Celebrating Black History Month at the Folk Art Museum

African drumming, dancing and a book event will kick off Black History Month at The Museum of International Folk Art on Sunday, February 5. Another of the museum’s signature family programs, the festivities begin at 1 p.m., when Master Drummer Akeem Ayanniyi brings his group Agalu to the stage for the first of two West African drumming and dance performances.  Agalu is a favorite at museum events and will perform both at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Agalu, or “spirit of the drum,” is led by Akeem Ayanniyi, who is the ninth generation of his family to play the traditional Yoruba talking drum. He is from the Western Nigerian town of Erin Oshun, near the historic art center of Oshogbo. Ayanniyi has been performing since he was five and has toured much of Africa as well as Germany, Brazil, Sweden and the U.S. as a performer and teacher. He settled in Santa Fe in 1993 and founded Agalu in 1998.

At 2 p.m. Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, the New Mexico Centennial Children’s Author, will talk about her award-winning book, Almost to Freedom, which tells the story of a young girl's dramatic escape from slavery via the Underground Railroad, from the perspective of her beloved rag doll. Nelson took her inspiration to write this story from the black dolls in the Girard Wing of the museum.  Nelson’s skillfully-told tale brings these dolls to life – telling this child’s story, as well as the stories of others who were escaping slavery, giving us a powerful view into the collective history of the United States.

Nelson, the youngest of five children, grew up in Elizabeth, Pa., a rural community 15 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. "My parents brought books into my life on the day I was born," Nelson says. "My mother read to us every day and my father wrote and recited poetry. They taught me the wonder and power of language and this helped me to become a writer. Through my work as a writer and a children's librarian, I hope to provide children with some of what my parents gave me – the opportunity to grow through story."

This event is free to New Mexico residents with ID, Museum of New Mexico Foundation members and youth under 17 years old.