultural traditions of Black, Native, and Afroindigenous dance, music, and storytelling. This unique powwow and experience-scape will be a sanctuary for Afroindigenous people. This sacred event is designed to create an affirming space for Afroindigenous people to come together and experience the joy of our cultural practices. Many Afroindigenous people face racialized violence within traditional powwow spaces. Assessing for physical and emotional safety takes us away from fully engaging in the celebration and creates an invisible barrier to participation and community belonging. Our Afroindigenous Powwow will not ask Afroindigenous people to assess for safety by themselves, but rather be honored and celebrated for our contributions to our communities and beyond.”

Why is this festival important?

Celebrating the cultures and stories of indigenous and Black communities is extremely important to the cultural fabric of not only Atlanta and the South, but the entire United States. And this festival is even more of a historic event, because it “it marks Atlanta’s first Afroindigenous powwow on public record.” In other words, you can’t miss out!

When & where is the Atlanta Afroindigenous Peoples Festival?

Where: The Auburn Avenue Research Library & various locations

When: June 14th – 15th, 2025