Reviving Heritage: Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet Pays Tribute in “Remembering” at the Brooklyn Academy of Music for Black History Month
Remembering, an annual program honoring Black History, draws inspiration from The MAAFA Suite—a poignant tribute to the middle passage journey of Africans en route to enslavement in the Americas. Influenced by the teachings of Bishop Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, the production features music by John Williams, Philip Hamilton, and BeBe Winans. Lighting design by Gregory L. Dratva, costumes by Hopie Lynn Burrows, and spoken word by multimedia artists Talu Green, Gha’il Rhodes Benjamin, Theara Ward, and Shirley Black Brown-Coward enhance the immersive experience. Imagery by Tom Feelings adds a visual layer to this rich tapestry of storytelling.
Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet (JGCO) is set to showcase the captivating multimedia theater production, Remembering, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on February 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m., with an additional matinee on February 17 at 2 p.m. This extraordinary performance combines dance, theater, live music, spoken word, and video projection, offering a unique artistic experience. Tickets for this not-to-be-missed event range from $40 to $100 and can be secured by contacting remembering@creativeoutlet.org.
The February 15 performance is a collaborative effort with Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, City Council Member Crystal Hudson, and the NAACP Brooklyn Chapter, paying tribute to New York City Board of Education principals and teachers. On February 16, the collaboration extends to the Delta’s Chapter of Brooklyn, while the February 17 performance partners with the Brooklyn Brownstones Organization.
Jamel Gaines, the creative force behind Remembering, describes it as a profound exploration of art, culture, spirituality, social activism, education, and the African American experience through the lens of world history. The production serves as a cultural and artistic endeavor that transcends borders, educating and inspiring audiences globally. Gaines emphasizes that Remembering is more than a performance—it's a lesson designed to enlighten, cultivate, and inspire a deeper understanding of the richness of Black History and culture, which he believes is integral to world history.
Beyond the Brooklyn stage, JGCO will embark on a cultural exchange program in Ghana from February 18 to 27. This initiative involves performances and workshops in Cape Coast and Accra, in partnership with the National Dance Company of Ghana and National Theater of Ghana. Notably, New York City Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo will accompany JGCO on this transformative journey.
Remembering has also become an educational cornerstone for New York City public school students, with over 10,000 students annually attending JGCO’s School Time Performances. These performances provide students with glimpses of the work and lecture demonstrations, offering a unique and engaging approach to learning about Black History.
To support JGCO's Ghana tour, the organization has received commitments of nearly $25,000, and a GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to further aid in funding.
Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet, a non-profit organization with a 29-year legacy, is dedicated to uplifting communities through the artistic expression of dance and integrated art forms. Rooted in social justice, the organization aims to foster spiritual connections through the arts, delivering cultural excellence to performing arts communities.
Photos and Studio Credit:
Rachel Neville Studios Photographer
Andrew Fassbender
Griot (Gha'il Rhodes Benjamin) and Djembe Drummer (Abouba "Abou" Camara)
'Four Little Girls' (Dancer, Valériane Louisy Louis-Joseph)
'Hanging Tree' (Dancer, James Banks Davis)
'Mothers of War or 'MoW'
Dancers in 1st Photo from left to right: Valériane Louisy Louis-Joseph, Spencer Everett, Rose Barbantan, Toni Owens, Ciera Thorne, Kayla Chietan, Lia Lewis, Rayan Lecurieux-Durival, Amina Konaté and Tevin Johnson
Dancers in 2nd Photo from left to right: Lia Lewis, Ciera Thorne, Toni Owens Dancers in 3rd Photo from left to right: Victor Reddick, Spencer Everett, Tevin Johnson, Rayan Lecurieux-Durival, RJ Hooks
Photo credit for 'Thank You' Only:
Christian Ramsay
Dancers in the photos from left to right: Kennedi Davidson, RJ Hooks, Eshe'y Johnson, Amina Konaté, Rayan Lecurieux-Durival, Marvin Drummond, Araya Morris, Lia Lewis, Quincy Vincent, Valériane Louisy, Kayla Chietan, Toni Owens, Raquelle Koonkoon, Jamaris Mitchell
