Announcement and MAAFA Commemoration

The Announcement begins in the early evening when the recent high school graduates give their individual passage speeches at their homes in front of family and friends. The Bridge Builders orchestrate a symbolic kidnapping that begins the process. Limousines pick up each passage candidate and chauffeur him or her, along with all of their brothers and sisters, from their various passage speeches to the community Announcement.

At the Announcement program the Bridge Builders give a certificate of completion to each senior and recognizes his or her participation in the Imminent Ladies of Virtue or Prospective Gents Club. Each class "announces" their elevation to the next year of pre-journey. The formal program ends with the senior Prospective Gents and Imminent Ladies announcing their candidacy for passage.

Afterwards participants go to the bank of the Willamette River, a strong, deep river that runs through the heart of Portland, and release white balloons at midnight to commemorate the millions of lives lost in the Middle Passage.

* Photo taken by Bridge Builder Naim Hassan