Saturday, June 24th | 7:00 – 10:00PM | 638 Cherry Hill Road
Maroonteenth is Black Yield Institute’s celebration of freedom in its many shapes and forms.
Have you ever learned about Maroons or heard of the term before?
In the early 1700s, a West African woman of bold and high-spirited character, known as Queen Nanny, led her village in the Jamaican mountains in defeating the British, gaining their freedom and independence.
Queen Nanny and everyone in her village became Maroons. They are one of many Maroon societies throughout history.
“Maroons” comes from the Spanish word “Cimarron,” a term used to refer to wild animals who wandered astray. As the slave trade became pervasive, tribes rebelled, utilizing tactics such as camouflaging in their environments and sending each other coded messages through horns. Many succeeded and formed their own settlements and ways of being, becoming Maroons.
Rather than live in bondage, maroons risked their lives.
The Maroonteenth event commemorates our ancestors who escaped slavery to establish their own settlements and define freedom for themselves. Black Yield carries on Maroon energy in all of their work and Fellow Eric Jackson invites all to join in celebrating what the Maroons accomplished and paying tribute to what they sacrificed.
This year’s theme is the Harlem Renaissance! There will be a 1920s dance contest, a best-dressed contest, and delicious soulful food and drinks.
You can buy your ticket here!
Also, BYI encourages people to buy a ticket and donate it to someone who wants to attend but doesn’t have the money.
BYI hopes to see you there!