Reparations 101 at University of DC

On January 24, 2008 the Univeristy of D.C.'s Reparations Study Club hosted the first of what will be a series of lectures on reparations for Afrakan people in the United States of America.

Civil Alert luminary Sabir Bey (pictured right) sat with three other panalists to discuss the issue.
The panelists included: Wautella Graham, Chairman of N'Cobra, D.C.; Faruq Muhammad, Counsel General of the UNIA-ACL; and Senghor Jawara Baye EL, 3rd Assistant President-General, UNIA-ACL.

Brother Wautella defined reparations with conviction as "a process of repairing or restoring. It is the act of strengthing that which is weakened, to set right that which is wrong and to make flourish that which is insecure or undeveloped." He addressed the widely held belief that all Black people want is a handout by insisting that what is wanted...what is needed is social parity. Not necessarily a financial gift, but the creation of social institutions and scholorships that aid us in righting ourselves.



Bother Sabir, a self-declared Moor, eloquently and with detail described the processes needed for understanding the relevant codes of law. Sabir gave historical backgound on the active involvement of three of the most prominent figures in the history of self-reparations. The Honorable Marcus Garvey, Noble Drew Ali, and Elijah Muhammad worked togther to achieve this end, reprenting the three sectors of government -- Military, Executive, and Legislative.

This lecture was well attended and PKDG has invited all panelists to participate in a future Community Development Conference.

PKDG in the Philadelphia Inquirer

It was cold, very cold, but that didn't stop PKDG from going out and supporting Peace Action Phialdelphia's first annual Ethnic Peace Festival, held at the Philadelphia Ethical Society. Though it was a small gathering, the dedication and sincerity of those present was more than just compensation.

Peace Action Philadelphia board chairman, John Duesler, and executive director, Phyllis Gilbert reminded us how prevelant the spirit of the 60's still is today. We also want to thank them for supporting Fatou and Fama Restaurant and serving a tradional vegetarian African dish. Thanks also to The Philadelphia Inquirer for the coverage and a great spread. See you all next year.

"On the eve of the national holiday honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., questions about the nature of peace drew a small but engaged group to the Philadelphia Ethical Society in Rittenhouse Square yesterday..."

To read the entire article - philly.com/inquirer
For more info on Peace Action - peaceaction.org

Networking with Diverse Philly

PKDG was in good company as we attended a spectacular networking event hosted by Diverse Philly and Urban Philly on January 18, 2008. This upscale, professional event was held at Haru restaurant in Old City. Filled to capacity with, as one patron put it, some of the most beautiful Black professionals in the city.

Kudos to Nicole Newman of Diverse Philly and Sulaiman Rahman of Urban Philly for a job well done, this is without a doubt one of the best networking events we've attended. And beleive it or not, people were acually networking. We received several calls and emails from contacts met at the event. Can't wait for the next one.

For more info on:
Diverse Philly - www.diversephilly.com
Urban Philly Professionals Network - www.urbanphilly.com

New Year's 2008

PKDG celebrated New Years 2008 (Gregorian calendar) at the studio of one of Philadelphia's most renowned artists, David Lawrence. Of course the bash was stylish, upbeat and well attended.

We knew David was a great artist, but he's also a damn good DJ. The music was soulful, jazzy, old school and new school. All of this amid the abstract Afrakan artistry and decor that is uniquely David.

Rumor has it, Apotheosis 2008 Art and Fashion Exhibition will be graced with Mr. Lawrence's artwork... Futura MwAfraka promises to be an exhibition to remember.