MOJA Arts Festival

MOJAARTS FESTIVAL A Celebration of African-American and Caribbean Arts SEPT. 27 - OCT. 7, 2018 CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA MOJAFESTIVAL.COM 1 Artwork by John Christopher Wright II • Design by Marcus Amaker LITERARY CORNER

TUESDAY, WITH OCTOBER 2 CITY GALLERY TAYARI 7:30PM JONESPHOTO BY NINA-SUBIN 2 2011MOJA Program Book_2004 MOJA Program Book 9/12/11 9:54 PM Page 2

City of Charleston South Carolina

Dear MOJA Festival Guests: DEAR MOJA ARTS FESTIVAL GUESTS: WelcomeWelcome to tothe the 2018 2011 MOJA MOJA Arts Arts Festival, Festival, Charleston’s Charleston’s annual annual celebration celebration of African- of American and Caribbean Arts and Culture, produced by the City of Charleston Office of African-AmericanCultural Affairs. and Caribbean arts and culture! This year we applaud the 35th Anniversary of MOJA, which is proudly produced by the City of Charleston Office of CulturalThis year’s Affairs festival with highlights the year-round include: An assistance Evening of Jazzof the Under all-volunteer the Stars with MOJA Najee Arts at Porter-Gaud School Stadium (pg. 10); City Gallery at Waterfront Park exhibition “Special FestivalMoments: Planning Works Committee. From the Collection Over the of decades, Dr. Harold MOJA Rhodes, has III” provided (pg. 27); Charleston A Classical and Encountervisitors to with the Eleganza Holy City at thealike City the Gallery opportunity at Waterfront to come Park followed together by aeach champagne autumn and receptionfind points (pg. 11);of connection Mt. Zion Spiritual and community Singers’ soul through stirring Campthe beauty Meeting and (pg. creativity 11); an of artisticenchanting and eveningcultural of expression. dance by PHILADANCO at the Gaillard Auditorium (pg. 7); Gwen Butler’s jazz cruise on the Charleston Harbor aboard the Spirit of Charleston (pg. 18); and African writer Jacqueline Maduneme’s lecture about her compelling autobiography, Ada’s ThisDaughter year, MOJA (pg. 8). renews New this it year,commitment is a unique topartnership longstanding between partnerships the Preservation while Society of launchingCharleston new and collaborations the MOJA Festival and that looking offers three to the concerts future, in historic with the downtown full calendar churches of called “Architecture in Concert” (pg. 10). These are just a few of the outstanding programs upliftingin this musicyear’s MOJA programs, Festival. compelling theatre productions, and vibrant visual arts presented in the pages of this program guide. It is a fantastic line-up that is certain to rewardEach year return the MOJA guests Festival and is equally produced inspire by the City’snew Officeattendees, of Cultural all madeAffairs possiblein collabora- by tion with the MOJA Planning Committee, chaired this year by Edna Edwards Williams with the talentsElease Amos-Goodwin and vision of serving artists asfrom the across Planning the Committee Lowcountry Liaison and to the the Southeastern OCA. MOJA’s UnitedAdvisory States. Committee assists with advocacy for the festival and is chaired by the Honorable James E. Clyburn. Special thanks go to Charleston City Council for their on-going support of We extendthe MOJA our Festival thanks and alsoand to appreciation the individual todonors, the membersfoundations, of government the MOJA agencies Arts Festival and corporations who provide funding, grants and in-kind donations to help us make MOJA Planningaccessible Committee, to everyone chaired in the community. by Edna Edwards Williams. We also recognize the tireless support of Charleston City Council, and the contributions of individuals, foundations,And finally, governmentBravo to the members agencies of our and hard-working corporations Office who of Cultural together Affairs help team keep along with all of the City departments that help make it happen: Parks, Recreation, Legal, Finance, MOJABudget, accessible Police, Trafficto all while& Transportation, making a Information lasting, ongoing Technology, impact Human in Resources, our community. Public Services, Public Information, Special Facilities and the Mayor’s Office.

We also thank the Office of Cultural Affairs and the various City departments that makeWe MOJA invite you possible: to bring Parks,your family Recreation, and friends Legal, to attend Finance, this year’s Budget, MOJA FestivalPolice, whichTraffic con- & City of Charlestonnects everyone in a joyous atmosphere celebrating the arts. Enjoy! Transportation, Information Technology, Human Resources, Public Services, Public John J. TecklenburgInformation, Sincerely, Special Facilities, and the Mayor’s Office. Mayor We look forward to joining you, your family and friends at this year’s MOJA Arts Festival,May 12, as2016 we once again come together to celebrate the arts here in Charleston. Enjoy!Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Ellen Dressler Moryl, Director MostCity sincerely of Charleston yours, Office of Cultural Affairs

John J. Tecklenburg MAYORMayor, City JOHN of Charleston J. TECKLENBURG City of Charleston

P.O. Box 652, Charleston, South Carolina 29402 843-577-6970 FAX 843-720-3827 MOJA ARTS FESTIVAL A CELEBRATION OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN ARTS

DEAR MOJA SUPPORTERS: Welcome to the 2018 MOJA Arts Festival! We are thrilled to once again present Charles- ton, South Carolina’s annual celebration of African-American and Caribbean heritage, arts and culture. The Lowcountry has played a crucial role in the history and heritage of African-American and Caribbean people, and MOJA highlights these connections while bringing forward the work and voices of the next generation of artists and talents. MOJA is rooted in tradition and we know that the festival often feels like a homecoming for our longtime friends. A spirit of celebrating as friends and family is a point of pride for MOJA, and as we reach this milestone 35th Anniversary festival, we look forward to making many new friends and new artistic discoveries in 2018.

We offer our most sincere gratitude to every supporter, ticket buyer, volunteer, and sponsor for making this festival a resounding success year after year. The MOJA Arts Festival is planned in partnership with an all-volunteer committee that works throughout the year to plan and produce the festival program, and we thank the entire roster of members and committee coordinators.

We also commend the dedication and work of the Office of Cultural Affairs staff: Harrison Chapman, Mindy Manziano, Niki Ohlandt, Basil Punsalan, Anne Quattlebaum, Gordon Rooney, Ray Swagerty, Hannah Wathen, and Rachel Workman. We extend our gratitude to Graphic Designer, Marcus Amaker, Charleston’s poet laureate. And, of course, we salute all of the artists and participants who will make this year’s MOJA soar! We thank the members of City Council and the Honorable Mayor John J. Tecklenburg for their continued support and commitment to the mission of MOJA. It is because of this incredible local dedication and support that MOJA continues to make an impact in our community, while highlighting the very best of African-American and Caribbean arts and culture in Charleston every year.

We hope you enjoy the 2018 MOJA Arts Festival, and we look forward to greeting you at events this year and in the years to come.

EDNA EDWARDS WILLIAMS, SCOTT WATSON, DIRECTOR CHAIR Office of Cultural Affairs MOJA Arts Festival Planning Committee

4 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The MOJA Arts Festival, A Celebration of African-American and Caribbean Arts, is a project of the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs. This multi-disciplinary festival celebrates the rich heritage of African-American and Caribbean people and their contributions to the Western and world cultures. Moja, a Swahili word meaning “One,” is the appropriate name for this annual celebration of harmony amongst people. The MOJA Arts Festival is produced and directed by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs in cooperation with the all-volunteer MOJA Arts Festival Planning Committee. The MOJA Arts Festival is funded in part by grants from the City of Charleston, County of Charleston and the South Carolina Arts Commission, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. In addition, we are grateful to the following agencies and corporations for their major grants and sponsorships in support of the 2018 MOJA Arts Festival. Bluecross Blueshield of SC The Joanna Foundation The Boeing Company Magnolia Plantation & Gardens C&A Unlimited, Inc. – McDonalds Meeting Street Schools Cambria Hotel South Carolina Arts Commission, Charleston County which receives support from the City of Charleston National Endowment for the Arts The Gaylord & Dorothy South Carolina Department of Donnelley Foundation Parks, Recreation & Tourism Homewood Suites Charleston South State Bank Historic Foundation

BE A FRIEND OF MOJA Did you know that nearly half of MOJA’s events are admission-free and Festival ticket prices are scaled to make MOJA accessible to everyone? Your financial contribution to the MOJA Arts Festival will allow us to continue this model in 2019 and beyond. Suggested giving levels for the Friends of MOJA are $50 for individuals, $100 for companies, but a gift of any amount will be put to good use and greatly appreciated. Visit mojafestival.com or call (843) 724-7305 for more information. Thank you for your support!

4 2018 MOJA VISUAL ARTS

VISUAL ARTS - MOJA ARTS FESTIVAL JURIED ART EXHIBITION Venue: Historic Dock Street Theatre Drawing Room Address: 135 Church Street Admission: FREE On View: Visit MOJAfestival.com for daily hours

Annually, this juried art exhibition features Southeastern artists who work in a range of styles and media. Viewers can discover oil paintings, watercolors, pastels, mixed media and graphite works during this exhibition.

This year’s juror is Victoria Smalls, Program Manager for the International African American Museum. Smalls joined the International African American Museum after five years of service with the Penn Center National Landmark District as Director of History, Art and Culture, Director of Development and Public Relations from 2012 through 2017.

Prior to her service with the Penn Center, Smalls managed the internationally acclaimed Red Piano Too Art Gallery on St. Helena Island, which represents over 100 artists. Her love and knowledge of art has led her to write a soon to be published book on Gullah Geechee artists and their art forms. Victoria Smalls is an accomplished visual artist who has been creating and selling her art professionally for 15 years. She has exhibited locally and nationally in art galleries and museums

7 MOJA ARTS FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 27 - OCTOBER 7, 2018 A CELEBRATION OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN ARTS

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

HERITAGE AND COMMUNITY - OPENING DAY STREET PARADE Time: 6:00pm Venue: Parade begins at Marion Square, King and Calhoun Streets Admission: FREE Coordinator: Kelvin Williams

Join youth ensembles, community groups, and entertainers to welcome in another MOJA Festival season. Come and see the joyful celebration that features energetic performances, colorful costumes, and the exciting sounds of marching bands! The parade begins at Marion Square and heads down King Street, turning onto Market Street, and ending at the US Custom House at East Bay and Market Streets.

HERITAGE AND COMMUNITY - MOJA ARTS FESTIVAL OPENING RECEPTION Time: 6:00pm Venue: Historic Dock Street Theatre Courtyard Address: 135 Church Street Sponsored by: Total Wine and More Admission: FREE

Gather in the Historic Dock Street Theatre Courtyard to mingle with the artists and leadership of the 2018 MOJA Arts Festival and learn more about the events planned for the 2018 Festival.

9 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

THEATRE - DEBUTANTE OF THE SEASON Produced by: Art Forms & Theatre Concepts Time: 7:00pm Venue: Historic Dock Street Theatre Address: 135 Church Street Admission: $35 Adults, $30 for students and seniors with ID

Art Forms and Theatre Concepts presents Debutante of the Season, written and directed by Arthur Gilliard, Founding Artistic Director.

This dramatic comedy tells a love story about Samson Green, his wife Celestine, and her quest to be a respectable member of society. Debutante of the Season was written as a reminder that sometimes costs must be paid in order to reach our goals without sacrificing our values.

THEATRE - WHEN I FIRST REMEMBER Produced by: Lady in White Production Company Time: 7:00pm Venue: Old Bethel United Methodist Church Address: 222 Calhoun Street Admission: $21

Queen Atterberry of Lady in White Production Company and an ensemble of talented performers blend music, dance, and dialogue to tell the story of the inception of Gullah-Geechee culture, which is unique to the Lowcountry. When I First Remember takes the audience on a journey with the characters, who are African slaves, trav- eling to the Lowcountry on a slave ship. Come and be transported with these performers and witness how they survived, adjusted, and adapted to their new world, creating a new culture and identity that is recognized today: the Gullah-Geechee culture.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

HERITAGE AND COMMUNITY - REGGAE BLOCK DANCE Time: 6:00pm-11:00pm Venue: Brittlebank Park Address: corner of Lockwood Boulevard & Fishburne Street Admission: FREE Sponsored by: The Boeing Company, C&A Unlimited, Inc.-McDonalds Coordinator: Cheo Chandler

Join us for one of MOJAs favorite traditions and dance the night away with your friends and neighbors. Featuring the Dubplates with special guest Future Fambo and other local performing artists, this is always an energetic and beautiful night on the Ashley River. Bring your folding chairs and blankets to set up a picnic or enjoy

10 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 fare from a variety of ethnic and international food vendors. Please note: coolers are not permitted.

Art Forms and Theatre Concepts presents Debutante of the Season, written and directed by Arthur Gilliard, Founding Artistic Director.

THEATRE - THE GULLAH LADY Producer: Lady in White Production Company Time: 7:00pm Venue: Old Bethel Methodist Church Address: 222 Calhoun Street Admission: $21 Adults, $16 Senior, $11 Children under 12

Extending the Old Bethel Series, The Gullah Lady will be performed in this historic church by Sharon Cooper Murray as she shares stories and songs in the Gul- lah-Geechee language.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

RECREATION - ONE DAY JUNIOR TENNIS TOURNAMENT Time: 10:00am-2:30pm Venue: Charleston Tennis Center Address: 19 Farmfield Avenue Admission: FREE Coordinators: Carl Campbell and Peggy Bohne

This one-day tournament showcases youth from the Inner City Youth “Courting Kids” Tennis Program and other area programs. Trophies and refreshments will be available for participants. Entry deadline is Wednesday, September 26th. For more information call Peggy Bohne at the Charleston Tennis Center at (843) 766-7401.

11 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

HERITAGE AND COMMUNITY - HERITAGE DAY Time: 10:00am-3:00pm Venue: Marion Square, corner of Meeting & Calhoun Streets Admission: FREE Sponsored by: BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Coordinators: Jazzie Clay King, Angel R. Quintero, Cheryl Simmons

Head to Marion Square for a full day of activities celebrating African-American and Caribbean culture and heritage in the Lowcountry. Community cultural ambas- sadors will be on hand with a range of programs and the mainstage will feature a talented lineup of local performers, culminating in an afternoon set of live music that will get you up and dancing. Activities for children, youth performances, storytelling and workshops are all on offer alongside a health and wellness fair with free screenings and information at what promises to be a delightful day in the park.

HERITAGE AND COMMUNITY - KJ KEARNEY PRESENTS RED RICE DAY PANEL DISCUSSIONS Time: 1:00pm Venue: City Gallery Address: 34 Prioleau Street Admission: FREE

Red Rice Day is a celebration of the most cherished dish of all Gullah Geechee culture. During this event, invited panelists will discuss the connection between West Africa and the Gullah-Geechee Corridor. Topics such as Gullah-Geechee language, the history of Red Rice and the future of Gullah-Geechee culinary arts will make for a lively series of conversations. The event will also allow attendees to sample authentic red rice from a local chef.

THEATRE - DEBUTANTE OF THE SEASON Produced by: Art Forms & Theatre Concepts Time: 4:00pm Venue: Historic Dock Street Theatre Address: 135 Church Street Admission: $35 Adults, $30 for students and seniors with ID

Art Forms and Theatre Concepts presents Debutante of the Season, written and directed by Arthur Gilliard, Founding Artistic Director.

12 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

DANCE - AFRICAN DANCE MASTER CLASS WITH FANTA TOURAY Produced by: Queen Atterberry Time: 10:00am-1:00pm Admission: $10 - call 843-557-4080 to reserve and confirm venue

The Charleston Alliance of African Dance and Drum will host a class featuring Fanta Touray of Stone Mountain, GA, Director of The Rakaba Ballet who will be teaching movement and drumming from Guinea, all levels welcome; dancers and drummers.

For more information, call 843-557-4080.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

THEATRE - DEBUTANTE OF THE SEASON Produced by: Art Forms & Theatre Concepts Time: 3:00pm Venue: Historic Dock Street Theatre Address: 135 Church Street Admission: $35 Adults, $30 for students and seniors with ID

Art Forms and Theatre Concepts presents Debutante of the Season written and directed by Arthur Gilliard, Founding Artistic Director.

MUSIC - GOSPEL CONCERT: THE GOSPEL SOUNDS OF MILLEN- NIALS Time: 4:00pm Venue: Trinity United Methodist Church Address: 273 Meeting Street Admission: $11 Coordinator: Reverend Randolph Miller

The Sanctuary of Trinity United Methodist Church will be filled with the Gospel Sounds of Millennials. This is an opportunity to hear Gospel Music at its best from 3 gospel greats who perform locally, nationally and internationally. The genre of the music will be represented from “Down Home to Contemporary” featuring Mike Brown and F.O.C.U.S., Mario Desaussure along with Brandon Robinson and N.G.O.P.

This year features three great talents:

13 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

A native of Charleston, SC, Elder Mario Desaussure is currently a member of Chris- tian Praise and Worship and has sung with various groups and national recording artists throughout the Lowcountry and also the United States, such as Mike Brown and F.O.C.U.S., The Anointed Voices of Praise of Huger, SC, Trinity Inspirational Choir, Pastor Sam Dennis, New Generation of Praise, Vashawn Mitchell, Dorinda Clark-Cole and Ricky Dillard, just to name a few.

Brandon Robinson and N.G.O.P. (New Generation of Praise) is a young group with some old flavor but also shares a new twist on quartet music. The group has been singing together for 7 years starting together as community choir which later formed into a quartet.

F.O.C.U.S. (Followers of Christ Upholding Standards), was founded in August of 1997 by Wayne Ravenell, by organizing a group of approximately 20 of the city’s best, vibrant, gifted, and anointed young adults. Early performances earned an over-whelming positive response from their community. This group of vivacious, colorful and unique Levitical priests intends to reconcile souls to God through a radical and innovative praise and worship experience, while yet being examples of holiness and righteousness as followers of Christ upholding standards.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 1

LITERARY – WRITERS’ WORKSHOP Venue: Springfield Elementary School (by invitation only) Coordinator: Bev Prince-Muhammad A five-day writers’ workshop for pre-selected students running Monday, October 1 to Friday, October 5 will be facilitated by Bev Prince-Muhammad. Formally of Omaha, Nebraska who now resides in Atlanta, Georgia, Ms. Prince-Muhammad has coordinated the MOJA Arts Festival Writers’ Workshop for the past 18 years. Ms. Prince-Muhammad has always enjoyed writing and is an advocate of getting children involved with penning their poems and thoughts. In 2004 and 2006 she also facilitated a writers’ workshop entitled “Let’s Get It Write” for young adults at Skinner Magnet Center in Omaha, Nebraska.

LITERARY - POETRY AND STORYTELLING - DAMON FORDHAM Time: 6:00pm Venue: City Gallery Address: 34 Prioleau Street Admission: FREE Coordinators: Warachal E. Faison, MD/Tribal Raine

Damon Lamar Fordham was born in Spartanburg, SC. He received his master’s degree in history from the College of Charleston and the Citadel, and his undergrad- uate degree at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. He currently teaches United States and African-American History at Virginia College and Charleston Southern University in Charleston, SC and has taught US History and African-Amer- 14 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 ican Studies at the College of Charleston. He was a weekly columnist for the Charleston Coastal Times from 1994 to 1998, as well as the author of Mr. Potts and Me, 2012, Voices of Black South Carolina-Legend and Legacy, 2009, True Stories of Black South Carolina, 2008, and coauthor of Born to Serve-The Story of the WBEMC in South Carolina in 2006. He conducted research for Sweetgrass Baskets and the Gullah Tradition by Joyce Coakley in 2006. He has also appeared in the Turner South Net- work Commercial My South Speaks, 2006, and the History Channel Documentary The American Revolution, 2005. He has served as a commentator for the British Broad- casting Company’s documentary The Real Amos and Andy and the South Carolina Educational Television Documentaries All the Children of All the People, Where Do We Go from Here, and Africans in America-A South Carolina Perspective.

MUSIC - COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON GOSPEL CHOIR CONCERT Time: 7:30pm Venue: Sottile Theatre Address: 44 George Street Admission: $10 tickets at the door, free admission for College of Charleston students with ID

The College of Charleston Gospel Choir presents from Hymns to Now. This year’s concert will feature a modern twist on classic traditional hymns that were arranged by students and faculty at the college.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2

MUSIC- ONE BEAT Time: 7:00pm Venue: Circular Congregational Church Address: 150 Meeting Street Admission: FREE

Join OneBeat for a one-time performance created in response to the environmen- tal works of contemporary composer John Luther Adams. In the past, artists and musicians have depicted the natural world as ethereal and majestic while at times overwhelming and threatening. To illustrate the sublime was to evoke feelings of awe and human insignificance. Now, in an age of rapid technological and digital evolution, humanity itself has become a powerful and sometimes overwhelming geophysical force. In this age, is it still possible to discover unexpected beauty— and, if so, will we be forced to reimagine the sublime’s most spectacular form? In response to these questions, OneBeat artists will enliven The Circular Congregation- al Church, a space that continues to be a significant site for human connection and communion, leading the audience in an intimate and shared sonic experience.

15 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

LITERARY - LITERARY CORNER WITH TAYARI JONES Time: 7:30pm Venue: City Gallery Address: 34 Prioleau Street Admission: FREE Coordinator: Terri Prince-Gaillard

Tayari Jones is the author of the novels Leaving Atlanta, The Untelling, Silver Sparrow, and New York Times bestseller An American Marriage. Published in February, An American Marriage is a 2018 selection for Oprah’s Book Club and was also chosen by President Barack Obama for his Summer Reading List. Her novel, Silver Sparrow, was designated as an NEA Big Read title in 2016. Her writing has appeared in Tin House, The Believer, The New York Times, and Callaloo. A member of the Fellowship of Southern Writers, she has also been a recipient of the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award, Lifetime Achievement Award in Fine Arts from the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, United States Artist Fellowship, NEA Fellowship and Radcliffe Institute Bunting Fellowship. She holds degrees from Spelman College, University of Iowa, and Arizona State University. Tayari is currently a Professor of Creative Writing at Emory, and previously taught at Rutgers-Newark University, she recently served as the Shearing Fellow for Distinguished Writers at the Beverly Rogers, Carol C. Harter Black Mountain Institute at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

She previously visited Charleston for the 2016 MOJA Arts Festival, but her scheduled appearance fell on the date that an evacuation order was announced in anticipation of Hurricane Matthew. MOJA is delighted to be able to have her return this year.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3

HERITAGE AND COMMUNITY - ALL HANDS PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS “THE NEW ADVENTURES OF BRER RABBIT” Time: 9:30am Venue: Charleston County Public Library Address: 68 Calhoun Street Admission: FREE

Join Brer Rabbit and his friends for stories, music, and humor in this production by puppeteer, David Stephens.

MUSIC - ONEBEAT IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE HALSEY INSTI- TUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART PRESENTS RHYTHM DRONE Time: 1:00pm Venue: Stern Center Student Garden Address: 71 George Street Admission: FREE

18 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

Rhythm Drone is a collaborative public performance that invites audiences to join OneBeat’s global musicians and students from the Palmetto Scholars Academy, in a unique musical mediation. Participants are invited to join our artists as we each maintain a rhythmic pattern over an extended period of time, until each performer can transcend their individualistic self-awareness. The performer instead focus- es on their interaction with other players, acting as a living metaphor for social responsibility. As time passes, the performer witnesses how their relationship to the individual and the whole, the conscious and the unconscious, evolves. This event is a free and participatory - open to any and all who are interested in an exploration of sound, language and communication.

HERITAGE AND COMMUNITY - WEST ASHLEY FARMERS MAR- KET CELEBRATES MOJA Time: 3:00pm-7:00pm Venue: Ackerman Park Address: 55 Sycamore Avenue Admission: FREE

The West Ashley Farmers Market hosts an energetic afternoon of family-friendly MOJA programming and activities. This animated market features fresh goods from local farmers, growers and food concessionaires alongside live performances that celebrate African-American and Caribbean culture.

LITERARY - POETRY AND STORYTELLING - HORACE MUNGIN Time: 6:00pm Venue: City Gallery Address: 34 Prioleau Street Admission: FREE Coordinators: Warachal E. Faison, MD/Tribal Raine

Horace Mungin was born in Hollywood, SC in 1941 and his family moved to New York City in 1946. In 1989 Mungin moved to Ridgeville, SC. Mungin started writing poetry in the mid-sixties during the genesis of the Black Arts Movement. During this period, he published two anti-drug volumes of poetry, “Dope Hustler’s Jazz, 1968” and “Now See Here, Homes, 1969.” Some of his early writings appeared in The New York Times, literary magazines, and poetry anthologies. In the early seventies, Mungin helped found Black Forum Magazine, a widely acclaimed national publica- tion for writers and was its first editor. In the late seventies, Mungin wrote a column for a Charleston, SC weekly newspaper that employed satire to explore a variety of political and social issues. The column was later syndicated to ten other weekly newspapers and had a six year run (’78 – ‘84). In 1991 a collection of those columns was published under the title Sleepy Willie Talks about Life. Recent published books include A Different Point of View, 2013, Truth & and Absurdities, 2014, and …Or Does It Explode, 2016.

19 INSPIRED MINDS INSPIRE THE WORLD.

Through the power of the arts, we are all inspired. Boeing is proud to sponsor the MOJA Arts Festival and its ongoing mission to celebrate diversity through performing arts.

20 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 - TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

HERITAGE AND COMMUNITY - SWAHILI WORKSHOP Time: 3:30pm Venue: West Ashley Public Library Address: 45 Windermere Blvd Admission: FREE

The workshop is designed for children and adults to feel comfortable while: - Learning why Swahili is so important to the Lowcountry. - Discovering Swahili words they us daily while speaking English. - Speaking to each other in Swahili. - Creating art for Swahili phrases.

Swahili is presented as writers of Swahili grammar present it-one of the twelve great languages of the world.

MUSIC - ONE BEAT Time: 7:00pm Venue: Redux Contemporary Art Center Address: 1056 King Street Admission: FREE

A neighborhood is a living organism: it breathes, struggles, and changes with the generations, and in an increasingly global world, the value of the neighborhood be- comes ever more important, albeit more threatened. This October, a group of musicians from around the globe visits one Charleston, SC neighborhood to learn about its history, its struggles, and celebrations, and to collaborate with residents to create original art. An ensemble of global musicians from OneBeat will perform original musical works inspired by stories from residents and Tiny Businesses engaged in the conNECKtedTOO project and from the North Central Charleston neighborhood, in partnership with Charleston Rhizome Collective. A celebration of a neighborhood and its history, the evening will begin with a series of pop-up performances in local storefronts, culminating with a performance at Redux Contemporary Art Center.

MUSIC - HARBOR CRUISE FEATURING FIRST CLASS BAND Time: Cruising from 8:00pm to 10:00pm; boarding begins at 7:30pm Venue: Harbor Walk Dock at Aquarium Wharf Address: 360 Concord Street Admission: $25

This is an evening you don’t want to miss! Join us on the water for breathtaking views, perfect harbor breezes, and fun and funky music that will keep you dancing all night long. First Class Band is providing the entertainment for the evening as the Spirit of Charleston sets sail around the harbor, with light snacks and drinks available.

21 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4

HERITAGE AND COMMUNITY - AUNT PEARLIE SUE Time: 9:30am Venue: Charleston County Public Library Address: 68 Calhoun Street Admission: FREE

Join master storyteller, Aunt Pearlie Sue, for interactive tales of the Gullah culture brought to life with music and dance.

LITERARY - POETRY AND STORYTELLING- CARLOS JOHNSON AND THE SPEAK FREELY FOUNDATION Time: 6:00pm Venue: City Gallery Address: 34 Prioleau Street Coordinators: Warachal E. Faison, MD/Tribal Raine

Carlos Johnson, a native of Summerville, SC, currently resides in Goose Creek, SC. Johnson has founded organizations such as The Poetry Show and the Speak Freely Foundation (SFF). SFF, a non-profit organization, supports local youth in the arts. Its mission is to support, educate, and enlighten youth through the arts to better their lives as well as society. The SFF, in collaboration with the City of North Charles- ton, offers The [email protected]. (Speaking Life @mong Many) Poetry Program and the North Charleston Boxing Club at the Armory Park Center. Youth from the Speak Freely Foundation program will present with Johnson.

MUSIC - CLASSICAL ENCOUNTER Time: 6:00pm Venue: Mt. Zion AME Church Address: 5 Glebe Street Admission: FREE

Three of America’s most exciting rising stars of the classical music world will join forces to present the 2018 MOJA Arts Festival Classical Encounter concert. Wade Da- vis, cello, Robin Fay Massie, viola, and Dr. Lester Green, piano, will perform music by Faure, Clarke, Mendelssohn, and Brahms in the sanctuary of Mt. Zion AME Church. These distinguished young musicians are renowned for their technical brilliance and musically exciting interpretation of these well-known and much-beloved works from the classical chamber music repertoire. An alumni of College of Charleston, Wade Davis is a Baltimore-based cellist and music teacher. He performed during the 2017 Colour of Music festival, headlining the Chamber Music portion of the festival and performing as the principal cello for the festival orchestra. He also performed with Piccolo Spoleto in 2018 as part of the popular Early Music series at St. Phillip’s

22 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

Church. This concert promises an unforgettable, inspiring experience to the audience.

THEATRE - WHEN I FIRST REMEMBER Producer: Lady in White Production Company Time: 7:00 PM Venue: Old Bethel United Methodist Church Address: 222 Calhoun Street Admission: $21 Adults; $16 Seniors; $11 Children under 12

THEATRE - SWEAT Producer: PURE Theatre Time: 7:30pm Venue: Dock Street Theatre Address: 135 Church Street Admission: Reserved Seating $32 Adults, $15 Students

PURE Theatre presents Sweat, 2017 Pulitzer Prize winning play by Lynn Nottage.

Filled with humor and tremendous heart, Sweat tells the story of a group of friends who have spent their lives sharing drinks, secrets, and laughs while working together on the factory floor. But when layoffs and picket lines begin to chip away at their trust, the friends find themselves pitted against each other in a heart-wrenching fight to stay afloat. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5

LITERARY - 4TH GRADERS READOUT Venue: Participating CCSD Schools

A MOJA tradition, this outreach program invites 4th grade students from pre-selected Charleston County Schools to participate in a special in-school reading program in which students receive a free copy of the featured book.

23 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

HERITAGE AND COMMUNITY - WONA WOMALAN WEST AFRICAN DRUMMING AND DANCE Time: 9:30am Venue: Charleston County Public Library Address: 68 Calhoun Street Admission: FREE

Wona Womalan brings an appreciation of West Africa’s vibrant and beautiful musical art to audiences of all ages. The ensemble dives into a breathtaking explosion of high energy and visually spectacular drumming, singing and dance.

Extending the Old Bethel Series, The Gullah Lady will be performed in this historic church by Sharon Cooper Murray as she shares stories and songs in the Gul- lah-Geechee language.

THEATRE - SWEAT Producer: PURE Theatre Time: 7:30pm Venue: Dock Street Theatre Address: 135 Church Street Admission: Reserved Seating $32 Adults; $15 Students

PURE Theatre presents Sweat, 2017 Pulitzer Prize winning play by Lynn Nottage.

24 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6

HERITAGE AND COMMUNITY - COMMUNITY TRIBUTE LUNCHEON Time: 11:30am-1:30pm Venue: Magnolia Plantation & Gardens Address: 3550 Ashley River Road, West Ashley Donation: $40; ADVANCE RESERVATIONS ONLY by calling (843) 724-7305 Sponsored by: Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Total Wine & More Coordinator: Elease Amos-Goodwin

The MOJA Arts Festival is pleased to bestow awards on outstanding community leaders in recognition of their contributions to the region at this annual outdoor luncheon. The 2018 MOJA Arts Festival Planning and Community Tribute Luncheon Committees salute this year’s leaders:

2018 Community Tribute Luncheon Honorees: Ms. Joy Vandervort-Cobb, Artist W. M. Smith-McNeal Funeral Home, Business Mr. Nathaniel Jackson, Civic & Community Service Ms. Saundra Williams Purvis, Contribution to MOJA Mrs. Michele English-Watson, Education Mr. Steve Bedard, Government Kenosha Gleaton, MD, Medicine Ms. Camile Bibb, Outstanding College Student Miss Hallie Grant, Outstanding High School Student Mr. John Christopher Wright, Outstanding High School Student Ms. Ruth Jordan, Politics-Local The Honorable Marvin R. Pendarvis, Politics-State Reverend Dr. Kylon Middleton, Religion Ms. Wendrah McCoy, Rising Star Gamma XI Omega Chapter Alpha Kappa Alpha Sororities

RECREATION - CHARLESTON BOXING CLUB ANNUAL MOJA CUP Time: 7:00pm Venue: Arthur Christopher Community Center Address: 265 Fishburne Street Admission: At the door; $15 Adults; $5 Students under 18; Free for children under 8 Sponsored by: The Charleston Boxing Club Coordinators: Al “Hollywood” Meggett and Osei Terry Chandler

A MOJA tradition, the Charleston Boxing Club Annual MOJA Cup highlights some of the region’s top all-star amateur boxers battling it out in their respective weight divisions. Participants weigh in between 2pm and 4pm. Tickets for the event are only available at the door. Bouts begin at 7pm. 25 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1

THEATRE - UNBROKEN CHAINS Producer: Gullah Geechee Angel Network, Wineglass Gullah/Geechee Productions and A Queen’s Dream Productions Time: 7:00pm Venue: Circular Congregational Church Address: 150 Meeting Street Admission: $21

The Gullah Geechee Angel Network, Wineglass Gullah/Geechee Productions and A Queen’s Dream Production presents, Unbroken Chains, written and acted by up-and-coming playwright Queen Christine Washington, along with a host of talented and highly-skilled actors.

Unbroken Chains depicts the life of a young girl and her unconventional intro- duction to womanhood. Faith is naïve about the world around her, until her grandmother exposes the harsh realities of her past and the reasoning for her mother’s current struggles. Shortly after dealing with a personal family tragedy, Faith herself will come face-to-face with some of the very same hardships unfairly forced upon the woman before her. This journey imprisons Faith to a repeated and broken legacy --while also freeing her mental state of the desire to perpetu- ate the exact same pain in the future.

Unbroken Chains is spoken in English, Geechee and Gullah.

THEATRE - SWEAT Producer: PURE Theatre Time: 7:30pm Venue: Dock Street Theatre Address: 135 Church Street Admission: Reserved Seating $32 Adults, $15 Students

PURE Theatre presents Sweat, 2017 Pulitzer Prize winning play by Lynn Nottage.

26 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7

THEATRE - SWEAT Producer: PURE Theatre Time: 3:00pm Venue: Dock Street Theatre Address: 135 Church Street Admission: Reserved Seating $32 Adults, $15 Students

PURE Theatre presents Sweat, 2017 Pulitzer Prize winning play by Lynn Nottage.

GULLAH/GEECHEE GALA AT GULLAH ROOTS Time: 3:00-7:00pm Venue: Gullah Roots Address: 4391 Dorchester Road, North Charleston Admission: FREE Email: [email protected] or call (843)247-8703 for more information

The Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition, Gullah Geechee Angel Network and All Mobile ProductionsTM(AMPTM) will host an afternoon of authentic Gullah/ Geechee cultural expression at “Gullah Roots” in North Charleston. Queen Quet, Cheiftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation will host the affair and present on the living traditions of the Gullah/Geechee Nation. Attendees are asked to dress to impress in their Gullah/Geechee gear and African attire for the “Gullah/Geechee Gala.” Make sure you do not miss the closing part of the MOJA Celebration in the Gullah/Geechee Nation. Cum fa jayn we and bring de famlee.

HERITAGE AND COMMUNITY - MOJA FINALE Time: 6:00pm-11:00pm Venue: Hampton Park Address: 30 Mary Murray Boulevard Admission: Free Sponsored by: The Boeing Company, C&A Unlimited, Inc.- McDonalds, Meeting Street Schools

Close out the Festival in style! Everyone in your family will enjoy this spirited celebration of all that the MOJA Festival has to offer. From fascinating craft vendors and fantastic food choices to an evening of live music featuring Hot Buttered Soul with the best of classic soul and R&B, this party is sure to entertain.

27 FEARLESS IS THE FIRST STROKE ON A BLANK CANVAS

Fearless is stepping outside your comfort zone and breaking new ground. Everyone has a Live Fearless story. Tell us yours at LiveFearlessSC.com. Fearless is within us all.

28 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3

2018 MOJA ARTS FESTIVAL OFFICIAL POSTER ABOUT THE ARTIST: John Christopher Wright II lives in North Charleston, SC and is a junior at the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities Residen- tial High School. His gift and passion for visual art was discovered by his parents at the age of three (when he drew an exact replica of Sponge Bob). John Christopher has participated in art classes and/or programs ever since then and has won numerous awards and recognitions. In 2017, he was selected as the featured artist for Black Ink: Charleston African American Book Festival and his artwork was chosen as a permanent display in Charleston County Public Library’s Main Branch. From his involvement with Black Ink and CCPL, John Christopher was encouraged to submit his artwork for the CCPL’s Saul Alexander Foundation Gallery, where his work will be exhibited for the month of December 2018.

ABOUT THE GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Marcus Amaker is Charleston, SC’s First Poet Laureate, as appointed by Mayor John Tecklenburg. He graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Amaker’s poems have been featured on PBS Newshour, A&E, The Huffington Post, several journals and poetry collections. A well-known graphic/web designer and videographer, Amaker produces award-winning work for local nonprofits and organizations. He is also the lead graphic designer for the national music magazine, No Depression. In 2017, He was named one of Charleston’s 50 Most Influential people by Charleston Business Magazine.

THE OFFICIAL MOJA ARTS FESTIVAL LOGO Visual artist, Robert Washington, the creator of the Official MOJA Arts Festival Logo, passed away in 2016 at the age of 67. Originally from Wal- terboro, SC, Robert Washington was a graduate of Voorhees College in Denmark, SC. Mr. Washington was a self-taught artist in multiple media, but preferred to work in watercolors. He interpreted his work as “Lowcountry Nostal- gia,” the lifestyles and mannerisms of African-Americans, from St. Simon Island, GA to Sandy Island, SC. Mr. Washington also designed the logo for the Philip Simmons Foundation in Charleston, SC.

HOW TO APPLY TO MOJA 2019 Application deadline for artists: January 25, 2019. Each component of the MOJA Arts Festival: A Celebration of African-American and Caribbean Arts is carefully selected by a jury process. If you would like to be considered as a performer/presenter for the 2019 MOJA Arts Festival, (September 26-October 6, 2019), please send the completed official MOJA application form (available at mojafestival.com in Autumn 2018) and a package of information including a cover letter describing your work, what you intend to present at the MOJA Arts Festival, any press related to your work, and work samples. Only those artists who submit these materials and the official MOJA application form to the Office of Cultural Affairs no later than January 25, 2019 will be considered for the 2019 MOJA Arts Festival. 29 CLASSICAL ENCOUNTER WITH WADE DAVIS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4 MT. ZION AME CHURCH 6PM 30 PHOTO BY BRITT OLSEN-ECKER THEATREMOJA AT DOCK STREET DEBUTANTE OF THE SEASON SEPTEMBER 27-30 By Arthur Gilliard Produced by Art Forms and Theatre Concepts, Inc. Directed by Arthur Gilliard

SWEAT OCTOBER 4-7 By Lynn Nottage Produced by PURE Theatre Directed by Sharon Graci PHOTO BY PRISCILLA THOMAS31