The DAY Program

The DAY Program Harnessing the power of rhythm, movement, and creativity to cultivate cultural empowerment, self-regulation, and collective wellness.

Rooted in breath, guided by rhythm, and flowing with intention—Drum, Artz & Yoga. The DAY Program is committed to sharing the wisdom of yoga and the culture of African dance and drum authentically in a safe and nurturing atmosphere in order to bring greater health, happiness and well-being into the lives of those in our community. We strive to impart this knowledge in the spirit of healing, love

, transformation, and service. We share a vision of higher states of consciousness and embrace the path of self-realization.

09/01/2026

It takes a village to carry the rhythm.

Throughout African Landing Week, there were drums to pack, load, transport, unload, set up—and then do it all over again.

Behind every class, workshop, performance, and gathering were people making sure those drums got where they needed to be.

To our staff, volunteers, ensemble members, friends, and everyone who grabbed a drum, carried equipment, loaded a vehicle, or simply jumped in when help was needed—thank you.

You may not always be seen in the pictures or videos, but you were an important part of every moment we created.

You didn’t just help us carry the drums.

You helped us carry the rhythm.

And we are deeply grateful.

08/31/2026

Did you know there’s an entire craft behind the djembe beyond playing it?

During African Landing Week, Kwabena shared West African drumming with our youth. And in this moment, we caught another side of the knowledge he carries—the care and craftsmanship of the drum itself.

Different expressions. Same tradition. Knowledge carried forward.

Need a djembe repaired or looking to acquire one? Connect with The DAY Program.

08/31/2026

Some moments don’t need more explanation. They need reflection.

At the Enslaved African Landing Day commemoration, Chadra Pittman of The Sankofa Projects spoke about Ghana calling upon the world to formally name the brutality, inhumanity and generational devastation of the trafficking and enslavement of African people for what it was — one of humanity’s gravest crimes.

The response spoke volumes.

Then came the words of Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray:

“Nobody gave me my freedom. I owe it to no political party or the goodwill of any group. I inherited it.”

I inherited it.

That changes the conversation.

Freedom is not a gift.
It is not permission.
It is not something one human being has the authority to give another.

Before any law recognized it, it existed.
Before any institution acknowledged it, it existed.
Before anyone declared us worthy of it, it existed.

Our story did not begin in bo***ge.
Our humanity was never up for a vote.
Our freedom was never anyone else’s to give.

Being part of this commemoration reminded us that remembering is not about remaining in the past. It is about knowing who we were before someone else began telling our story — and knowing who we still are.

We inherited more than survival.
We inherited the strength, knowledge, spirit and freedom of our ancestors.

It was always ours.
And it is still alive in us.

08/28/2026

There’s still time….get there!

08/28/2026

Join us with William Tucker 1624 Society tomorrow on our second to last day before the entire week culminates on Saturday!

To sign up and learn more about tomorrow and Saturday, visit:
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/african-landing-commemoration-week-4860955?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=odclsxcollection&utm-source=cp&aff=odclsxcollection

This week, we commemorate the 1619 landing at Point Comfort of the first recorded Africans in English Virginia; honor their lives and legacy; celebrate the cultures and traditions carried forward through generations; and reflect on a history that continues to shape our nation. Participate in reflection, culture, history, and more throughout the different opportunities!

400 Years Forward - Hampton, VA, WHRO Public Media, VA250 - American Revolution 250 Commission, Virginia is for Lovers, The DAY Program, Fort Monroe's Casemate Museum, Project 1619 Inc., Hampton, VA - Gov, Visit Hampton, Virginia!

A little glimpse into Tuesday’s Adult West African Drumming class with Yao Ababio.Hands on the drum. Ears open. Learning...
08/28/2026

A little glimpse into Tuesday’s Adult West African Drumming class with Yao Ababio.

Hands on the drum. Ears open. Learning, listening, and finding the rhythm together.

Rhythms Across Generations: Wellness Through Cultural Traditions.

GIVE THANKS.There is something powerful about people choosing to come together—not just to watch culture, but to partici...
08/28/2026

GIVE THANKS.

There is something powerful about people choosing to come together—not just to watch culture, but to participate in it.

To everyone who came out for our Adult West African Dance and Drumming classes during African Landing Week—thank you for showing up.

Thank you for bringing your energy, your curiosity, your laughter, and your willingness to learn. Thank you for moving your body, putting your hands on the drum, trying something new, and sharing the experience with the people around you.

Every person who came mattered.

Because culture stays alive when it is practiced and shared. Traditions continue when someone is willing to teach, someone is willing to learn, and a community makes space for both.

A very special thank you to Yao Ababio for teaching both our West African Dance and Drumming classes and for sharing his knowledge, experience, and culture so generously.

And to everyone who danced, drummed, watched, encouraged someone beside you, or simply allowed yourself to experience something different—you helped make these classes what they were.

We didn’t just learn together.

We created the experience together.

Rhythms Across Generations: Wellness Through Cultural Traditions.

Address

110 Coliseum Crossing #5187
Hampton, VA
23669

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