Sunrise Ancestral Remembrance of the Middle Passage

A sunrise gathering at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park honors the memory of Africans who died during the Middle Passage and those who survived to give life to future generations. Sunrise Ancestral Remembrance of the Middle Passage Ceremony takes place Sunday, June 14, beginning at 5:30 a.m. near the park’s historic concession stand. The annual ceremony brings together community members for reflection, remembrance and shared cultural observance by the water.

The program includes a Native American Opening of the Way, traditional African libation, prayers, meditations, performances and an open-mic “Village Talk.” Drummers and musicians are welcome to participate, and attendees may bring appropriate offerings such as fruits, flowers, grains, nuts or African foods to be carried out to sea.

Ceremony elements include:

• Native American Opening of the Way
• Traditional African libation
• Prayers and meditations
• Performances
• Open-mic “Village Talk”
• Placement of offerings to be carried out to sea
• Fellowship and community sharing

White attire is requested but not required. Vehicle entry fees begin at 7 a.m., after the ceremony has started.