Memorial for Robert Matunda

Pya Kule Design Group joins many in the mourning of Robert Matunda, who was tragically taken from us on Monday March 26, 2007 [read article]. Brother Rob and I had a chance to reconnect (thanks to Netfah Amina-Afia) when he and his wife Maren, founders of Letau Designs, decided to become involved with PKDG's upcomming art and fashion exhibition, Apotheosis 6250 a.u.

His warm easy going ways, cool mannerisms, and incredible talent for designing one of a kind jewelry made it easy to love Rob. We remember our first model call at Rob and Maren's loft where they showed us the ropes. Rob, ever on point with assurances, continually served us herbal tea with real mint leaves...style =) Rob multitasked the model call while working out details with Maren, and cuddling and playing with their newborn baby.

Rob and Maren put us down with so many of the people who have become integral parts of the show. It gives us great pleasure to know that Maren and Rob (spiritually) will both be in attendance and featured at Apotheosis. We love you both.

Memorial Celebration for Robert Matunda
Sunday 4/22/07
2pm-until
621 Reed Street Philadelphia
pot luck dinner...bring food and drink
All are welcome
Spread the word, spread the love

Hetep

Community Development Conference

PKDG's year is off to a great start. Our 2007 Community Development Conference has set the tone for a year which is sure to be very eventful. We'd like to thank all of our recent conference attendees for their contributions and commitment.

Dr. Anthony Monteiro, our guest speaker, was excellent in his delivery and set the pace for the conference. "Education, technology, institutions, and production & manufacturing are key factors in our ability to even play the game," Monteiro said. He went on to point out that there is a $73 million deficit in public schools, we're competing for places in the universities, and that poverty is an inter-generational malady. Considering this, "the dollar economy must be reevaluated and there must be a narrowing down of focus. A certain internalization is necessary to determine how to deal with or alter the society at large," says Monteiro. He advises we ween ourselves off of capitalism or at least increase our level of responsibility.

Paul DeCosta's enthusiasm held every one's attention. He emphasized the need for science and math with new applications. "Biology and engineering is a burgeoning field, with science imitating life and producing a new era of technology. Similarly, science should be approached from a philosophical standpoint to yield fresh insights." He holds that the reason why philosophical science and herbalism are ignored for instance is due to the manipulations of insurance companies, so called health professionals, and an industry that's more concerned with profits than the well being of society.


Aleta Finney gave a thorough presentation on environmental responsibility, eloquently breaking down the side effects of radon and the importance of composting. "People usually have an out of sight out of mind mentality when it comes to getting rid of our refuse." Computers for example contain heavy metals and other toxic elements which are carcinogenic. When we throw them away they often end up in landfills and their chemicals seep into the soil and into ground water. This can cause all types of health related issues for both humans and wildlife.

Last but not least, we can't forget PKDG's event coordinator (a.k.a. Bo Inc.) for her outstanding presentation of the cuisine and for the ambiance and decor.

For more information on the conference see our Community Development department. Session II will take place in June, check back for more details.

Habari Gani

With 2007 now under way we thought it prevalent to update you.
The physical renovations of the Lounge on-site are now complete. We're adding a few finishing touches before announcing our next session. We're very eager to begin.

Check out our Events page for the latest happenings. The Community Development Conference is a bit more than a month away now. If you haven't submitted a position paper or at least confirmed your attendance, please contact us to let us know if you're in.

Again, we look forward to engaging discussions and debates at the Lounge on-site. Check back for more info on this year's first session.

Uhuru hetep enen a Neter,
Atef & Sxmt

African People's Solidarity Day

"Uhuru" was the rallying call heard this weekend as Sxmt and I experienced the warmth and unity of African People's Solidarity Day. The event was held at the International House in Philadelphia (the last leg of a four city tour) and pulled in an eager crowd.

What impressed me the most was the clarity with which the speakers spoke about Afrakan unity. Diasporic in scope, unified in ideology. Jafrikayiti of Haiti, Luwezi of Congo, Sbusiso of Azania, and Omavi Bailey of the U.S. were all eloquent and passionate on what we at PKDG term Afrakaltural Unicity. Perhaps the most powerful speaker was the Chairman of the African People's Socialist Party, Omali Yeshitela. No punches pulled, no bitting of the tongue, no political correctness...just the unadulterated truth. Convictions honed through decades of committed work, discipline and sacrifice on the behalf of Afrakan people... he gave us every reason as to why he is a great leader on the Afrakan liberation front.

I would be remiss if I left out a very impressive figure, in the person of Aisha Fields. Brilliant and accessible, committed and engaging are just a few of the adjectives that descibe this remarkable woman. Dr. Fields is tackling the alternative energy front and setting up an electrical infrastructure and water purification program based on models of environmental sustainability on the continent. We look forward to working with Dr. Fields on future projects.

At the conclusion of this event we were honored to have been invited to share dinner with these remarkable individuals. This was homestyle, Afrakan style. They were everything good there is to be Afrakan and they made us proud. Asante sana and Uhuru.

P.S. Thanks goes to Ruby from the Uhuru furniture store, Penny Hess, and the rest of the organizers of African People's Solidarity Day for their heartfelt support of the movement.

related link: African People's Solidarity Committee

Invite

Announcing November's Lounge Session:
Umoja Karimu

         
Umoja Karamu, meaning "unity feast" in Swahili, is an American Afrakan celebration which was iniated in 1971 by Brother Edward Simms, Jr. of Philadelphia, Pa. As practiced in The Temple of the Black Messiah Umoja Karamu is held on the fourth Sunday in November. Its purpose is to instill solidarity, Afrakan values, and appreciation of Afrakn heritage into Afrakan families. Prayers, libations to honor ancestors, historical readings, and feasts mark the observances.

The celebration is based on five periods of American Afrakn existence, each being represented by a color.

 The color BLACK represents Afrakn people and their families being whole and culturally intact.

 The color WHITE symbolizes the war waged against Afrakn people and their families.
 The color RED marks the bravery and sacrifices made for the liberation and redemption by Afrakan          people and their families
 The color GREEN signifies the renewal and retrieval of traditional Afrakan culture by Afrakan people and  their families.

 The color GOLD  celebrates the bright future and continued successes Afrakan people and their families      will have through cultural unity.

We're gonna vibe to diasporac sounds while dining on Afrakaltural cuisine. Cultural discourse will be a must. You asked for a place to come... now you got one. To all you conscious heads who want to build... check us out.
Contact us for more info: info@pyakule.com 267.808.1701 ask for Atef Ture'
*Remember, this is an invitation-only event. Please contact us directly to sign up, space is limited.
Hetep,
Atef & Sxmt

Upcomming Sessions

The Lounge On Site is under renovation. But based on previous events held there we look forward to many more hot Sessions. We'll be doing it monthly...but if it hits like last time we'll go bi-weekly. Check back here for times and dates. Feedback is essential to improvement so let us know what you feel and we'll feel you back. We look forward to seeing all the regulars and a whole lot of new faces.

Hetep.
Atef & Sxmt