17th Annual Juneteenth Ritual of Remembrance

17th Annual Juneteenth Ritual of Remembrance

Sunday June 8 @ 11am - 1pm

Lake Merritt Boathouse Picnic Area

562 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland CA 94610

Free Event, Please Register

Omnira Institute invites you to our 17th Annual Juneteenth Ritual of Remembrance that includes Oro Egun, Ring Shout and, in keeping with the original celebrants’ practice, prayers of thanks that slavery was finally over. Omnira Institute invites members of the First Nation, who were enslaved first, to pray, as well as members of the religions and traditions of the enslaved people when they were taken from Africa: Ifa, Palo Mayombe, Vodun and the Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Once again this year we are honored to have the Wakan Wiya Two Spirit Drum representing First Nations.

For more information, please call 510-332-5851, or email omnirainstitute@gmail.com.

The Omnira Institute (OI) unites a board of directors and current and former choir members who share a profound and lasting love for Black art, history, and culture. These dedicated individuals bring a wealth of educational and professional expertise, enriched by their deep understanding of African-centered spiritual and cultural practices. Wanda Ravernell-Stewart, the Executive Director and visionary leader guides the organization with passion and commitment. The organization proudly features a vibrant choir, Awon Ohun Omnira, which performs at its annual events held from February to November. This choir showcases an eclectic repertoire that honors its roots. It includes powerful chants sung in the Yoruba language and soul-stirring songs from the African American tradition known as the Ring Shout. Their performances inspire the community through the rich tapestry of Black heritage they celebrate. Omnira Institute began in 2003 and became a non-profit in 2014.​​​ For more information, see their website at: https://www.omnira-institute.org/

Wakan Wiya (Sacred Woman) Two Spirit Drum is a Native American healing drum. Our drum was gifted by Elders to our community when it was retired from Lakota family Two Spirit ceremony. Zamora serves as drumkeeper with IndigeQueer community to support access to drum medicine for our Two Spirit peoples, our friends and familia. We work toward the return of women and IndigeQueer folx to our Native drum traditions where healing medicine is for all. Our circles always center Indigequeer QTBIPOC peoples, and we ask everyone who attends to respectful of this focus. Wakan Wiya is the drum in residence at Xochicalli-House of Flowers: IndigeQueer Medicine & Healing. If you have questions or would like to invite the drum to your community or organization, please contact us at xochicalli.indigequeermedicine@gmail.com.