In 1976 author Alex Haley’s book “ Roots,“ caused a wedding Broom Jumping resurgence, after Haley wrote about his slave relative’s wedding ceremony in his award-winning book. Often talked about in cliché ---Haley actually staged a plantation Broom Jumping Ceremony in his hit television series “ Roots. “
Broom jumping at weddings is an African– American tradition performed today by many African-Americans across the United States. Broom jumping recalls the spiritual traditions of our slave past. Broom jumping occurred on some plantations during a time in American history when blacks were not allowed to have ministers or churches. Today broom jumping ceremonies are conducted after the official vows are taken, and is generally performed at the reception hall--- to the witness of wedding guests. The broom jumping ceremony can be conducted by a man or woman designated as the broomstick preacher. Nowadays broom jumping is not a religious ceremony, it is a visual bond between a married couple--- to the witness of their wedding guests, and echoes our African/and Slave past in the United States.Broom jumping honors our ancestral beginnings in Africa and the American South.
In the photo attachment--- performance artist: Gerald Duane Coleman conducts a broom jumping ceremony. Coleman is hired to perform at a recent wedding reception in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Besides being a visual spectacle in his black tails and top hat----Coleman often incites the wedding guests to laughter by making fun of himself and the bride groomJumping the broom is symbolic of over coming any obstacle a couple mightcencounter, no matter how high or low the trails and tribulations. Gerald’s brooms arecartistically special. They are elaborately decorated with African and American good-luck symbols love and prosperity for the wedding couple. Coleman as decorated the entire broom with: fabric, shells, beads, ribbons, sequins, and classic patterns. After the broom jumping, the broom can be hung on the wall as an Art Keepsake of the event, a conversation piece,or a family heirloom. No one broom is exactly the same, each broom is different. Wedding broom jumping is an event---- which gives the Bride and Groom a greater opportunity for photographs and precious memories of their wedding day.
Please, book early
Suitable for anniversaries and renewal of wedding vows.
Makes an excellent gift to friends and loved ones.
For a wedding broom and ceremony contact --- Performance artist:
( 414 ) 372-4499
Traditions ________Gerald Duane Coleman