Join Kumu Māhealani Uchiyama for a presentation where she will share her research on Pōpoloheno – Songs of Resilience & Joy. Pōpoloheno is an unprecedented musical initiative celebrating the often-overlooked contributions of African-descended individuals in post-contact Hawaiian history. This transformative project, sponsored by the Gerbode Foundation, and the Kenneth Rainin Foundation, has resulted in an album of original music released in June 2025 and will culminate with concert performances in San Francisco and on Oʻahu in August, 2025.
Pōpoloheno highlights the historical bonds between Hawaiian and African cultures, recognizing shared values, struggles, and resilience. This project seeks to challenge misrepresentations, deepen cultural understanding, and create a lasting musical tribute to Black history in Hawai’i.
Kumu Māhealani will dive deeply into her research and the creation of the song and hula celebrating Betsey Stockton, the very first woman of African descent in Hawaiʻi. The event will culminate in a short performance.