Passport To Our Community: Djoli Kelen Multi-Event BHM Celebration

Join us for our 2023 Month-Long Multi Event Black History Month Celebration. Events include Open House Community Classes with Zalika Reid/ Omoisegun Nadia, Nadia Trotter, Solo Sana, and Makeda Kemit, In-Person and Virtual Panel Discussions curated by Whole Heart Productions, a live in-person production - "Telling Our Stories", and a Black History Month culminating weekend experience - Djoli Kelen Fest: Mali and the Diaspora Unite featuring Master Artists Souleymane "Solo" Sana, Ishmael Kouyate, Djeneba Sako, Joh Camara, Mariame Diakite, Michelito Herera, Imania Detry, Zakiya Cornish, Mikeal "Myienie" Lewis, Amamansa Whitten, Kalah Byrd, Abdoul Doumbia, Moussa Camara, Sory Diabate, Moussa Traore, Fode "Lavia" Camara, and MORE!!!

Schedule of Events

Black History Month 2023 Kick Off Class

Sunday, January 29, 2023 w/ Djoli Kelen Inc. @ Dance Foundry - 2977 E. Ponce De Leon - 12:00p - 2:00p

Carrolton Cultural Arts Center host our live stage production “Telling Our Stories”

Saturday, February 4, 2023 at the Carrollton Center for the Arts - 251 Alabama St., 30117 Carrollton, GA - 7:00p - Tickets can be purchased at https://cprcad.myboxoffice.us/program/djoli-kelen-telling-our-stories-1849/9066

Open House Community Dance Classes

Sunday, February 5, 2023 w/ Master Artist Souleymane "Solo" Sana @Dance Foundry - 2977 E. Ponce De Leon - 12:00p - 2:00p

Saturday, February 11, 2023 w/Egun Omode's Makeda Kemit @Dance It Off - 6080 Sandy Springs Circle - 4:00p - 6:00p

Saturday, February 18, 2023 w/Nadia and Sparkle Trotter @Dance It Off - 6080 Sandy Springs Circle - 4:00p - 6:00p

Sunday, February 19, 2023 w/Zalika Reid and Omoisegun Nadia @Dance Foundry - 2977 E. Ponce De Leon - 12:00p - 2:00p

Revolutions In Rhythms and Movement Panel Discussions produced by Whole Heart Productions

Saturday, February 4, 2023 - Community, Connecting, Healing

Saturday, February 11, 2023 - Kinetic Connections

Saturday, February 18, 2023 - Mentorship Matters!

Saturday, February 25, 2023 - What is Djeliya?

Pre-Djoli Kelen Fest Activities

Thursday, February 23, 2023 - Meet and Greet followed by Community Class w/ Souleymane "Solo" Sana @Dance It Off - 6080 Sandy Springs Circle (Time TBD)

Djoli Kelen Fest 2023:Mali and The Diaspora Unite

Friday, February 24, 2023 - Sunday, February 26, 2023

Moving In The Spirit - 1458 La France Street Northeast, Atlanta, GA 3030

Friday, Feb. 24

6:00p - 7:30p - Malian Dance - Djeneba Sako

7:45p - 9:15p - Guinea Dance - Ishmael Kouyate

Saturday, Feb. 25

10a - 11:30a - Community Class Visit @ Uhuru Dancers - Class Instructed by Solo Sana - DK Fest Patrons and Atlanta guests are welcome to join us as we support Uhuru Dancers and their weekly community dance class. Note: this class is held at 1492 Kelton Drive, Stone Mountain, GA 30083 and class fees are not included in Djoli Kelen Fest All Access Pass. Fees for this class are to be paid to Uhuru Dancers

12p - 1:00p - Malian Drum - Sory Diabate/ Malian Dance Foundations - Mariame Diakite

1:15p - 2:45p - Malian Dance - Joh Camara/ Michelito Herrera - Orisha

3:00p - 4:00p - Malian Drum - Moussa Traore/ Imania Detry - Sabar Vibes

4:15p - 6:15p - What is Djeliya? A double header class with Solo Sana and Ishmael Kouyate; Music lead by Abdoul Doumbia. Dedicated to music, dance, and history of the oral historian. (Free panel discussion to follow dance class)

4:15p - 5:15p - Malian Dance Foundations - Mariame Diakite

5:15p - 6:15p - New Orleans Bounce - Mikeal "Myienie" Lewis

6:30p - 7:30p - Djeliya - The Discussion/ Guinea Drum - Fode "Lavia" Camara

8:00p - 10:00p - “Telling Our Stories” - The Immersive Experience; Inspired by Chuck Davis' Big Dance Class! Place yourself on a journey through African Diaspora Culture on an unforgettable interactive experience through dance! Spectators are welcome!

Sunday, Feb. 26

10a - 11:30a - Malian Drum - Abdoul Doumbia/ Michelito Herrera - Orisha Dance

11:45a - 1:15p - Malian Dance - Joh Camara/ Amamansa Whitten - Haitian Dance

1:30p - 3:00p - Malian Song - Madame Diakate/ Leslie Cornish - Contemporary African

3:15 - 4:45p - Malian Dance - Djeneba Sako/ Kalah Byrd - HBCU Majorette Dance

5:00p - 6:30p - Djeli Dunun - Moussa Camara/ Imania Detry - Chicago Footwork

6:45p - 8:15p - Malian Dance - Solo Sana/ Guinea Drum - Fode "Lavia" Camara

*** Schedule is subject to change

Traveling from out of state? Need a place to stay? Our host hotel is the Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta Decatur/Emory. Click the link below to reserve a room with our special rate by Feb. 3, 2023.

https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/atldehx-dkg-ddb35795-94bb-4a38-aa48-14b9ec261b18/