The Fate of Pearl of Africa

Pearl of Africa was a historical marker... through which Brother Ahmed Tahir touched the lives of countless people over the years. After all it had been through we never thought it would close. In the African-centered heyday of the early 90's we were replete with conscious cultural stores. There was Stilt Walkers, Sandaga's, Haneef's and of course Pearl of Africa I and II. When all the others moved away or simply closed down, one thing was constant... The Pearl of Africa. Now, the Pearl undergoes it's own transition and we await another era of its influence.

After Brother Ahmed's passing his wife Nandi shared this statement:

"Greetings all, after almost 20 years of business on South Street, the time has come to say goodbye. As of Sunday June 17th Pearl of Africa on South St. will close. I will announce the new location of Pearl of Africa International very soon ...as we move towards our long held dream of manufacturing and producing products that reflect the beauty and history of who we are as a people.

Thanks to all who attended the Celebration of Life yesterday for Brother Ahmed, It was truly a moving experience. Special thanks to Taj El and Obawajumi Owolafia Olayinka for putting the program together, Wanda Dickerson & Robert Dickerson ...and Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble, your presence really raised the energy and allowed us to send our brother home the way he would have intended, Asante Sana! Special thanks to Urban Shaman."

The Legacy of Dr. Ed Robinson Jr.

"Dr. Ed Robinson was a mentor of mine for a good number of years. His easy going manner made his well informed personality and sharp intellect all the more effective. When he first released the Journey of the Songhai People it became instrumental in our developmental education programs. I remember sitting down and talking with him and his wife when the revised edition came out and how happy he was with the updates. I remember his lectures and siminars at Cheyney University to the incoming freshman class. I remember calling up WURD 900 AM to the show he hosted with his brother, the late Calvin Robinson, called "The Elders Speak." Most of all I remember the comfort he gave when giving voice to everything that made us proud of our Afrakan heritage."

Dr. Robinson's Legacy...

Dr. Edward Robinson, attorney, historian, author of  “Journey of the Songhai People” has made transition at age 94 on Wednesday, June 14 at approximately 10:15pm in his home town of Philadelphia. Family members and friends were in the hospice and at his bedside including his wife, Harriette.

An attorney, historian, author and professor, at the time of his death Dr. Robinson was working actively to produce a new movie titled “Whispers of the Medallion.” In 2004, he was awarded a contract with the Philadelphia Public School District to infuse African studies within the current social studies, science, and mathematics curricula from kindergarten to 8th grade for the 180,000 pupils’ school district and succeeded in making the teaching of African history mandatory for all students....

Read more about Dr. Robinson...

courtesy blackeconomicdevelopment.com


A viewing will be held from 8 to 11 a.m. Friday, June 22, at A.M.E. Union Church at 16th and Jefferson Streets in North Philadelphia. The funeral will begin at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Merion Memorial Park in Bala Cynwyd.

Aesthetics 6250 A.U. - Global Exposure

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Aesthetics 6250 A.U. Magazine is now viewed in over 30 countries worldwide and across the US from California to Maine. Here is a list of new countries viewing Aesthetics 6250 A.U.

Austrailia

China 

Cyprus

Ireland

Mongolia

Mexico

Norway

Peru

Portugal

Romania

Great appreciation and gratitude to all the artists and designers who contribute to the Arts and Aesthetics Collective. As we get more exposure, so do you.  We hope Aesthetics continues to gain you new fans and patrons of your artistic endeavors.

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Raw Clothing with Simply Netfah

 


Sat. June 16th ( 11-3pm) / Sun. June 17th (1-5pm)


In recognition of National Men's Health Month and in honor of Father's Day, we are holding our monthly Fundamentals of Raw Clothing Construction Workshop exclusively for the men in our lives this June.

Mama's treat your sons. Wives treat your mates and sisters treat your bredrin to this special workshop dedicated to our creative counterparts. What better gift than the gift of empowerment!

Space limited. Pre-Registration required. (paypal, check, cash, mo)

$40 in advance / $50 at door

* Ages 11+

* Barter options avail.

* Vegetarian lunches on hand ($5 extra)
 
For more info visit simplynetfah.com