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.

December 2008

Busy month, busy time. We had the pleasure of going to Amber and Idris' house warming in Germantown. Rasa Salon is now open for business in its new, beautiful establishment. Good luck to you both.

PKDG met with Judge Dougherty with the Point Breeze Civic Association in an attempt to have more children exposed to the Afrakaltural Outreach program.

The first Kwanzaa celebration of the season was held at Pearl of Africa on 12/13. Brother Ahmed and NAPU continue the annual cultural celebration in their unique style. There is always a communal, grassroots feel that lets you know they are on the pulse of the people.

Egbe Sankofa Kingdom of the Gods of Afraka hosted the amicable Dr. Greg Kamithi Carr. His topic of discussion was Maroonage and its relationship to Afrakans in America today. Egbe Sankofa continues to be on the cutting edge of spiritual and cultural advancement of Afrakan people, and for that we are perpetually grateful.

Election Night in West Oak Lane

We'd like to say thank you to State Rep. Dwight Evans for hosting the election returns at Sadiki's Restaurant in West Oak Lane. The atmosphere was electric as expected. Sadiki's catered the event, allowing the city's political leaders and their constituents to dine free of charge in front of multiple large screen televisions. Of course the electricity of the night reached a crescendo when the words, "President Elect Obama" were heard. Once again, PKDG gives a heart felt thank you to the organizers of this event.

Summer Youth Program continued

Our Afrakaltural Outreach Summer Program continues. This session was catered to young men from the South Philly area ages 7-12. They were actively involved in our modular training program which puts them through their paces. They focused on research and topography, both of which include heavy doses of reading and mathematics. Another winner for them was in iconography.




They had to model behavior of a hero of their choosing distinguish true heroics from selfish interests or things that conflict with the betterment of the community.

Apotheosis Postponement

The unfortunate postponement of Apotheosis Art and Fashion Exhibition - Futura MwAfraka was a disappointment. However the change comes as a result of our having decided to produce the show next year in order to maintain the standard our audience has come to expect. You can expect to see Second World Productions, Simply Netfah and Idris Designs as well as the art of David Lawrence and Baja Ukweli in 2009.

Afrakan Masala at West Oak Lane Jazz & Arts Festival

The Arts and Aesthetics Collective started this season at the West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Fesival on June 20. The theme was Afrakan Masala: Rhythmic art and syncopated fashion expressed through improvised cultural stylings. The show featured the designs of Second World Productions, Natty Rebel, hair and makeup by Exavia's Locs and Twists. We also featured brand new art by Willis Nomo. The lovely Khenti hosted the show before the eager early attendees of the weekend festival.

The Collective would like to thank Kelly Walker of Art Noir for his support and invitation to participate, Ahmed Tahir at Pear of Africa for contributing clothing, all of our beautiful models. Thank you to the dedicated and talented Feya and Ferugh of Second World Productions, to Natty Rebel, Exavia, Willis Nomo, and Khenti. Thank you all for another great show!

Afrakaltural Outreach to the Youth of Point Breeze

Point Breeze Civic Association has asked PKDG's Afrakaltural Outreach department to develop curriculum for their Little Leaders summer program. We are implementing age-appropriate portions of our Developmental Education Program designed to teach conflict resolution and anger management. Group activities are designed to foster leadership skills while team building lessons teach our youth how to work together for the benefit of the whole group.

"The children of the Little Leaders summer youth program are diligent, bright and well behaved. They are receptive to and appreciative of our Afrakaltural approach, responding with eager curiosity toward cultural lessons which increase their self-esteem. They make it a pleasure to interact with them each week," says instructor Sxmt Sekayi. Atef Ture adds, "We hope to work with them further, in various capacities and environments with increasing challenges and team building missions."