A group gathered at sunrise on Buckroe Beach in Hampton, Va. for a traditional Libation Ceremony on Friday, June 16, 2023. Libation ceremonies use a universal prayer and are considered one of the oldest African ceremonies. They involve the use of water or grains as a sacrifice to a deity or ancestors, and this ceremony was held to seek ancestral blessings and guidance for a "Redemption Voyage" the group has planned to several African countries. The ceremony was lead by Ayo Handy-Kendi, 71, who has been conducting these ceremonies since age 25 and is a certified Breath Sekou or Breath Master Teacher having studied "the breath" since 1970. Commonly known as "Mama Ayo", Handy-Kendi is also the founder of Black Love Day, celebrated annually on Feb. 13 since 1993, and is founder of the non-profit African American Holiday Association.

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