The Black August tradition encourages us as a community to engage in education throughout the month as a way to continue the spirit of resistance against the effects of colonialism and imperialism in our lives. In Hawaiʻi, resisting those oppressive forces means centering the indigenous people of this land, their culture, and their struggles. Itʻs in this spirit that weʻre offering a special introductory series to the Hawaiian language as part of Black August.  

Award-winning musician, performer, and educator Kamakakēhau Fernandez, or “Kumu K,” is celebrated for bringing the voice of Hawai‘i to the world. Educated in kula kaiapuni Hawaiian immersion schools, Kumu K is a fluent Hawaiian language speaker and teacher at Punana Leo and is now helping to share the indigenous language of this place by offering intro Hawaiian language classes to students of all levels.

Evenings at the Box Jelly. $20 per class session. Pre-registration required here.

E Ola ka ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi! May the Hawaiian language live on!