Buying Black with the Andersons

My family and I attended the Eighth Annual “Buy Black” Holiday Shopping Expo presented by the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Alliance of Market Developers. It was held today ( Dec. 12 ) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at First District Plaza, 3801 Market St. There were about 40 vendors offering artwork, jewelry, clothing, skin care items, dolls and various services during the expo.

The highlight of the event was the keynote address delivered by Maggie Anderson, president of The Empowerment Experiment. She spoke with professional clarity and a perfected passion that ensnared the listening audience.

Maggie Anderson said “People just talk about all these social crisis in the Black community, but no one is talking about the economic piece. The reason we are suffering this way is because our communities are starving to death. Everybody talks about how horrible the situation is in the Black community but no one ever talks about the very obvious solution and that is infusing more wealth into under served Black areas where all of these social crisis’ are perpetuated. If we support Black business owners that live in those communities, then we can change some things.”



Thus was born the Empowerment Experiment. The Anderson family would commit one year to buying only black products. They have received much publicity and have started what Maggie calls a nation wide movement.

Pya Kule's only comment is this...Live Afrakalturally.

Locks Conference '09

The PKDG family attended the 16th annual Locks Conference held at the Walter D. Palmer Leadership Learning Partners Charter school on October 3. Showcasing the diversity and endurance of the Afrakan aesthetic is always appreciated. We had the pleasure of running into Uar Tehuti Kamu of the Ausar Auset Society, lock technician and hair stylist extraordinaire Nzinga of Royal Blu, archivist and digital master Bro. Haneef and the omnipresent Sabir Bey, but it was the evening panel discussion that was the highlight for me. It was there that I got to reconnect with two of Philly's senior front line men for the liberation and redemption of African people.





The first was indefatigable journalist Henry De Bernardo. I am proud to see him maintaining the unflinching and uncompromising stance that is the hallmark of his journalistic career. Check out Henry's paper The Black Star and "let the chips fall where they may."






The second man needs no introduction. The venerable Ed Robinson has tirelessly championed the Afrakan cause for more than three quarters of a century. His work to establish a correct Afrakan history in Philly's public schools has yielded the first such required courses needed for graduation in Philly's public schools. His seminal recording "Black Rhapsody," the must read "Journey of the Songhay People" and the children's film the "Songhay Princess" are necessities in the collections and libraries of Afrakan people everywhere.


Our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the organizers of the Locks Conference for another successful event.

Afrakatural Outreach Summer 2009

PKDG's Afrakaltural Outreach Program which runs during the summer months, June thru August, was hosted again this year at the Point Breeze Civic Association building. The children for the program were selected from St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic school. This summer's program was unique as the majority of our students were Asian as opposed to American Afrakan.



The children readily received our Afrakan centered approach to learning leadership skills, conflict resolution and teambuilding. The parents and staff of PBCA were ever appreciative and supportive. Hope to see you guys next year.

Celebration of Black Writing Festival

We attended the WURD 900AM live radio broadcast of "Writing for Our Lives," hosted by Al B. The special panel discussion was a part of the Celebration of Black Writing Festival, and featured three panelists from the Philly area. A. Bruce Crawley, President of Millennium 3 Management Inc., Michael Days, Editor of the Philadelphia Daily News and Irv Randolph, Managing Editor of The Philadelphia Tribune. All gave inspiring advice and shared personal anecdotes on the great impact reading has had on their lives.


This vent was sponsored by Moonstone and held on the second floor of the legendary Robin's Bookstore.

Positive Minds Reunites at Old City Gala

PKDG was honored to be invited to conduct the libation ceremony at Positive Mind's Art and Culture Gathering Friday night. The event showcased a number of area artists including Jihan Thomas. A multimedia event, featuring performance art, photo slideshow and live music performance.

The event was held at Gallery 209, a new venue in Old City, owned and operated by Robert Junious. Well attended by an eclectic mix of students, to art and culture
lovers, ranging in age from teens to elders.

This was also a fundraiser to get cultural books and supplies for a local teacher. Host and Organizer, Jeannine Cook is to be commended for putting together quite an impressive affair.

Imani Education Circle Charter School Visit

Pya Kule was given first class treatment at Imani Education Circle Charter School. Co-founder and principal, Dr. Francine Fulton, was very engaging as she explained her vision and shared her concerns for the future of African centered charter schools. This was clearly her passion and life's work, as evidenced by her decision to launch a new school in Gambia, West Africa, to open later this year. The meeting with Dr. Fulton is an attempt to merge PKDG's Afrakaltural Outreach program with Imani's Rites of Passage program. PKDG will also attempt to serve as consultants and help to enhance an already excellent Afrakan centered curriculum. After a very informative business meeting, we discussed ideas further with Dr. Fulton over lunch at the Ausar Auset Society in Germantown. An impressive woman doing impressive work and invaluable service for the Afrakan community. We look forward to future collaborations.

Sisters Uptown Cultural Center hosts...

...Sabir Bey and guests Moorish Brooklyn Intelligence and Atef Ture on February 24, 2009. Sisters Uptown Cultural Center, in its ongoing commitment to provide culturally relevant programs to the community, offered a forum discussion of a topic loosely termed "The Reeducation of the So-called Negro." Sabir lectured on the importance of understanding civics and law as tools of reeducation.


...Sabir Bey and guests Moorish Brooklyn Intelligence and Atef Ture on February 24, 2009. Sisters Uptown Cultural Center, in its ongoing commitment to provide culturally relevant programs to the community, offered a forum discussion of a topic loosely termed "The Reeducation of the So-called Negro." Sabir lectured on the importance of understanding civics and law as tools of reeducation.


Sisters Uptown Cultural Center, located in Harlem, has a fine selection of books including Medu Neter, Nile Valley Contributions to Civilizations, Husia, and the hard to find Yurugu. It's always appreciated when venues such as this one open their doors to allow the transmission of varying opinions that address the challenges we face as a people.

Sisters Uptown Cultural Center
1942 Amsterdam Avenue (at 156th Street)
212-862-3680
Sistersuptownculturestop@gmail.com

African American Museum hosts Revolution '67

As the European new year gets under way (look for our upcoming calendar for the Afrakan new year), one of the first events we attended was held at the African American Museum of Philadelphia (AAMP) on January 24th. We viewed a film titled "Revolution '67" by film makers Marylou Tibaldo-Bongiorno and Jerome Bongiorno. A panel discussion followed the film, led by Dr. Molefi Kete Asante, Michael Coard, Esq., Dr. Walter D. Palmer, and the film makers. Dr. Ed Robinson was in attendance but had to leave early due to prior commitments. This event was presented by McCarter & English, LLP and Civic Frame whose founder and president, April Yvonne Garret, moderated.



As always Dr. Asante's assessment was invaluable positing the Afrakan centered aspect as it was most needed. No less effective was Dr.Palmer whose personal insights and experiences were apropro in relationship to the film's topic. Lest we forget Michael Coard Esq. whose historical accounting of legal affairs in relationship to the brutality Afrakan people have experience added another necessary dimension to the dialogue.



The event was well attended and we look forward to more such events as we endeavor to support those who support the AAMP, Afrakan culture and the community.