Participants in ROOTS Rhizome Weekend in Charleston, SC, September 2023. Photo by Marquetta Dupree.
The September 30th, 2023 ROOTS Weekend Rhizome in Charleston, SC, was a delightful and successful community gathering. The day unfolded in four distinct parts, designed to take participants on a meaningful journey:
- A Rhizome conversation, where we discussed topics that had come up during the ROOTS Week 2023 Town Hall discussion
- A community lunch that allowed participants to connect over nourishing food
- A tour of the Charleston International African American Museum
- The opportunity to watch “Yankee Bajan” by Linda Parris-Bailey, a playwright and long-time ROOTS member at the famous Dock Street Theatre in Charleston.
The day began with a warm welcome in the beautiful studio within the International African American Museum. The museum staff had thoughtfully and carefully arranged our private tour.
The community shared songs and space for both ROOTS members and new faces joining our vibrant community.
Fruitful discussions took place addressing questions from ROOTS Week 2023 and a designated emotions monitor and a doorkeeper were present for townhall discussions. We also explored how each person could contribute to their community through “rhizoming.”
The day concluded with “Yankee Bajan,” a play by long-time ROOTS member and playwright Linda Parris-Bailey. The digital performance was extraordinary! We delved into the Barbadian experience and the nuances of being Black in America versus Barbados during a talk-back session with the cast and playwright.
We are immensely grateful for this enriching experience and extend our heartfelt thanks to Victoria Moore from TINYisPOWERFUL for her invaluable on-ground support, to the entire ROOTS Cultural Organizing Team, and to everyone who contributed to making this event a success.
We accomplished our goal to hold space for what is most called for by our membership during this time: continued conversation, connection, and art sharing.
We’d love to talk to you about hosting a ROOTS Rhizome in your community! Click HERE to request a conversation.
Marquetta Dupree headshot by Melisa Cardona
MARQUETTA DUPREE
she/her/hers
Marquetta Dupree is the Owner and operator of MD Wellness in Atlanta, GA which offers holistic health services for the body, mind and spirit. Marquetta is deeply rooted in a spiritual background of ministering through one’s art. She is a first-degree Reiki healer, singer and sound healer, Mother to one son, and ceremonial facilitator. Marquetta has an extensive background in West African dance, and has been studying since age 7. She danced with multiple dance companies and started teaching her own classes in 2008. Marquetta found Zumba Fitness in 2009 and has also been an instructor of that format since. She has a Bachelors of Science degree in Sports Medicine, and 6 years of military service which gives way to her passion for fitness, dance and love of kinesiology. Marquetta is currently the Programs Associate for the Intercultural Leadership Institute and for Alternate ROOTS in which she is increasing her knowledge of arts administration. Marquetta has been a member of Alternate ROOTS since age 9 and grew up in Carpetbag Theater. In all the work Marquetta does, her goal is to facilitate healthy community and connection.