Read Reverend Brooke Ralston's article on the Maafa Suite. (From The Source, the Church Council of Greater Seattle's newspaper.)

Words cannot describe, only that it pulled you back to a time in which no one should have lived. I hope Seattle realizes that this was the first step to a healing journey for everyone to witness and take part in! No matter what race you are, if we understand who we are and what we are, who we represent and respect each other together as a community we can help each other live in a better place for us and our children. - Nancy Kodani-Lee

It would be a mistake to view Maafa Suite as a play.  To be sure, there exist theatrical personifications, but it is much more.  It’s an invitation to get on-board and feel the true essence of the African American journey from inception to present day.  If you are puzzled by what frequently fuels malcontent in America’s Black communities, Maafa Suite will deliver insight.  It’s powerful beyond expression both spiritual and indigenous an absolute must see for all America. - Phil Black

Interesting perspectives about the Maafa.  One in particular came from the point of view that it was a "Black" thing.  That is a view that I totally disagree with.  Slavery in the U.S. in all its forms is an ugly American thing that has to be acknowledged in order for the healing to begin.  Each person that was a part of this, was spiritually connected.   I felt this very strongly from all the volunteers.  I received a call from someone who said that she came because she could feel the spiritually radiating from us when we told her about it.  It was the most beautiful event that I've seen.  It is now a spiritual part of me.  It has influenced my 14 year old son to write a letter to Bush for the apology, he also wants to learn African dancing & drumming and I've also noticed an increase in his self pride as an African American male!  I want Seattle to make this production a yearly event.  I plan on doing everything possible to make sure that it happens!  I will be attending the Maafa in New York in September and also in Chicago with my sister.  The Brooklyn folks were the most together and loving group of people I have met in a long time. - Natalie Hunter

Outstanding. A must see experience. In the essence of Alex Haley's "Roots" plus & on stage no less. Caught it at any cost. - Rashad El-Amin

I've read a little about the slave trade, and the middle passage in particular. And I have traveled to African and have a clear knowledge, heart and head, that Africa gave birth to us all. However, nothing could prepare me for this production. I was streaming tears repeatedly. I also celebrated and laughed and sang some of the time. I am Caucasian and know that parts of my family fought on both sides of the Civil War. It is a source of pain and shame to me. And I know that it is not simply my direct family responsibility, but the larger family that we all encompass. I have know on a viseral level, that by simple virtue of my skin color, I have had opportunities and experiences that others have not. That reality cheats and belittles us all. The de-humanization of slavery is beyond comprehension. And the legacy lives on. I see it in my own stiffled wish to turn to the young man sitting next to me, and apologize to him. I didn't. And the real reason: I was afraid to. I told myself it was because he too was crying, and I didn't want to intrude or in any way equate our pain. Both were true, but I truly regret not speaking my heart. The walk through the slave hold on entry reverberates still; I know those hands and hearts and voices are reaching out now and forever. I "get it" in a new way. My sincere thanks to all concerned. - Barbara Foster

Words cannot describe, only that it pulled you back to a time in which no one should have lived. I hope Seattle realizes that this was the first step to a healing journey for everyone to witness and take part in! No matter what race you are, if we understand who we are and what we are, who we represent and respect each other together as a community we can help each other live in a better place for us and our children. - Nancy Kodani-Lee

This was the most awesome, inspiring endeavor that I have ever witnessed and in a small way contributed to. I hope that Seattle can learn and continue this experience. I know there are a lot of people who regret they did not witness and participate. The 5am outdoor service in the park was beautiful, moving, and memorable. The MAAFA company truly exemplified that this is their ministry, and this is key to the success and deep felt emotions that emerged from them and the audience. I was so proud of The Spirit of Seattle - local cast, they represented! -- Christina L. Humburgs

The MAAFA Suite Production was a powerful performance which I enjoyed with pride and sorrow ..As I watched the performance, I was taken by the audience who at times laughed, shouted and cried.. This showed me that the pain slavery still exists in many hearts, minds and souls. The healing process must start with acknowledgment that African-Americans have suffered and will continue to suffer as long as this country does not say, SORRY....-- Tanya Langford

I attended both the preview for City employees and the Sat. night performance. I brought family and friends on Sat. because I was so impressed by what I had seen on Friday. It brought out emotions and other feelings I did not know I had around these events. The talent was exceptional and the depiction of the events was extremely well done. I cannot say enough positive things about it. -- Dee Brown

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Last Update: July 28111, 2002
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