Location: 3795 Fairmount Ave, San Diego, CA
Date: May 5th, 2024
Immerse yourself in a diverse array of captivating workshops at our market, delving into Kemetic Yoga, poetry, and artistic expression. Ranging from 20 workshops and 5-minute performances, these sessions will be centered on holistic thinking, familial values, and knowledge of self – the core tenets of this vibrant people of the African Diaspora. Beyond the creative endeavors, our market is for and by us, and strongly emphasizes environmental consciousness, underscoring the significance of climate, nature, and overall well-being through the lens of our ancestors. This profound connection to our heritage inspires our expert-led sessions, featuring a seasoned Kemetic Yoga teacher and healer, talented poets/performers, and skilled artists.
As recent recipients of the Commission of Arts and Culture grant, we are excited to invite you to participate in our ASCEND to Kemet Market on May 5th, 2024 at the City Heights Performance Annex. This event is set to be an extraordinary celebration that not only honors the insights of our forebears but also pays tribute to the cultural richness and warm hospitality of San Diego. Supported by your commitment, the festival aims to bring together vendors of “Black Consciousllence” from across California, uniting in the shared goal of advancing Kemetic wisdom and preserving ancestral knowledge to help us elevate and return safely.
Your support is integral to the success of this event, and we look forward to welcoming you on the 5th of May for an unforgettable day of celebration, enlightenment, and community building.
Performers/Entertainment
Rev. Alyce Smith-Cooper, African-American ancestral storyteller and actor, provided healings, motivational, and diversity training sessions. As an ancestral storyteller, Alyce introduced audiences to the world of African-American folklore through her vibrant words and expressive vocal techniques. She was widely recognized for creating cultural understandings in such widely ranging venues as the Old Globe Theatre, corporate and government classrooms (MCI, FBI), the Wild Animal Park, and the Bethel African-Methodist Episcopal Church. Smith-Cooper earned credentials as a registered nurse with a specialty in psychiatric nursing and held a master’s degree in human behavior. She served as a staff chaplain at Scripps Memorial Hospital, an ordained minister, and as a spiritual counselor in private practice. Alyce is equally comfortable setting up motivational training programs or teaching schools and organizations how to deal with diversity. The psycho-dramatist finds deep meaning, strength, and healing from public storytelling. Her audiences become better listeners and more connected to life.
Performer: Titus Baker
Titus, known as the “Happy Helping Healer,” is dedicated to inspiring, motivating, and creating spaces for higher frequencies of compassion, balance, and peace. A graduate of the Healing Hands School of Massage and Holistic Health, Class of 2021, and with training in Dharma Sound Mantra Meditation, Hatha & Kundalini Yoga, and Hatha Yoga from Aura Wellness Center, Titus uses his talents to complement the needs of the changing times.
He excels in spoken word, sound healing, yoga, and massage therapy, and is skilled in various bodywork practices. Titus also performs Kirtan, drumming, crystal bowls, and the giant gong. Always a student, teacher, brother, and companion, his purpose is to make friends and connect with partners to create peaceful opportunities in communities and globally.
Performer: DJ Starseed
Today’s guest, Musa Starseed walks an artist’s path of many unique talents, gifts and crafts. Starseed is a dancer, a DJ, a musician, a teacher, a documentary producer, a community organizer and a manifestation coach. You can find him traveling with his camera to document and trace of the ancient roots of the African Diaspora, or you might catch him on the dance floor alchemizing the healing spirits of ancestral movements.
Performer: Maestro Reggae
Maestro Reggae is a talented musical artist known for their vibrant reggae music. They have released albums such as “Evolución” and “Evolución (En Vivo)”, showcasing their unique blend of rhythms and melodies. Some of their popular songs include “Ya no paramos”, “Dancing Reggae”, “Esta Noche”, and “Siembra conciencia”. Maestro Reggae’s music is available on platforms like YouTube, Spotify, YouTube Music, and Apple Music, where listeners can enjoy their uplifting and energetic tunes.
Performer: Dr. LaWana Richmond
Dr. LaWana Richmond, a Black female Di Vinci, is the Organizational Development Manager for Transportation Services at UC San Diego. She co-founded Afrofuturism Lounge and Afrofuturism Dream Tank, and organizes Afro Con. LaWana serves on several boards, including Alliance San Diego and Detour Empowers. She’s a member of the United Nations International Civil Society Working Group for the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent. A sci-fi and horror enthusiast for over 40 years, LaWana is a proud mother and grandmother. Her favorite word is “nebulous” for its limitless possibilities. She lives by the Ubuntu philosophy: “I am because we are, and because we are, therefore I am.”
Sponsors
ASCEND to Kemet Festival Participation Form for Sponsors:
Sponsorship Tiers:
Bronze Sponsor ($100):
Benefits:
- Inclusion of your name or logo on a promotional sign at the event.
- Complimentary booth.
Silver Sponsor ($300):
Benefits:
- Inclusion of your name or logo on a promotional sign at the event.
- Mention on our official festival flyer.
- Social Media: Mention in our story.
- Complimentary booth.
Gold Sponsor ($500):
Benefits:
- Inclusion of your name or logo on a promotional sign at the event.
- Mention on our official festival flyer.
- Mention in our story and post that goes out widely on social media.
- Two complimentary booths.
- One-month free membership.
Vendors
ASCEND to Kemet Festival Participation Form for Vendors:
Volunteers
Food:
Indulge in a diverse array of delectable cuisines.
Music:
Immerse yourself in captivating live performances and musical talents.
Art:
Uncover extraordinary artworks and innovative creative expressions.
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Event Support:
Assist our experts in ensuring the smooth execution of the festival. Work closely with the team, volunteers will contribute to creating a memorable and enriching experience for attendees.
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Event Setup and Breakdown:
Assist in setting up and dismantling event infrastructure. Can include unloading tables and chairs. Assisting vendors with tent setup and cleanup.
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Event Tabler:
Assist with setting up chairs, tables, linens, and equipment. Help servers complete their tasks.
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Registration Assistance:
Help guests with event registration and check-in processes. Hand out brochures and be able to provide attendees with guidance.
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Information Booth:
Provide information and assistance to event attendees. Be able to answer questions, provide directions, and information about booths and vendors.
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Ticketing Assistance for Guests:
Assist guests with ticketing, entry procedures, and raffle tickets.
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Environmental Stewardship:
Assist in maintaining a clean and environmentally friendly event space. Can include picking up fallen debris around festival grounds.
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Lost & Found:
Manage lost and found items during the event. Responsible for retrieving, documenting, and helping attendees reclaim lost items.
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Volunteer Coordination:
Coordinate volunteer activities and schedules. Manage volunteers and assign tasks.
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Social Media Management:
Manage social media accounts and engage with online audiences. Creating content and promoting festival across platforms to help audience stay up to date.
ASCEND to Kemet Festival Participation Form for Volunteers:
Pay here:
Sponsorship Donation:
Thank you for your generous donation! We truly appreciate your contribution.
Vendors Booking:
The booth fee is $15 due at registration, which is a deposit. On the event day, vendors must pay a minimum of $30 or 8% of sales, whichever is greater. The $15 deposit will be deducted from the total payment.
Schedule a time to chat with our team here!
Meet with our team to schedule time to discuss the details of the event! We are excited to work with you!
Information for Vendors and Food Trucks
Directions to the City Heights Performance Annex
Directions to City Heights Performance Annex
Event Site Map
(Parking is all around Fairmount Ave)
FAQs
1. What are the dimensions of the booth?
Booths are limited to a size of 10×10 feet.
2. How can vendors secure a spot?
Vendors are required to complete a form and submit an initial deposit of $15 through a provided link.
3. What is the cost for vendors?
Vendors must pay an initial deposit of $15 upon registration. On the event day, vendors will be charged a minimum of $30 or 8% of their sales, whichever is higher. The initial deposit will be deducted from the final payment.
4. How will the 8% sales fee be calculated for vendors?
A specific booth will be designated to collect sales receipts.
5. Where is the precise location for vendor setup?
See the site map.
6. Where will the performances take place?
On the stage/See site map.
7. What are the dimensions of the stage?
The stage measures 20×20 feet.
8. Where can I locate the event map?
The event map is accessible on the festival page of our website.
9. Is there a limit to the number of vendors per booth?
There is no restriction on the number of vendors per booth.
10. What arrangements are made for electricity?
Vendors are advised to bring their own generators if electricity is required.
11. Who should I contact for event details?
For event inquiries, reach out to Rumaisha Chowdhury at rumaisha.c@ascendtials.org or schedule a meeting via the provided Calendly link on the website or the invitation email/text.
12. What types of performers will participate?
Expect a diverse lineup including poets, musicians, djembe drummers, yoga instructors, healers, spoken word artists, dancers, motivational speakers, and various other talents.
13. Can I bring outside food and drinks?
No outside food or drinks are permitted.
14. When can vendors access the venue for setup?
Vendors may enter the venue at 9:00 a.m. on the event day.
15. Will there be designated waste disposal areas?
Yes, designated stations will be available throughout the event, including during setup and breakdown.
16. What payment methods are accepted?
All payment methods (debit, credit, cash) are accepted.
17. At what time do the festival gates open?
Gates open promptly at 11:00 a.m.
18. Is there a lost and found service?
A lost and found section will be established at the ASCENDtials’ organizers’ booth. Refer to the festival map on the website for details.
19. What is the policy on pets?
Pets are permitted if they are leashed.
20. How many guests are expected?
Anticipated attendance ranges from 200-400 guests.
21. Where should I park my vehicle?
Free parking is available all around the event space (around Fairmount Ave).
22. Do I need tickets to enter the market?
No, the event is free to enter.
ASCENDtials
