The Haiti Tragedy

The earthquake that devastated Haiti like its predecessor the hurricane that decimated New Orleans is ironic in its sad commentary on the preparedness needed to reduce the tragic loss of life. Here is an article from the New York Times by way of the Hudlin Entertainment Forum. It gives an account of the history of Haiti as well as some insightful commentary.


"And yet there is nothing mystical in Haiti’s pain, no inescapable curse that haunts the land. From independence and before, Haiti’s harms have been caused by men, not demons. Act of nature that it was, the earthquake last week was able to kill so many because of the corruption and weakness of the Haitian state, a state built for predation and plunder.


Recovery can come only with vital, even heroic, outside help; but such help, no matter how inspiring the generosity it embodies, will do little to restore Haiti unless it addresses, as countless prior interventions built on transports of sympathy have not, the man-made causes that lie beneath the Haitian malady."

Click here to read more

Donate at Yele Haiti

Temporal Orientation

The age old adage "Happy New Year" is reverberating throughout the land. It is now the year 2010 (according to some). We have survived Y2K and hope to do the same for the end of days due some time in 2012. It is curious to note that the Gregorian and Chinese calendars still in use, date not only their origin but their very existence to the culture of the people who created them. Cultural perspectives lend themselves to and are inclusive of temporal orientation. Afrakan centeredness compels us to examine how we could view time. The Pya Kule recognize the year (renput) as 6253 A.U. The month (abed) is Rekh Ur. The day (heru) is Sefek.
This is necessary becuse Afrakan perspectives demand our attention and promotion. There is an Afrakan new year celebration in Philadelphia Pa. It is called Odunde and it is over three decades old. The Odunde Festival is for Oshun a goddess of the Orisha pantheon whose origins are to be found in the Yoruba of West Afraka. The festival occurs on the second Sunday of June. For more on this timely subject contact the PKDG asap.

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.