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Forward Ever, Backward Never: A Celebration of Black History Month with IVRPD
February 22, 2022 @ 3:00 am PST
– Isla Vista Recreation & Park District (IVRPD) is excited to announce that in celebration of Black History Month, it will be hosting a free, outdoor event titled “Forward Ever, Backward Never”. A celebration of Black culture, the event will feature an African drumming workshop, poetry, live musical performance, art experience, and a free screening of the Marvel Studios film “Black Panther”.
IVRPD is hosting this event in collaboration with Rene Fisher-Mims’ Mawusi Women’s African drum circle S.H.I.N.E. – Sisters, Healing, Inspiring, Nurturing and Empowering – and in creative partnership with Sojourner the Poet & Friends, The Rahkas, and Isla Vista Arts.
“It is a blessing and an honor to take part of a community event that pays homage to history, diversity and culture,” said Alla Rahka McKeon. “Through music, the universal language, we show reverence to history and culture, as well as continuing to amplify the messages and rhythms of the people.”
“I am excited to be a part of this event which celebrates and uplifts Black history,” said 2015-2017 Santa Barbara poet laureate Sojourner Kincaid Rolle. “Poetry in its essence acknowledges our lived experiences and often is the inspiration for our way forward.”
“Our goal in hosting this event was to create a shared community space where people could come together to celebrate black culture,” said IVRPD General Manager Kimberly Kiefer.
Live music will be performed by the Rahkas, a reggae band based in Santa Barbara that features a female lead vocalist and blends soulful keys with electrifying guitar to create a vast repertoire of original sounds along with fresh spins on classic covers.
The event is free, outdoors, open to all ages, and will take place at Little Acorn Park (901 Embarcadero Del Mar) from 3pm-8:00pm on Tuesday, February 22, 2022. Come and enjoy a live performance spanning the genres of rock, reggae, and classic soul. Refreshments, cookies, and rock art offered while supplies last. We hope you can join us in celebrating this cultural event.
Event Schedule:
3:00pm – 3:45pm: S.H.I.N.E. Mawusi Women’s Drumming Workshop
4:00pm – 4:30pm: Sojourner the Poet & Friends
4:30pm – 6:30pm: The Rahkas live musical performance
6:30pm – 8:30pm: Film Screening of “Black Panther”, presented by Isla Vista Arts
Location: Little Acorn Park, 901 Embarcadero Del Mar, Isla Vista CA 93117.
For questions or additional information, please contact Nick Norman at nnorman@ivparks.org or dial (805) 350-8751.
Isla Vista Recreation & Park District