Donation – $0-25

Cumbe Café is a gathering of creative, artistic and culturally forward thinking minds seeking a deeper understanding and appreciation for African and African Diaspora culture. This monthly interactive lecture series will explore a variety of topics that affect African Diaspora culture and its people from a historic, political and philosophical perspective.  

Meant as a compliment to our ongoing dance and music classes and programming, Cumbe Café offers our community a conversational way to be introduced to, or learn more about, the styles and cultures we represent. Ranging from intimate dialogues and panel discussions to artistic presentations and sing alongs, Cumbe Café creates an environment of learning, community and joy through the championing of African Diaspora culture.

We are our ancestors’ wildest dream! Throughout the African Diaspora, the act of remembering through song, movement, prayer, food, and art allows us to pay homage and tell the stories of our heritage. This dialogue will allow participants to engage in the act of remembering in thought and action to create a practice that honors the blood memory that exists in all of us.

Renee K. Smith (Ifagbaye Esubola Ayelaagbe Egbesina) is a certified flower essence practitioner and proud founder of Akika Flower Essences & Apothecary. Akika Flower Essences was created to explore the ancestral practice of tuning into plant intelligence as a tool for transformation, healing and empowerment on one’s soul journey. Renee received her flower essence certification from Oceans & Rivers Acupuncture and Wellness and The Flower Essence Society (FES). As a strategist, Renee believes that everyone can manifest their dreams by creating a strategy that encompasses the right people at the right time. Her goal is to assist others to find joy using plant intelligence in as many forms possible beginning with flower essences. As an Iyanifa and Olorisa, initiated to Ifa and Egbe in Nigeria, Renee also uses the knowledge she gains from her spiritual practice to assist her clients in finding and maintaining balance in their lives. She continues to expand her repertoire of community tools for healing through consistent study of our plant allies, learning and practicing the art of alchemy as taught by Master Teacher Diana Pharr and becoming a Level II Reiki Practitioner certified by Taino Reiki Healing. Renee is a Brooklyn native, mother, artist, healer, alchemist, strategist, cultural arts curator, flower essence practitioner, SRJ advocate and community member.