For many years, The Sasha Center’s Culture Cures | History Heals events have created spaces where culture, community, and healing come together in powerful and unexpected ways.

 

This video captures one such memorable moment during a partnership with SASHA facilitators and practitioners, and Jahra Michelle McKinney and the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), featuring poet and cultural ambassador Mahogany Jones. Following a healing drum-making workshop, participants gathered in the museum courtyard, where the rhythms and voices of the community filled the air with the traditional West African song, Funga Alafia.

 

As we sang and played our newly created drums, a nearby bridal party caught our attention. Initially, we thought they might be concerned that we were being too loud. Instead, a member of the wedding party approached us with a surprising message: the bride wanted to join us before saying her vows.

 

The bride, who was Nigerian, shared that hearing the music, the drumming, and the familiar cultural sounds affirmed her spirit and reassured her that she was making the right decision as she prepared to marry the love of her life. Before walking down the aisle, she stepped into our circle, connecting with her heritage, community, and the healing power of culture.

 

It was a beautiful reminder of what happens when we create spaces for authentic cultural expression—moments of healing, affirmation, and connection emerge when we least expect them.