Field Note #9
October Reflections + Opportunities to Connect in November
October came and went like it had more important business to tend to. Over here at Kongo Cafe, I’ve been elbows deep in hibiscus medicine, figuring out how to register a business, and returning back to coffee ceremony. All the while grieving the deaths of giants- Assata Shakur, Miss Major, and the one and only, D’angelo. Keeping busy has lessened the sting of losing the physical presence of those who have given so much to our liberation struggles and collective sonic memory; but not in an avoident sense. I feel that this work of carving out a space for myself as a cultural worker, a rootworker, and healer is becoming that much more urgent as our legends transition to the ancestral realm. Some days it feels as though I’m fumbling through the brush with only the guiding light of the ancestors to illuminate my path forward. On others, the medicine and power of being aligned with my soulwork is potent and fortifying, letting me know that everything is alright, even when it isn’t.
My heart is full of grief and love and hope. Below you’ll find some of the Kongo Cafe experiences that have been fueling my hope this month, and what I’m gearing up for in November (including an invitation to taste some Kongo Cafe Sorrel!). I’m also present with grief and love for those in the Caribbean experiencing the devastating impacts of Hurricane Melissa. In the section titled “solidarity circle”, I’ve included some resources for those impacted in Haiti, Jamaica, and Cuba.
October in Review
Coffee Ceremony with Jupiter Performance Studio
Earlier this month, I was invited to hold coffee ceremony for participants of the black/water: to conjure a/new learning cermony led by Ebony Noelle Golden of Jupiter Performance Studio1. Their group of Black performance artists journeyed to Durham for an immersion to learn from the land, the waters, and those of us who call AfroCarolina home.
I welcomed Ebony and and her cohort of artists into the Nzinga Durham capoeira house not too far from Hayti. The coffee ceremony table was set with african fabrics, flowers I’d harvested from the backyard garden, and incense. We sat around and shared our first experiences with coffee. Many of us were introduced to coffee by our grandmothers, and regaled childhood kitchen table conversations with elders as we sipped a coffee blend sourced and grown by Black hands2.
Land + Lineage in the Diaspora Recap
Last week, I had a powerful conversation with Cyrée Jarelle Johnson about solidarity with Congo for Congo Week. We discussed the origins of Kongo Cafe and pan-African solidarity that puts the land first. You can watch a clip below and the full the recording on instagram.
Upcoming Opportunities to Connect
Kongo Cafe at North Durham Farmers Market (Nov 1st & 15th, Dec 6)
I’m excited to annouce that this weekend Kongo Cafe will have it’s first vendor stall at the North Durham Farmers Market! I’ll be outside, underneath the pine trees with sorrel and pound cake from 12pm-4pm. If you can’t make it out this week, I’ll be back on November 15th and the holiday market on December 6th during which I’ll be holding coffee ceremony.
Selling at the farmers market has been a goal of mine since before Kongo Cafe was brought into being. I’m really grateful that I have the opportunity to expand into such a community centered space. Also, I’m glad that I can finally get some sorrel to the folks who have been asking when I’m going to have another pop up that’s open to the public. This one’s for y’all!
Griot & Grey Owl Black Southern Writers’ Conference (Nov. 7-9)
Next weekend will be the third annual Griot & Grey Owl Black Southern Writers’ conference here in Durham. Just as fate would have it, the theme of this year’s conference is “Carolina Gold”. Back in August, I created my first zine with a folktale I wrote under the same name. I’m excited to be reading an excerpt of my Carolina Gold short story at the opening reception alongside performances from Nnenna & Pierce Freelon.
If you haven’t purchased a ticket yet, there’s still time to join this beautiful convening of Black southern writers. There will also Kongo Cafe sorrel in the vendor space on Saturday as well.
Hope to see y’all there!
Solidarity Circle
As most have seen, Hurricane Melissa has hit our kin in the Caribbean hard. Below you can find solidarity and media resources to donate and stay informed
Hurricane Melissa Resources
With love & solidarity,
Alexis
You can follow along with Jupiter Performance’s amazing work on ecowomanist performance art on instagram
I used the delicious Third Space blend from my friend Noelle at Flowers & Coffee based in Jacksonville, FL. It was sourced directly from Black farmers in Brazil. You can learn more and purchase your own bag the Flowers & Coffee website.