Upcoming Events
Ancestral Remembrance Celebration & Recognition Dinner Gala
IT'S OUR 10TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR!
Our Founder started The Ancestral Remembrance Celebration ten years ago in 2015. In 2021 we went from a small celebratory event to a full celebration with recognitions and a delicious dinner. This celebration remains the only one of its kind in Utah: an event which celebrates the historic accomplishments of our African American Ancestors, remembers them, and recognizes those who have pushed Black history forward in Utah.
This year our theme is EASE ON DOWN THE ROAD, celebrating the bravery and moving forward of the Ancestors as a new Middle Class was created with finally higher wages and better jobs, the purchase of a vehicle, and the going on vacation. Did you know that the suitcase industry had a huge increase because our African American Ancestors were taking vacations and traveling? Join us as we celebrate this joyful part of our history: the beginning of moving forward -- both physically and financially.
Tell the Story Conference - Salt Lake City
5th Anniversary Tell the Story History Conference:
The Black Motorist's Safety Travel Guides
In 2015 Sema Hadithi Foundation's Founder Robert Burch created a Black history conference. He kept that conference going for five years, not knowing that he would found this organization in 2020. When he did, he brought the conference into the organization. This year -- 2025 -- we celebrate TEN YEARS of the Tell the Story Black History Conference and FIVE YEARS of Sema Hadithi Foundation.
This year we will share results from our team that has spent the last three years researching the Black Motorist's Safety Travel Guides. WHAT are those? Many people have heard of "The Green Book" created by Victor Green in 1936 during the Jim Crow Law Era to help Black American motorists travel safely for work and vacation. Did you know that there were actually SEVERAL such guides? They all served the same purpose, but not all locations were listed in each guide. A few Utah locations are listed in "The Green Book". We found many more Utah locations in the other guides. Come learn about those locations and the creation of the Middle Class in the United State.
Tell the Story Conference - Kaysville
During this our 5th Birthday Year as an organization and 10th Anniversary Year of our Tell the Story Black History Conference, we are doing a BONUS CONFERENCE EVENT.
In 2015 Sema Hadithi Foundation's Founder Robert Burch created a Black history conference. He kept that conference going for five years, not knowing that he would found this organization in 2020. When he did, he brought the conference into the organization. This year -- 2025 -- we celebrate TEN YEARS of the Tell the Story Black History Conference and FIVE YEARS of Sema Hadithi Foundation.
This year we will share results from our team that has spent the last three years researching the Black Motorist's Safety Travel Guides. WHAT are those? Many people have heard of "The Green Book" created by Victor Green in 1936 during the Jim Crow Law Era to help Black American motorists travel safely for work and vacation. Did you know that there were actually SEVERAL such guides? They all served the same purpose, but not all locations were listed in each guide. A few Utah locations are listed in "The Green Book". We found many more Utah locations in the other guides. Come learn about those locations and the creation of the Middle Class in the United State.
National Buffalo Soldier Heritage Day
These pioneer-era soldiers served with pride, valor, and honor in the face of conflict, both military and social. They protected settlers, herds, and railroad crews. They constructed Fort Duchesne and the road into the fort. They served at Fort Douglas in Salt Lake, providing force protection for settlers in the region. This is a day of observance.
Utah Buffalo Soldier Heritage Observance
These pioneer-era soldiers served with pride, valor, and honor in the face of conflict, both military and social. They protected settlers, herds, and railroad crews. They constructed Fort Duchesne and the road into the fort. They served at Fort Douglas in Salt Lake, providing force protection for settlers in the region. Observance takes place at the Fort Douglas Post Cemetery.
City of Hope & A Place for All People Exhibit
Utah Cultural Celebration Center presents “City of Hope: Resurrection City and the 1968 Poor People’s Campaign” on June 19th. The poster exhibition from the Smithsonian honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s final and most ambitious vision that each U.S. citizen have equal access to economic opportunities and the American dream. It examines the Poor People’s Campaign—a grassroots, multiracial movement that drew thousands of people to Washington, D.C. For 43 days between May and June 1968, demonstrators demanded social reforms while living side-by-side on the National Mall in a tent city known as Resurrection City.
Millcreek Juneteenth Freedom Day Eve Celebration
Millcreek is thrilled to have Sema Hadithi join as both speakers or honorees at the Millcreek Juneteenth Freedom Day Eve Celebration, now in its 4th year! Join us for an unforgettable evening featuring live performances, a DJ Skate Night, and a Family Zone.
Juneteenth Lunch
An interactive learning session for the elderly to learn about the Juneteenth holiday.
West Fest
Come join us in celebrating our great community and creating a fun place for our West Valley City residents and all from outside our great city to enjoy! Sema Hadithi will have a booth for the first time at this West Valley City annual event. All Westfest Entertainment and Concerts are free.
Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Trail Grand Opening
Grand opening of the Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Trail.
Come explore a rich, inspiring, and little-known part of Utah’s history with Utah’s Cultural Site Stewardship Program! At three events taking place on June 6 and 7 in Salt Lake City, Price, and Vernal, take the opportunity to explore the Buffalo Soldiers’ time in Utah with presentations from our project development team, free museum admission, and guided tours of cultural and archaeological sites related to the Buffalo Soldiers. In Salt Lake City, this event will take place at the Fort Douglas Military Museum. Registration is required. Register at the link below.
All Are Alike Unto God: Insights from the 1978 Revelation
Presented by the Dialogue Foundation
Join us for an enlightening dialogue as three Latter-day Saint scholars share groundbreaking discoveries and new perspectives on the revelatory process that ended temple and priesthood bans for Black members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and how these insights might inform future revelation. Free admission. Space is limited.
Utah Trail Conference
Robert Burch, Executive Director of Sema Hadithi African American Heritage and Culture will speak at a session at the Utah Trails Conference 2025 in Kanab, Utah. More information about the conference, here.
A World Outside the Ordinary: Introduction to Gullah Geechee Culture
Did you know that most of the enslaved persons brought to Utah came from a culture known even today as Gullah Geechee?
Our Executive Director Robert Burch teaches a class at the University of Utah on this culture and peoples -- complete with food, language, and customs. This is part 1 of a 3 part class session design. This is a 3-class session, culminating in a final class time of food cooking and a dinner of the culture.
Buffalo Soldiers Trail Panel Discussion
These pioneer-era soldiers served with pride, valor, and honor in the face of conflict, both military and social. They protected settlers, herds, and railroad crews. They constructed Fort Duchesne and the road into the fort. They served at Fort Douglas in Salt Lake, providing force protection for settlers in the region. Come learn about these soldiers in a panel discussion about the Buffalo Soldiers Trail.
"The Black Soldier" Film & Discussion at Millcreek City, UT
We will watch the U.S. War Department's 1944 film "The Black Soldier" and discuss the history of Black People in the military.
Black Veterans Month Exhibit
The Veterans Exhibit honors Utah’s Black veterans - a legacy of bravery and commitment. View the exhibit in Millcreek in celebration of Black History Month. Learn more about the Black Veterans project here.