Call and Response
Play Cousins Collective groups practice the Ancestral method of call and response. Call and response is derived from the historical African roots that served as the foundation for African American cultural traditions. The call and response format became a diasporic tradition, and it was part of Africans and African Americans creating a new, unique tradition in the United States. In African cultures, call-and-response is a widespread pattern of democratic participation—in public gatherings, in the discussion of civic affairs, in religious rituals, as well as in vocal and instrumental musical expression.
At Play Cousins Collective this is the format in which we address our needs. Members of groups call out and collectively we respond with information, resources, connections and relationship. When many stand in agreement or shared experience we create an event, program or directory to meet that need at a deeper level.