Ancestral Remembrance Celebration & Recognition Dinner

11th Annual Ancestral Remembrance Celebration

& Recognition Dinner

“Visiting Salt Lake City? This event is part of Sema Hadithi's three-day Black Cultural Heritage Weekend.”

2026 Theme: Defending Freedom

Join us for an unforgettable evening of remembrance, celebration, and community as we gather for the 11th Annual Ancestral Remembrance Celebration & Recognition Dinner. This year's theme "Defending Freedom" honors the courage, sacrifice, resilience, and enduring legacy of Black Americans who have fought and continue to fight for justice, equality, and freedom.

Together, we will pay tribute to our Ancestors whose lives, leadership, and perseverance paved the way for future generations as our main highlight of the evening. Their stories remind us that freedom is not simply inherited, it is defended, protected, and strengthened through collective action and unwavering commitment.

Guests will enjoy an authentic Black American cultural dining experience featuring traditional flavors that tell the story of resilience, family, and heritage. The evening will also include inspiring storytelling, vibrant cultural entertainment, and moments of reflection that celebrate the richness of Black history and culture.

Another highlight of the evening will be our Recognition Ceremony, where we will recognize outstanding individuals and organizations whose dedication has advanced the preservation, education, and celebration of Black history throughout Utah. Their work and selflessness ensures that the stories of Utah’s Black American Community are preserved, shared, and appreciated for generations to come.

Whether you are returning to this cherished tradition or attending for the first time, our Ancestral Remembrance Celebration is more than a dinner; it is an opportunity to connect with community, honor those who came before us, celebrate those making history today, and inspire all of us as we walk into our tomorrow.

Come celebrate our shared heritage. Reflect on our collective journey. Recognize those who have defended freedom in its many forms. Together, we continue the work of preserving history and building a stronger future.

Reserve your seat and be part of an evening where we will . . .

Honor our past: History is remembered

Celebrate our present: Our Culture is celebrated

Defend our future: Freedom is honored

Remembrance . . .

with historical stories from our research, music, and DELICIOUS African American cultural food

Celebration . . .

with a traditional Libation Ceremony, spoken word, music, and DELICIOUS African American cultural food

Recognition . . .

WHO has helped pushed Black history forward in Utah during the last year? Come find out who we'll recognize

Dinner . . .

By Papa Stew's Kitchen

Cost Per Person:

Early Bird Discount Package (10 July – 8 Aug, or until all available tickets have been purchased)

This special Early Bird Discount Package is for one (1) Dinner ticket and one (1) Tell the Story History Forum ticket. See full Eventbrite information inside this event for history presentations and presenters at this year’s Forum.

$120 + $9.89 > Eventbrite Service Fee $6.23 + System Processing Fee $3.66 = $129.89 Total

(NOTE: THERE ARE ONLY 50 SEATS AVAILABLE AT THIS SPECIAL EARLY BIRD PRICE. THIS PACKAGE IS ONLY BEING OFFERED AS AN EARLY BIRD SPECIAL.)

Regular Price (available until 8 Sep)

$90 + $7.73 > Eventbrite Service Fee $5.12 + System Processing Fee $2.76 = $97.88 Total

(Thank you for covering the system fee so our non-profit 501c3 will have more money to continue Black history research and preservation and make new exhibits to circulate Utah.)

Also Available During Annual Heritage Days Weekend

• “Lifting As We Climb” Walking Tour (contained within one Black American historic neighborhood)
• “Lifting As We Climb” Bus Tour (extended version of the walking tour that covers one Black American historic neighborhood plus other locations around Salt Lake City)

Tickets for tours can be purchased under our 2026 Heritage Days Events: Tours. https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/2026-heritage-days-events-collection-4855554?

There is Special Early Bird Pricing for both tours. Special Early Bird tickets are available from 10 July to 8 August or until all available tickets have been purchased.

• Tell the Story History Forum

Regular tickets for our annual Tell the Story History Forum, which is presentations on Utah Black history, are available under our 2026 Heritage Days Events: Tell the Story History Forum. https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/2026-heritage-days-events-collection-4855554?

The Special Early Bird Package combo of Forum & Dinner is ONLY available here and ONLY during the Early Bird time period of 10 July – 8 Aug or until all available tickets have been purchased.

Date:

Friday, 11 September 2026

Time:

5:30 pm > Doors Open

5:30 – 6:30 pm > Mix & Mingle & Appetizers

5:30 – 8:30 pm > Full Event

Location: Parking is FREE

Masonic Lodge

650 East South Temple

SLC, UT 84102

2026 HERITAGE DAYS

BLACK CULTURAL HERITAGE WEEKEND

September 10–12 | Salt Lake City

Tours • History • Culture • Dinner • Community

Follow the link to see the all of the weekend activities https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/2026-heritage-days-events-collection-4855554?