The Memorial Hall concept comprises a place of homage to the ancestors of the Middle Passage; including an African art museum, historical library tracing the African diaspora journey from the beginning of time to the present; dance, music workshop and lecture studios, and most importantly to promote healing from the legacy of slavery, a place of beauty, peace and harmony for Africans of the Diaspora to make pilgrimage to the Motherland. That was Baba Ishangi's dream for Ishangi Kunda.

The Memorial Hall will represent the first acknowledgement of the accomplishments of those Africans taken away and transplanted around the world. In contrast to the “Door of No Return,” characteristic of African slave dungeons, the Memorial Hall will symbolize a “Door of Return,” to facilitate healing amongst  the descendents of slavery. 

In July 2004 Baba Chuck Davis and Hajia Rahkiyah Abdurahman planted a dozen trees at Ishangi Kunda in honor of the champions of African dance and culture.

In addition, the trees are a testament to the great contribution that Baba Kwame Ishangi has made to the institution of African dance and culture in the United States, Canada, Guadalupe, Italy, Haiti, Mexico, Cayman Islands, and wherever he traveled, as well as highlighting his love for Africa and the importance of traditional heritage.

Baba Kwame Ishangi

Ambassador of African Culture