Sunni Patterson

Tonight. 11/25/2023
Doors open 10pm.
Love yall💛

Happy Friday, loved ones!

Back home and I'm reminded of our dear James Baldwin's, "Fire Next Time" as I smell the burning of marsh/swamp in the air. It was so distinct today. Woke me up out of my sleep. I thought something in the house was on fire! With our environmental arts organization, Breath is Lyfe, we always say, "you think the illness runs in your family...but it's really in the air." Asthma and many other respiratory issues are not hereditary, but they are environmental. I have the great fortune of working with many people/organizations/communities all over, and these past couple days, I was a speaker at the U.S. Department of Energy Justice and Equity (formally the U.S. Department of Energy) for their Justice Week. If you think the issues of climate and environment aren't real, I implore you to look around. It is imperative for Black Folk and People of Color to be at the helm of this fight. I can tell you, we are the ones who suffer the most- physically, mentally, financially, spiritually, and holistically! My approach to climate and environment is always holistic. How do we change this climate of violence and destruction into one of genuine care and trust? There's a fire brewing and you can't see the flames...but you know where there is smoke, there must be fire. And there is smoke in the wind...in your lungs...in your eyes...particles on your skin. As a priest/spiritualist and an artist/poet, I'm very clear on why this fight for climate/environmental/human justice, cannot be devoid of spirituality or optimism. We need every tool we have (spirituality is both a tool that paves the way, and the way itself) to assist in raising consciousness of the planet. This is why the Algiers Ancestor Festival is medicine for public health... an act of spiritual resistance and fortitude, a plea to all those righteous earth working ones who assist in helping us to bring our gifts from heaven to earth! As a matter of fact, that is one of the themes for this year's festival, "Bringing our Gifts From Heaven to Earth".

Love Y'all.

Louisiana Chapter of the Black Panther Party (see last post for more info)

"Until the philosophy that holds one man superior and another inferior, is finally and permanently discredited and abandone... everywhere is war." -War, Bob Marley.

We're at the main library today. The great lawyer/activist/professor/comrade, Angela Bell, will be speaking along with the Party, and other special guests; one of them being my amazing husband. If we don't think we owe plenty to the Black Panther Party, it really means that we're unaware ofjuaticewhat the party has done. The 10 point plan is still necessary. We just celebrated 57 years with them and these elders are still putting in work and deserve all the good things. They've received proclamations from the city, but never an apology. But what will an apology do, when police have fired thousands of rounds of ammunition inside of a wooden house to take your life? Guess you never know until it happens 🤷🏽‍♀️ I think of Mama Betty (second to last image on the flyer- which is the painting our brother did to honor them). She was shot 5 times and still has buckshots in her body. The NOPD came dressed as priests and then opened fire. She's still alive to tell the story.

Later tonight you can join us for a family movie night. Learn more about art led/community led justice with with my fearless cousin/sister, .

*****Reminder*****
4th annual Algiers Ancestor Festival 2024- Nov 10th and 11th! Bout to be a time! One of the themes this year is, "Bringing our Gifts from Heaven to Earth"

Ok. I love y'all. Fa real.

Happy Saturday!

We're still rolling. What a wonder-filled time! The gala last night was soooooo good. Chante Moore was the headliner, and Lawd! She was superb. So much to say, but not enough space or time. There's so much going on this weekend. Give thanks for all the positive, feel good, cultural energy being spread throughout the city. Ohhhh, and... I spent yesterday morning with my sister at the fest! Whew! That deserves its own post.

If you still wanna come to The Ashé Rooftop Festival look below for a 50% off code.

The Ashé Rooftop Festival starts TODAY and we're offering a special 50% off code for last-minute tickets — visit www.ashenola.org/rooftop-festival and use code CULTURE25!✨

Experience themed rooftops featuring art, wellness, social justice, Black literature, and performances from your musical favorites. Iconic DJs, mouthwatering foods, signature cocktails, thought-provoking discussions, interactive installations, and much more!

🌇🌇🌇🌇🌇

We appreciate our Ashé Rooftop Festival sponsors and partners: Premium Parking, Roami at The Brandywine, Selina Catahoula, New Orleans East Hospital, the Center for Black Health & Equity, Planned Parenthood, Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation, Junebug Productions, Abstract NOLA, Deep South Center for Environmental Justice, New Orleans Tourism and Culture Fund, The New School - The Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy, Go Be, Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, The Idea Brokerage, Uncle Nearest, Casa Luigi, Cajun Fire Brewing Company.⁠
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Special thanks to our philanthropic partners who have supported us in our 25th Anniversary year: Warner Music Group/Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund, Surdna Foundation, Ford Foundation.⁠
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Happy Saturday!

Back home. You should come to the fest! We're honoring our beloved Community Book Center! 40 years of excellence. 40 years of unapologetic Blackness. 40 years of intentional Community expansion. 40 years.

Today is a most holy day. On this day in history, the 15th day of the month of September, my Mama... the one named Glynn Marie aka Tweet aka Sister, daughter of Vera and Buddy Red was born! Through her, I know for an absolute fact that the first name for God is Mama. I chose an exquisite vessel to carry me to earth. A fantastic mix of holy and hood. I'll tell most people she might not be your cup of tea, but that's because she ain't tea! Sometimes gin. Sometimes whiskey. Back in the day she liked that Taylor Sherry Cream, so sometimes she's that... lol... but either way... she taught me how to turn water into wine (and whiskey). How to make something out "nothing". Starts EVERYday on our family text with a prayer...then she's gon' pray for the same person she done cussed out. It all goes together.

It is also no coincidence that on this same day of my mother's birth, it is also my "birth"day in Ifa! It is also no coincidence that my initiation to Ifa took place in Houston. (For the record, I purposefully wanted my initiations *both Orisa and Ifa* to happen in the United States because of how our ancestors carried/held/and preserved this sacred science here on this land. That was/is no easy feat! And for all their sacrifices, I am grateful). Now, they say home is where the heart is. But my daddy used to say, home is where yo' mama is. Due to the forced exodus of Hurricane Katrina, my mama has been in Houston. So, Houston may not be where my house is... but it is where my first HOME (my mama) lives.

Sooooo, for my folks in the Detroit area, you should come celebrate with me! Our production, "Gomela/To Return: Movement of our Mother Tongue" is running today, Sept. 15th and tomorrow, Sept 16th. Check the pic for info and a code for a *free* ticket.

I love you ❤️

Hey, hey!!! Happy Thursday, loved ones! What a mighty time to be alive. I've returned from Ghana, (there doing some beautiful work with my sister, , , & . Watching Brandy's vision for optimal maternal and postpartum health unfold through Shola International 504... whew.. pretty amazing. I'll share the videos and pics when I settle.

But... coming up tomorrow, (Friday, Sept. 15th and Saturday, Sept. 16th) is our beloved production, Gomela/To Return: Movement of our Mother Tongue!! This piece is very dear to my heart! I'm so proud of it, and we're here to do it in Detroit!! We haven't toured the full piece in a whole 5 years! Bout ta be a good ol' time. Also, this is the last time Gomela is touring 🥺, so Detroit and surrounding areas...come experience Gomela and become a part of history.

I love you ❤️

Norris Courtney Paige

hello followers, the below account has illegally accessed Sunni's page. Please be aware as they are now posting on the page as Sunni PattersonThere is only one. This page will be disabled as the account has already been reported to the authorities. Please do not accept any requests or provide any information to anyone contacting you on Sunni's behalf. Please also report this page as well.

Thank you, Sunni management team

https://www.facebook.com/raven.thomas.378537

Norris Courtney Paige

Bout to be a good ol' time!

Happy Tuesday, loved ones! If you're near the area, you should come! Go to for tics in bio.

Love in the (mean)time! 💛

Happy Friday, Loved Ones! It's almost time! Our dear sister, and her team, have been working to make big things happen for this Juneteenth! (She can't help it, Baba Kojo Livingston is her Daddy and Mama Shannon is her Mama. It's in her blood).

I'm most excited about the Community Vow Exchange! In all the work I do, officiating weddings is one of the most enjoyable ceremonies! If you'd like to join the other couples, I believe there's still time to sign up. Visit the website nolajuneteenthfestival.org for more info. Even if you're uncoupled, come, celebrate, and renew your vow to yourself, and bear witness to the wonder of a supportive community!

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"Be transformed by your love.
Be moved by holy intention.
Be steadied by your faith;
And take heart as you trod.”

-From the poem, Akoma, written by Sunni Patterson

This Juneteenth, (Monday, June 19, 2023), we will have a Community Vow Renewal/Marriage Ceremony in Congo Square. Officiated by Initiated Priest, Minister, and Internationally Acclaimed Poet, Sunni Patterson, this Community Ceremony, allows all to bear witness to the wonder and magnificence of the uniting of not only the couples, but the coming together of their ancestral lineages. Believing in the power and transformative aspect of communal ritual, this collective renewing, recommitting, and reaffirming, is a way to show up for our individual families and loved ones, while also moving in divine purpose with unity of Spirit and the liberation of Community.

Happy Friday! The last day of March. Giving thanks for it all. I'm back in New York for the night (March 31, 2023), and a great night it's about to be... if you're here, you should come celebrate with us. It's the launch of our dear brother, Joshua Bennet's, book, "Spoken Word: A Cultural History"

Grateful for the wonder of this work/art form...the medicine it is...the balm it is...the fire...the water...the holiness and the hell...the way of it. I promise if you come...you'll like it.

Holla at us. Check the flyer for more info.

Love you ❤️

❤️❤️❤️

You know what? Sometimes, "Thank You", is all that's needed. So... Thank You, Chelsey. Thank You, Abram Himelstein. Thank You, Baba Kalamu Salaam.

Thank You, Yeye Luisah Teish (for more than you know)

All the Richness There Is How Luisah Teish and Sunni Patterson’s words evoke and honor ancient Yoruba culture.

In so many places, today is just a "regular" Tuesday... but in New Orleans, it's Mardi Gras Day! Happy Tuesday/Happy Mardi Gras!

Come see us "under tha bridge" Orleans and Claiborne. I mean, where else would we be?

You know what?... I love y'all!

Happy Friday, lovers! Praying you remember how good life is, in spite of the times. Pat yourself on the back sometimes. You've been doing good work. This system makes you forget so you can continue to be in service to a low level belief. Pick it up, buttercup! That spirit is too big to be confined... c'mon nah... straighten ya back... fix ya shoulders... lift your head... that's more like it! 💚

I just got back in town last night... came from the land of the Chorotega people, now called Costa Rica (due to that dirty spaniard colonizer). I love working with/facilitating women/organizations who aim to genuinely expand, and shift when/where needed. Certainly, the face of leadership is changing. If we do not move with/honor the inevitable feminine principle of partnership, I can guarantee- we will lose. Let us not be known as losers! (More on this later)...

But for now...

Here's some info for tonight's ball! (Friday, February 10th) There's still time to come out. I know it's a lot going on. For the people outside of New Orleans, it's Carnival time, so there are balls, parades, etc., happening all over.


・・・
The incredible will be gracing our stage and delighting our guests by dedicating two incredible poems during our Bal Kanaval!

Join us for an amazing evening of dancing, DJ'ing, poetry and LIVE music performances celebrating WARRIOR WOMEN of Ayiti and Nouvelle-Orleans!

Tickets are on sale through our website www.kanaval.org/bal-kanaval and will be for sale at the Civic Theatre Friday 12-5 with no added fees!!

Vin Dans Ak Nou!!!!

Al Ale!

Happy Friday, Lovers!

You know something I was reminded of something in meditation today: "You do not need to knock; You have the key."

Praying you always feel at home in your skin...that your all knowing, all wise, life-giving spirit is expanded and enlarged...that you use the tools you have to get you through and to get you TO the You, you are becoming. But then the other layer of the reminder is that you don't just "have" (possession of) the key... you are the key. You. The fact that you exist tells you that you are already welcome. Here's to occupying more of yourSelf; and there's still room. Go gather the rest of your parts. Re-member who you are. You're gonna need more of you for the next phase of the journey. It's exciting, isn't it?! I'm rooting for you!

Speaking of birthing something good... 😉 Tomorrow, Saturday, February 4, 2023, we have our Birthrite event at Ashe ()! There are some spaces left. It's gonna be a great time. You should come. Childcare is available, as well.

Here's a link to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1V8hKOxQI8Eu0ErbAw6oPLSap9IOcy7tG_gDpy8Cw0rM/viewform?edit_requested=true

Love you!

BirthRite: Health & Wellness Extravaganza Join us on Saturday, February 4 at 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. for a health and wellness event for mothers! The extravaganza will include health screenings, line dancing, art therapy, panel discussions by fitness experts, mental health specialists and an occupational nurse practitioner to discuss...

Hey Family! Happy Sunday! Breath is Lyfe presents the official music video for the Algiers Ancestor Festival (2022), "Mighty Egun"!

You know, each year for the Algiers Ancestor Festival we have a recap video and song. For 2022, we felt it necessary to highlight the children's voices. I know- without a doubt- that our children are our greatest reminders and gifts. Let their voices and message remind you to play and love and forgive and hope. Certainly, we need those reminders during such harsh times. I promise you'll like it there!

Also, wait until the posters are done!! (Alina Allen) did the painting, of course. We unveiled it at the festival in Nov. We also have a short documentary coming soon, directed by my sweet and talented, ! Anyway...

Love you ❤️ Enjoy...and share!

Written by: Sunni Patterson and Jibril Abdullahi
Music produced by: Kelly Love Jones
Engineered by: Gio Blackmon
Performed by: Adenike Higgins (14) , Amaziah "Mazi" Smith (8) , Jibril "Bean" Abdullahi (13) , History (14) & Isa Ecclesiastes (9) & Khonsu Smith (4)

According to historians, it is said that Algiers held "the largest single group of enslaved men, women, and children living in Louisiana." The festival honors those enslaved beings who were brought to these shores to labor, build, and create infrastructure in the city of New Orleans and surrounding areas.

Directed by: Jade Fox
Shot by: HRU & Dragon
Edited by: Jonathan Vasquez
Colored by: Dragon
Production Company: Third Eye Network

Algiers Ancestor Festival 2022 Presents 'MIGHTY EGUN' Official Video Breath is Lyfe presents the official music video for 'Mighty Egun'Written by: Sunni Patterson and Jibril AbdullahiMusic produced by: Kelly LovejonesEngineere...