This is a multi-part program organized by Creative Assembly resident artist Caleb Dowden beginning with a lecture by Her Royal Majesty Queen Mother Dr. Dowti Desir, who will discuss the intersections of spirituality and cultural traditions in Haiti, the Benin Republic, and New Orleans.

Guests will engage in a light body movement rooted in the warrior dance practice of the Agoojee, an all-female army of the Dahomey Kingdom, formerly the Benin Republic, which symbolizes strength and resilience.

Closing with a conversation with Her Royal Majesty Queen Mother Dr. Dowti Desir, moderated by Creative Assembly artist Caleb Dowden.

Discussion of the vital roles women of African descent have carried in the spiritual and cultural traditions of New Orleans, reinforcing the interconnectedness of these rich histories and highlighting the ongoing influence of the leadership of women in contemporary society.

This event is part of the series “Nana Benz: Reimagining the Black Feminist Future,” which seeks to deepen the understanding of Black women’s contributions and the cultural legacies they continue to uphold.

Included with museum admission, which is free for Louisiana residents every Wednesday courtesy of The Helis Foundation’s Art for All initiative.

About Creative Assembly Artist Caleb Dowden

Caleb Dowden is a choreographer and researcher from New Orleans, Louisiana. In 2021, she graduated from the State University of New York at Purchase with her BFA in dance. As a 2021 recipient of a Fulbright Independent research award from the U.S. Department of State and a Fulbright Hay’s fellowship with SUNY Purchase , Caleb’s choreographic work and research has been supported locally and internationally by the French Alliance of New Orleans, Le Centre ( Benin Republic), Borna Soglo gallery ( Benin Republic), University of New Orleans, Ogden Museum of Southern Art, International Dance Festival of New Orleans, The New Ohio Theatre , and the Maggie Allesee National Center for Choreography at Florida State University. As the Director of Dow-Dance Company, Caleb Dowden produces choreographic work at the intersection of African history and culture with a unique vision of (re)connecting the African Diaspora with the African continent.

About Her Royal Majesty Queen Mother Dr. Dòwòti Désir

Her Royal Majesty Queen Mother Dr. Dòwòti Désir, Sêmévo 1st of the Royal Palace of the African Diaspora, has been a prominent figure since her enthronement in 2022 as Queen Mother of the African Diaspora in the Benin Republic. Born in Haiti, she is the first Haitian to hold this title on the African continent and is recognized for her dedication to African spirituality, repatriation, and dual citizenship for members of the African Diaspora. An accomplished scholar with degrees from Barnard College, Bard College, and The New Seminary, her work includes founding the Imperial Corps Agoodjié, advocating for children’s rights, and engaging in various international initiatives. Dr. Désir has participated in notable events such as the Festival of the Diaspora in Colombia and has collaborated with organizations to foster connections between Africa and its Diaspora. As an educator at Dutchess Community College, she empowers youth through the Imperial Corps Agoodjié and its Youth Warriors program. Her commitment to reconnecting the African Diaspora with their ancestral roots and addressing critical issues has made her a recognized thought leader on a global scale.