Led by CCCADI’s inaugural Scholar-in-Residence, Her Royal Majesty Queen Mother of the African Diaspora Dr. Dòwòti Désir, this daylong experience offers an opportunity to gain a broader knowledge of the powerful role of women in resistance movements focusing on the history and legacy of the Agoodjié in Africa and the women warriors of the Haitian Revolution.
Women of Color are invited to join us a celebration of strength, courage, and empowerment that pays homage to the legacy of Haiti, the first Black independent nation in its 220 years of independence. Enshrining centuries of women-led resistance, participants will engage in enlightening presentations by the Founder of the Imperial Corps Agoodjié of the African Diaspora, Queen Mother Dòwòti, and African women organizer, Queen Mother Zognidi of the Sedessa Palace of Abomey. Plus Caleb Dowden, Fulbright-Hays Awardee and Danxomé Dance Master, will lead a demonstration of Danxomè dances to unlock forces long dormant as your body cascades in a traditional war dance.
Take the first step towards becoming the legacy of the Diaspora. Embrace your warrior spirit and forge your place in history during this pivotal moment of change.
Schedule of the Day
Fanm Vanyan: Women Warriors Standing On Business - A lecture by Her Royal Majesty Queen Mother of the African Diaspora, Dr. Dòwòti Désir
This four-part lecture will focus on honoring, respecting and protecting lakay (home). Focusing on the history of the Agoodjié in Africa and unpacking the importance of the women warriors of the Haitian Revolution, HRM Queen Mother Dr. Dòwòti Désir will outline what nation-building means for the African Diaspora in the 21st Century and explore strategies for attendees to use in their daily lives.
Lunch & Remarks via video from Her Royal Majesty Kpodjito Zognidi Sokewun
Dances of Danxomè - A lecture and workshop by Caleb Dowden on Agoodjie dances
This interactive session will explore the body’s organization and the movements that strengthen and heal women, finishing with an empowering Agoodjié “war dance.”
Closing Prayer Circle
Notes for participants:
Bring a lappa or fanny wrap to dance in, and a head wrap
Arm yourself with a song, prayer, or words of wisdom to share with your sister warriors during our Sacred Circle ceremony
With your ticket purchase, a percentage of the proceeds of this event will be donated to support the Solidarity Orphanage in the Village of Kenouhoue, Benin Republic where children who are victims of religious violence or neglect, and were abandoned by their families. They are educated in math, science, reading, writing and traditional culture. The Queen Mother is the Godmother of the orphanage. Providing support to the Solidarity Orphanage is the nucleus of the ICAAD's community service work.
Lakay se Lakay
This program is part of CCCADI’s Lakay se Lakay series. Lakay se Lakay is a year-long homage that celebrates the legacy of Haiti, Our Black Nation. Lakay se Lakay is a cultural odyssey through which we dedicate much of our programming. Using the lens of Haitian arts and scholarship, CCCADI explores home as a space for refuge, building family and community, preservation of traditions, a foundation for cultivating joy, and the roots of sovereignty.
You can support this work by making a donation to CCCADI. Help us advance Pan-Caribbean and Pan-African connections so that together we may build a brighter AfroFuture.