Kassoumaii 2025: A Cultural Celebration of Legacy and Liberation

Join us for our annual Kassoumaii Gala — an unforgettable evening of cultural pride, artistic excellence, and community empowerment.

• DATE: Saturday, June 28, 2025
• TIME: 5-9pm (Doors open at 4pm for cocktail houur)
• LOCATION: El Museo del Bario, 1230 5th Ave, New York, NY 10029

In 2025, the Kofago Institute is proud to host Kassoumaii at El Museo del Barrio, one of New York City’s most vital cultural institutions. This collaboration represents a powerful alliance between two organizations deeply rooted in celebrating African, Afro-Caribbean, and Latin American heritage.

El Museo del Barrio, located in the heart of East Harlem, has long been a champion of Latinx, Caribbean, and Indigenous arts. Our partnership with this historic institution affirms a shared commitment to elevating marginalized voices and creating accessible spaces for cultural education, intergenerational connection, and artistic expression.

Through this partnership, we continue the work of building bridges between African and Latinx diasporic communities — preserving tradition while fostering innovation.

The Kassoumaii Gala is more than a fundraiser — it’s a joyful declaration of identity, resilience, and unity. The evening features:

• A vibrant cocktail hour in the museum’s stunning atrium
• Performances that highlight the rhythm and power of the African Diaspora 
• An inspiring celebration of our community partnerships and honorees
• Opportunities to support the Kofago Institute’s programming, including our 7th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration in December 2025
   

Come dressed in your cultural best and be ready to dance, celebrate, and give back!

The word "Kassoumaii" (also spelled Kasumay, Kasumai, or Kassoumai) is a traditional greeting used by the Diola (Jola) people of Casamance, a region in southern Senegal and parts of The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau.

It roughly translates to:

“Peace be with you” or “Are you in peace?”

It’s a deeply respectful and peaceful salutation that reflects the community’s values of harmony, hospitality, and mutual respect. The typical response to “Kassoumaii” is “Kassoumaii kep,” which means “Peace only” or “I am at peace.”

It’s a perfect title for the event — as it symbolizes the spirit of welcome, cultural exchange, and unity that the Kofago Institute promotes through the arts.