Tema Choir Inspires with Uplifting Music at the Capitol

Delegates King and Maldonado Lead the Celebration of the African Diaspora Heritage Month in Virginia

If you had walked through the halls of the State Capitol in Richmond on September 9th, you would have heard the heavenly voices of the Tema Choir as they prepared to sing outside on the steps of the Capitol to celebrate Virginia's African Diaspora Heritage Month. 

The Observance, established in 2022, serves to honor the global African diaspora and its profound impact on the fabric of American society and culture. 

The event was hosted by Delegates Candi Mundon King and Michelle Lopes Maldonado who provided an opportunity to highlight achievements, foster cultural connections between Africans and their descendants in the Americas, and recognize the ongoing contributions of this growing and diverse community. 

Under the direction of Ebenezer Allotoy, the Tema Choir has blessed our community with joyful and inspiring performances for many years. It has performed with the Old Bridge Symphony Orchestra and at many venues, including Embassies, churches and senior communities, highlighting beautiful Ghanaian traditional songs as well as music from the classical repertoire. 

The powerful speeches during the celebration by members of the General Assembly told the story of the ties that bind between the Americas and Africa and the historical significance of having the first African American Speaker of the House in a Capitol that was built by slaves.

Following the event, the choir, dignitaries and officials were feated to a Taste from Africa by Mamasu's Restaurant.

On September 16, Virginia's Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan Lead a Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing September as African Diaspora Month in the United States.

“As one of the fastest growing immigrant populations across the United States, the African diaspora has brought a depth of culture and history that enriches our nation. Virginia feels those ties especially strongly, since the first Angolans arrived on the shores of Hampton, Virginia in 1619,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “As a state senator three years ago, I championed the effort that made Virginia the first state in the nation to designate September as African Diaspora Month. Now, I’m proud to carry this torch to the federal level alongside my colleagues on both sides of the aisle.”

On the Senate side, Senators Kaine and Cornyn have also led the way to establish African Diaspora Heritage Month accross the country.

Delegate Candi King's inspirational remarks during the African Diaspora Heritage Month.

Delegate Michelle Maldonado gives the history behind the establishment of the African Diaspora Heritage Month.