The United
Black Community 2007 Pan-African Forum Series was launched on
February 23 at the Umoja House Gallery, 2015 Bunker Hill Rd.,
NE. The opening forum was entitled, “The African Origins of
Science and Mathematic: A New Paradigm for Scientific Thinking”
presented by Kamau Sadiki, a local public intellectual and
engineer. The UBC Forum series is in its fifth season. Each
month of the year the form provides information on topics of
interest to the Pan-African community of Washington, DC. All
activities are free and held at the Umoja House Gallery unless
otherwise noted on the schedule.
February Forum
Africa’s
contribution to world civilization is poorly noted in most
historical accounts of the world. The UBC February forum
addressed this issue with a presentation that highlighted
Africa’s role in the development of early scientific and
mathematical thinking. Public intellectual and engineer Kamau
Sadiki shared information with a packed Umoja House audience
that showed Africa gave the world the first philosophical
concepts of civilization and what means to be humans. Mr.
Sadiki provide archeological, anthropological and historical
data to support his contention that scientific activity in
medicine, hydraulics, architecture, chemistry, dentistry,
biology, and many other took root in Africa thousands of year
before there were civilized living in Europe. He also provided
visual evidence that mathematical, geometric and trigonometric
concepts of systems of equations, pi and phi, similar triangles,
computing area and volume, fractions, and writing mathematical
journal was a common activity in Africa 6,000 years ago.
Mr. Sadiki
challenged those present to think deeply about the serious
implications on the Black community of a host of emerging
technologies, such as biogenetics, nanotechnology, and the
machine/human interface. He concluded his presentation with a
comparative analysis of what he called African-centered
scientific paradigms versus the western tradition of scientific
praxis. Each paradigm was diametrically opposed to each other
and presents fundamentally different outcomes or consequences
for society, the environment and the future.
March Forum
On
Friday, March 16, 2007, The United Black Community (UBC) held
its monthly forum entitled, “At Home In Africa.” The forum
featured various projects underway n Africa by individuals and
organizations in the DC area. UBC will be a clearing house for
current information on programs and projects in African by the
Pan-African community. The forum began with a film on the
Songhay Village in Benin.
The local
chapter of the Ausar Auset Society made the film on their visit
to Benin in 2003. The village is run collectively with farming,
fishing, animals, water purification system and other projects.
Almost everything is recycled in the village and is a model for
development in Africa. The Ausar Auset Society has a campaign
to raise funds for the Agogo Community Library being built in
Agogo, Ghana. The Agogo region has a population of nearly
400,000 people. Construction has begun and upon completion the
library will be only the second public library in the whole
country. For further information contact the Ausar Auset
Society, 6224 3rd St., NW, Washington, DC 20011, 202 723 5566.
April Forum
2007
is a golden year for Ghana. The country is celebrating 50 years
of independence from the colonial power of the English.
Education is a major focus in the country. Ghana is moving to
make free education available for all children. It is a major
task.
Nana Owusu
Agyemang (l) in Akosombo, Ghana classroom.
Our own Nana
Owusu Agyemang (aka Baba Alex Medley) is Nkosuohene (chief of
development) of the town of Abenkro in the Kumasi/Ejisu area.
He is helping the Abenkro school to finish a computer
laboratory. The school serves approximately 260 students ages 2
to 14. Computers were a donation from a supporter in Canada.
The townspeople have nearly completed the building. Nana
Agyemang is now receiving donations so that the roof of the
computer lab can be put up. $500 is needed to finish the roof
and complete the building. Donations may be made to Kuumba
Kollectibles with a note in the memo “for Abenkro School” and
mailed to Kuumba Kollectibles, 312 Florida Ave NW, Washington,
DC 20001. Donations of all sizes are appreciated. Nana
Agyemang will return to Ghana in September with the
contributions and to oversee the work.
Akosombo
Classroom in Ghana.
He and Mama
Sala are also doing work in the Akosombo area of Ghana. As a
part of Biakoye ltd. group, they are working on an eco tourism
project on the Volta River. More than 60 acres of land have
been acquired. Five acres of tropical fruit have already been
planted. There will also be a restaurant and guest
accommodations. This project will feature renewable energy,
organic gardens, and unique experiences in African culture. To
invest in that venture, contact Nana Agyemang for more
information (202-361-8877).
The “global
village” term that we hear so often is more of a reality every
day. African people are in every corner of the world. It is
important to acquire your passport and use it! Personal
communication will destroy the negative stereotypes perpetrated
by the media. Wherever your spirit leads you to travel -
plant seeds of unity and pan Africanism. Live your dream!
Temple
of Nyame Dua
Nana Kwaku
Carr Asante, Priest and Project Coordinator of the Basko-ye
Adomfo (The Friends Together) Medical Clinic, has been doing
work in Africa for many years. His current project in the
Ghanaian village of Abenose is nearly complete. Medical clinics
in many rural areas of Africa are very important to the people.
The Temple of Nyame Dua has also dug a well and assisted in
building a school. You can send tax deductible donations to
assist the Temple of Nyame Dua in its work to:
PO
Box 47158, District Heights, MD 20753
For further
information, please call 301 420 3942.
Prince Kolani
Educational and Cultural Center
A Tribute to the Life of Baba Kwame Ishangi
As a tribute
to the life and outstanding cultural contributions of our great
and honorable ancestor Baba Kwame Ishangi, we respectfully
request your financial support for the development of Ishangi
Kunda (house), the International Capoeira Association, 18 &
under female championship soccer team, purchasing of medicine
for the clinic, books, materials and equipment for the school
and skills center.
Ishangi
Kunda nestled in the village of Tanji, The Gambia, West Africa,
provides a rustic country haven for relaxation and de-stressing
the mind, body and spirit. Lodging is provided in traditional
round houses built by Jola craftsmen of the village. The
grounds are planted with mango, lime, avocado, cashew, papaya
and flowering trees. Vegetables grown in the herb and vegetable
garden provide fresh produce to create a healthy menu. We
invite you to visit us, and commune with nature in an atmosphere
of natural beauty, peace and harmony. “We welcome you through
the Door of Return.”
The
International Capoeira Association – Ishangi Kunda at Tanji, was
established by Baba Prince Kolani August 24, 2006. Capoeira is
the traditional practice of martial art and dance that promotes
grace, balance, flexibility, creativity and music. The art is
unlike all other martial arts because it is a full cultural
experience that appears closer to a two person impromptu moving
yoga or tai chi form, while being done to live music. This
information is being shared with you because of the desperate
need for your help to start a Donkey and Cart Hauling Business.
Your generous contribution will provide the association with the
means to open a bank account and purchase what is needed, in
order to accomplish the goal of creating an income producing
business and providing a needed service to the community.
The Miami
Girls are the regional 18 and under female soccer champions.
They are in need of uniforms, soccer balls and funds for meals
and transportation.
The
purchasing of medicine for the clinic at Tanji will provide the
people with a better quality of health care.
With respect
to purchasing items for the school, such as books, supplies and
equipment, the students will have an opportunity to enhance
their education through the use of these supplies. Once the
skills center has enough of the necessary materials and
equipment, it can provide the workers with the possibility of
earning income from the products made (tables, chairs, desk,
furniture, etc.).
The Memorial
Hall once constructed will provide an oasis for education,
mediation, self-discovery, spiritual enlightenment, inspiration,
prayer and fitness training, as envisioned by Baba Ishangi.
On behalf of
our honorable ancestor Baba Kwame Ishangi, his wife Akua and
family, I extend a thank you to all of our brothers, our sisters
and organizations for their support and financial contributions
to the on-going success of Ishangi Kunda/Solar Energy Project,
and the above-mentioned programs at Tanji, The Gambia, West
Africa. In addition, a special thanks to His Excellency Dodou
Bammy Jagne, Ambassador, Embassy of The Gambia, Cherno Bojang,
Alikalo (Chief) of Tanji (Tanjeh) and the United Black
Community, Washington, DC.
In closing,
we wish to thank you in advance for your continual financial
contributions. Please make your tax-deductible contributions
payable to Sankofa African Temple, Inc., a 501(c) 3 tax-exempt
organization and mail to:
Prince Kolani
Educational and Cultural Center
611 Pennsylvania
Avenue, SE #321
Washington, DC
20003-4303
Phone: (202)
321-1424
and visit
www.
PrinceKolaniTravel.com
Karen Hassanbibi Daniels Takes Dance to the Continent!
AKWAABA! Mama
Karen Daniels (Hassanbibi) gave a lively and colorful
presentation on the Arts, Culture and History of Kenya, Ethiopia
and Ghana with a photo slide show, singing and discussion. Mama
Karen has
been traveling to the continent yearly since 2001 as an arts
educator and dancer to gather research and field study for
developing curriculum projects for D.C. Public School students
and the community-at-large. She has received two Fulbright-Hayes
Scholars Abroad from the US Department of Education, and a
Summer Fellow Grant from the Fund For Teachers. These
prestigious awards have enabled her to visit many local schools,
meet teachers, and artists, and to bring back educational
materials
such as: authentic dance repertoire (taught by master teachers),
musical instruments, art, books, artifacts, costumes, photos and
video footage.
Mama Karen
is a veteran teacher with DC Public Schools, presently
working at Fillmore Arts Center; which serves seven D.C.
elementary schools. She has developed "The Ghana Project": a
multidisciplinary curriculum and showcase of Ghanaian arts and
culture through the
integration of dance, music, theatre, visual art and
technology. The project has been introduced and implemented to
over 300 students citywide with outstanding success.
Mama Karen
is looking forward to continuing her mission to teach about
Africa through the arts, based on extensive field study. She
would like to establish a cultural healing center in Aburi,
Ghana, where we can all share and perform. Please check out her
new website:
zoombadance.com or e-mail: zoomba@aol.com, (202) 288-1891.
Medaci!
