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Kalunga: Afro-Latina Gods Speak

  • The Black Woman Is God (map)

Kalunga: Our First Pan-Afro-Latina Artist Talk.

This 3 part talk will take us on an exploratory journey through, language, race, ethnicity through the lens of artists.

First, we will hear from over 15 of our Afro-Latina artists from across the diaspora talk about their experiences in America and across the globe. This rich conversation will be moderated by Cuban-American artist Pablo Soto Campoamor, who brought this very provocative, innovative, and culturally relevant component to The Black Woman Is God exhibit.

Continuing our exploration, we journey to Cuba to learn about MirArte, a Cuban artist collective.

And then we return to Oakland with acclaimed singer, folklorist, and community elder, Bobi Céspedes. Bobi Céspedes will present songs to the Orisha Yemaya, Mother of Mothers whose domain is the vast sea. This portion will also feature excerpts from a conversation between Bobi and her niece Isabel Céspedes where they explore the deeper significance of Yemaya and the meaning of God.

Bobi Céspedes has been a leader and pivotal player in the thriving Afro-Cuban cultural scene in the SF Bay Area for nearly half a century. A Lukumí priestess of Obatala for over 50 years, her music integrates Cuban folkloric and modern elements in an authentic and distinctive sound. Bobi's new album, Mujer y Cantante, (Woman and Singer) is a collection of original songs deeply rooted in the Cuban countryside where she was born, and full of heart and wisdom celebrating Black cultural heritage as a source of resilience and strength for our troubled times.

We are still raising funds to continue to bring you wonderful art from Black Women. Please help us reach our goal by donating at http://bit.ly/fundtbwig.

RSVP here.

Later Event: December 2
African Diasporic Arts and Healing