ALKEBULAN: The Mother of Mankind
An Annual Theatrical Tradition Celebrating the Totality of Black History
Chattanooga, TN — February 26th & 27th at 7:00 PM

Following a powerful and acclaimed inaugural season, Alkebulan: The Mother of Mankind returns as an annual theatrical tradition—one that honors Africa as the cradle of civilization and Black people as central to the human story.

Presented in celebration of ALL of Black History Month by the Chattanooga Festivals of Black Arts & Ideas: August Wilson Playmakers Festival, in partnership with The Howard School’s Theatre Arts Department, Alkebulan blends history, mythology, music, and movement into a ceremonial theatrical experience.

Each year, Alkebulan returns in the same immersive format while introducing a new constellation of African kings, queens, and visionaries, ensuring that Black history is not treated as a single moment—but as a living, expanding continuum.

“Alkebulan is not a one-time production—it is a return,” said Director and Playwright Ricardo “Ric” Morris.
“Each year we gather different voices from Africa’s vast timeline to remind us who we have been, who we are, and who we are destined to become.”

2026 Honored Figures & Cast:

• JELI (Storyteller): Mateen EL
• Akhenaten: Clifford “Pcalu Lidwid” Luster
• Nefertiti: Jacqueline “JJ” Hood
• Tutankhamun (King Tut): Actor TBD
• Makeda, Queen of Sheba: Jessica Parker
• Hannibal of Carthage: Marcus Price
• Amanirenas of Kush: Adana Shropshire
• High Priestess Nashakar: Joclyn Foster
• Taytu Betul of Ethiopia: Destiney Tyson