Let’s celebrate Juneteenth! June 19, marks the day back in 1865 when people in Galveston, Texas were informed of the end of slavery, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It’s a day of reflection, joy, and community – and that’s why the West African Dance Company and Encinitas Action previewed the holiday with a jubilant celebration last Sunday afternoon in downtown Encinitas.
Daansekou Founder Daunté Fyall (center) dances to the rhythms of Elder Yiriba – Founder of African Dance and Drum group-Teye Sa Thiosane (far left) and master drummer Baba Nana Obafro Yaw Aseidu and the community’s djembe talent (far right), behind the women dancers.Daunté “Kingtae” Fyall of the Daansekou Cultural Arts Collective and his daughter Ella get into the spirit of last Sunday’s Juneteenth party.Monette Marino (center) is an award-winning master world percussionist. With her Mo’Rhythm drum students, the crowd was taken on a rhythmic cultural tour of West Africa.Baba Fode Sissoko (West African dance & drum) is an 8th generation Mandinka Griot from Senegal. A master on the Kora and Djembe, he is also a choreographer.The crowds were kept entertained with a variety of Juneteenth dances, music, stories, art, food and drink.Master Kora player Fode Sissoko (left) opens the Juneteenth celebration with a blessing while playing the sacred Kora. He is accompanied by Adama Diouf (right) playing the Tama or “Talking Drum”. Both musicians are appreciated by Daunté Fyall (center).Brother Yusef Miller, Executive Director for the North County Coalition of Equity and Justice, and North County Spokesperson for the NAACP, spoke about the true history of Juneteenth from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War. A video of a similar presentation can be seen here.Daunté “Kingtae” Fyall and San Dieguito Union High School District Board of Trustees Vice President and Encinitas mayoral candidate Rimga Viskanta enjoying the lively Juneteenth event.Encinitas resident and award-winning artist Zigaloe Wharton added more color to the festivities with his traditional paintings in oils and acrylic.The Art Table was a popular spot where attendees could immerse themselves in Juneteenth creativity. Tanee Osborne (center), is a well-known female West African djembe and dundun percussionist based in the Los Angeles area. She’s an active member of the Daansekou Cultural Arts Collective, a community group that focuses on West African drum and dance education, performances, and cultural healing.
Juneteenth Dance Celebration Video
lEder Yiriba is the lead vocalist and master percussionist of the dance company Teye Sa Thiosanne (translation is “Keepers of the Tradition”). Guests were invited to join in the celebratory traditional dance called Kuku. Kuku serves as a community-wide celebration of a successful harvest and daily life. Both Yiriba and Nerferka said that: “West African celebrations are not for spectating only, everyone needs to sing, drum and/or dance.” The crowd did not disappoint and jumped right in!
There’s more to come!
Sunday’s Juneteenth celebration was our first event, but it won’t be our last. We’re planning a series of community gatherings and civic engagement activities over the coming year. Your donations are what make those ambitions possible.
A contribution to Encinitas Action stays here. It goes toward future community events and activities — all happening in our town.
Thank you to everyone who has already donated. And we’re grateful for the rest of you to consider giving.
Donate to Encinitas Action →
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