Monday, August 24, 2009

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.

Friday, May 22, 2009

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.



Friday, February 27, 2009

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.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

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.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

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

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

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.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

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.