Grand Rising Solstice Summit History

Grand Rising Summer Solstice Summit began in 2021 at the peak of a global health crisis that required humanity to evaluate its relationship with the Earth and each other. Many in community experienced illness, loss, injustice and hatred, and in spite of that we continued to thrive, heal and shine.  This global virtual summit held on the Summer Solstice, the day when the sun holds its place in the sky the longest, was created to celebrate the resiliency, vitality and achievements of black, brown and indigenous people. The awakening that occurred and the work that made communities thrive can be observed around the world. During this period many reconnected with their ancestral practices, created new opportunities to follow their passions and become leaders in their communities by creating innovative solutions.  Summer Solstice is significant because it marks a season of bounty, abundance and beauty. On this day, when the sun shines longest in the sky, we celebrate… US! 

This summit is for black, brown, latinx, and  indigenous peoples from around the world.  The summit celebrates our ability to thrive in the face of significant challenges.  This virtual sacred space has been created as an opportunity for communal healing, ritual and celebration that uplifts our connection to our ancestors, the Earth and each other. 

Ritual, communally designed, helps the individual remember his or her purpose and such remembering brings healing both to the individual and the community. The community exists, in part, to safeguard the purpose of each person within it and awaken the memory of that purpose by recognizing the unique gifts each individual brings to the world. Healing comes when the individual remembers his or her identity - the purpose chosen in the world of ancestral wisdom - and reconnects with that world of spirit.  - Elder Malidoma Patrice Some, The Healing Wisdom of Africa

LOGO:  OWIA KOKROKO - “Greatness of the Sun” - Akan Symbol of Vitality and Renewal - "The sun is the ultimate source of all life and vitality on Earth."