DOWN BY THE RIVERSIDE

Down by The Riverside is an annual call to our collective spirit—a Sacred Gathering held free for all in Albany, Georgia. It is our time to honor the resilient souls of our ancestors: those whose names we proudly speak and those whose sacrifices echo in our hearts.

---We begin at the courthouse 3pm, coming together as one people, and journey toward the Horace King Overlook. There, beneath the vast sky, we engage in a soulful libation and prayer ceremony. The steady beat of drums and heartfelt performances remind us of our shared past and the powerful legacy of those who fought for justice and freedom.

---In a moving ritual, we call out the names of our known ancestors and hold space in our hearts for the unknown ones—each one a pillar in the foundation of our community. We then carry offerings of flowers and herbs to the river, a timeless…