"The events
which transpired
five thousand years ago;
five years ago or five minutes
ago, have determined what will happen
five minutes from now; five years from now or five
thousand years from now. All history is a current event."
 
- Dr John Henrik Clarke

 
GET INVOLVED!
The world is run by those who show up.
 
Change only happens by those who fight for it.
Not by those who are blind by denial.
 
Honor
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
 
 
May 8 - 29, 2004
 
King Wasiu Ayinde + Kunle Olasoju
Nigeria's fuji music is Africa's most explosive dance music.
 
Sally Nyolo + The Queens of Lagos
The majestic Sally Nyolo arrives with her extraordinary sound.
 
Thomas Mapfumo + Koko Kayinda
One of Africa's greatest living artists, tagged the Lion of Zimbabwe.
 
Mory Kante + Abdul Tee Jay
The creator of Africa's most successful song of all time.
 
Hassan Erraji
Joyous music from the blind oud master, Hassan Erraji,
and his group, Arabesque.
 
Paulina Oduro
Ghanaian hi-life princess with her skin-tight 10-piece
orchestra and dazzling guitar lines.
 
Africando + Claude Deppa
The four singing stars of Africando are accompanied by their 12- piece Afro-Latin super orchestra, featuring a full Afro-Cuban rhythm section, horns and African percussionists.
 
The South African Gospel Singers + Kekele
A stunning bill with life-affirming music from two
great African vocal groups and bands.

For more information visit the website.
Here

 
In Celebration of My Sisters
 
London, England
at the Royal Festival Hall
 
March 26 & 27, 2004
 
Now in its 8th year, this festival celebrates International Women's Month. An international line up of sisters will be performing at the Royal Festival Hall. Special guest this year is the internationally renowned Iyanla Vanzant (from the Oprah Winfrey show, author of Acts of Faith) in her ONLY UK appearance. Fellow artists include South African and UK performers.
 
Two amazing nights not to be missed.
Hosted by Brenda Emmanus.
 
For more information visit the website.
Here

 
 
Derek Walcott with Sir Trevor Macdonald
 
London, England
at the Queen Elizabeth Hall
 
February 25, 2004
 
Nobel Prize-winning poet Derek Walcott is one of St Lucia's
most famous sons so it is entirely fitting that he is in London
to celebrate 25 Years of St Lucia's Independence. He delivers
a reading and commentary on the theme,' A Heart with Two Homes'. The event will be chaired by distinguished
broadcaster Sir Trevor Macdonald.
 
Proceeds from top price ticket to The Koudmen Education Foundation.
For more information visit the website.
Here
 
“Echoes Of Africa”
 
 
 
 
Dr. Crawford's Nile Valley Educational Tour to Ethiopia
(Every Winter)
 
December 27, 2003
thru
January 5, 2004

IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO SIGN UP...
BUT YOU MUST ACT FAST!!
 
Tour includes:
Addis Ababa
Bahir Dar
Axum
Lake Tana
Lalibela
Gondar
and more...
 
$2,739.00 per person
(based on double occupancy)
For information, call:
(718)756-8904, or (718)270-5140
E-mail: sankofawp@netscape.net

Angel Faces (wall painting at the Church of Debre Birhan Selassie) Abbey of the Light of Trinity near Lake Tana. The Church of Debre Birhan Selassie was built by the grandson of Emperor Fasiladas. It is but one of many mural paintings.
 
OnStage to present Aquila Theatre´s "Othello"
Launching largest Shakespeare
tour in U.S. history
 
O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the
green-eyed monster which doth
mock the meat it feeds on.
 
- Othello. Act iii. Sc. 3.
 
Connecticut College will kick off its 2003-04 "onStage" performing arts season with works by the Aquila Theatre Company of New York, which will include a performance of “Othello” that is the springboard for the largest tour of Shakespeare in U.S. history.
 
The Aquila Theatre Company of New York will present the Shakespearean tragedy at 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 19, and Saturday, Sept. 20, in Palmer Auditorium.
 
The 100-city, 50-state tour, “Shakespeare in American Communities,” is sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts in cooperation with Arts Midwest.
 
Set in a hotbed of racial hatred and mistrust, this masterpiece explores the destruction of a noble spirit. Add Aquila’s innovative staging and superb acting to the genius of Shakespeare, and this production of “Othello” becomes a theatrical triumph.
 
Othello, a Moor and mercenary for the Venetian army, secretly marries Desdemona, the daughter of a high powered senator. Othello’s ensign, Iago, enraged at being passed over for promotion and envious of Othello’s conquests, begins his revenge.
 
Iago is the trusted friend and confidant to Othello, and cunningly uses his position to plant seeds of jealousy and doubt in Othello’s mind about his wife’s fidelity. Meanwhile, with brilliant machiavellian duplicity, he advises Desdemona to act in ways that will only fuel her husband’s suspicions. In this fascinating, psychological character study, only the audience is aware of Iago’s villainous plan.
 
He confesses to them throughout the play and they watch, captivated, as he makes “the net that shall enmesh them all” (Othello. Act ii. Sc. 3).
 
Drawing from the company’s expertise, Aquila’s production finds a unique setting capable of bringing relevance and clarity to this great Shakespearean tragedy.
 
An original musical score with an epic and filmic quality heightens and intensifies the experience. This production of Othello, combined with Aquila’s national reputation for retelling classics in a vibrant and visual way, brings new life to this dynamic and enlightening story of human nature.
 
For more locations and performance
date information
 
Click here
 
 
African
Remembrance Day
2003
 
 
Friday 1st August 2003
12 noon - 5pm
 
The Stone Monument, Burgess Park, London SE5 0RJ.
 
Libation, Prayers, Poetry, Drumming and Singing
 
3 MINUTES SILENCE OBSERVED AT 3PM
 
Schedule of Events
The construction of the shrine and sacred area
 
The exchange of food and drinks
 
Purification, libation ceremony, drumming and opening prayers
 
The ringing of a bell to announce the three minutes of silence at 3.00pm BST
 
A child receiving a lit candle from a Priest/Elder and reciting the Circle of Life Pledge
 
Keynote Address
 
Poetry and creativity
 
Planting of a tree at 5pm
 
Closing Circle of Unity
 

Welsing Institute for Psychiatric Research
2003 - 2004 Schedule
 
Dr. Frances Cress Welsing, Lecturer
Guest Lecturer, Neely Fuller Jr.
 
meets the second Thursday of each month 7-10pm at Howard University's School of Social Work.
 
For more information Call 202-829-0430
Transafrica Forum
“Politics, Prejudice, and Indifference"
US Policy Towards Haitian Refugees
 
Danny Glover and Charles J. Ogletree, Jr.
invite you to attend a
TransAfrica Forum roundtable
 
September 2, 2003
9:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
 
For more information:
Phone: 202-223-1960
Email: info@transafricaforum.org
 
United States - Haitian Relations:
Imperialistic or Diplomatic?
 
 
American University School of Law
4801 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington DC

7th Annual Sphinx Competition
 
February 18-22, 2004
 
Preliminaries
Eligibility
Application Process
Audition Tape/CD Requirements
Semi-Finals/Finals
Prizes & Scholarships
 
 
Preliminaries
 
Applicants to the 2004 Sphinx Competition must submit their completed application, enclosures, fee and audition tape to the Sphinx Competition postmarked by December 1, 2003 (please read all information below). Notice of results, as well as additional information regarding the Semi-Finals and Finals phases, will be mailed out to applicants no later than January 1, 2004.
 
Eligibility
 
Instrumental categories are Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass.
Participants in the Junior Division must not have reached their 18th birthday by February 1, 2004. Participants in the Senior Division must be at least 18 years old but not have reached their 27th birthday by February 1, 2004.

Participation is limited to current U.S. residents who are Black or Latino. Black and Latino eligibility is defined in the Eligibility Addendum available from the competition.

Participants must not have been a 1st Place Winner in their division in any previous Sphinx Competition except the inaugural 1998 competition.
 
Application Process
 
Print and complete a copy of the Guidelines & Application form (PDF).

Print and sign a copy of the Terms & Conditions (PDF).

A copy of the applicant's birth certificate (or other official document demonstrating the age of the applicant) must accompany the application form.

A copy of the applicant's current bio, repertoire list and a photo must accompany the application.

Enclose the application fee of $35 payable to the Sphinx Competition. (Application fee may be waived if demonstrable need is shown).

Enclose an audition tape or CD (see requirements below).
 
Send all of the above, postmarked no later than December 1, 2003, to:
 
Screening Committee
Sphinx Competition
3319 Greenfield Rd, #705
Dearborn, MI 48120-1212
 
Audition Tape/CD Requirements
 
1. Each applicant must submit with their application a preliminary audition tape or CD which includes all of the required preliminaries repertoire for their instrument category.

2. Tape/CD cases must be clearly marked with the applicant's name, age, address, phone number, instrument and works recorded on the tape/CD. The actual cassette tape or CD must not be labeled with any information identifying the applicant.

3. Recordings must be in cassette or CD format. Professional-quality recording equipment is suggested but not required. The assistance of audio-experienced persons is encouraged but also not required.

4. TAPES or CDs WILL NOT BE RETURNED! Applicants are strongly encouraged to send recordings via trackable mail and to make copies in case of loss in transit.

Semi-Finals/Finals
 
Eighteen Semi-Finalists will travel to Detroit & Ann Arbor, Michigan on Wednesday, February 18, 2004, to compete in the Semi-Finals and Finals phases of the competition.
 
Accommodations may be provided for all Semi-Finalists by the competition. Discount rates are available for parents, teachers or other guests of the competition. All Semi-Finalists will be required to attend certain official functions (including all workshops) of the competition.
 
Accompanists as well as some meals will be provided for the Semi-Finalists during the competition. All Semi-Finalists should be prepared to perform all repertoire included on the Semi-Finals and Finals Repertoire lists for their age division from memory.
Prizes & Scholarships* (over $100,000 total)
 
Senior Division Prizes

1st Place - $10,000 cash prize, solo appearances with major orchestras, performance with the Sphinx Symphony at the Finals Concert.

2nd Place - $5,000 cash prize, performance with the Sphinx Symphony at the Finals Concert.

3rd Place - $3,500 cash prize, performance with the Sphinx Symphony at the Finals Concert.
 
Junior Division Prizes
1st Place - $5,000 cash prize, solo appearances with major orchestras, performances with the Sphinx Symphony and at Finals Concert, national radio debut on From the Top

2nd Place - $3,500 cash prize, performance with the Sphinx Symphony, national radio debut on From the Top

3rd Place - $2,000 cash prize, performance with the Sphinx Symphony, national radio debut on From the Top
 
Scholarships
All 18 Semi-Finalists (both divisions) will receive a full scholarship to attend one of our Summer Music or Artistic Sponsor Institutions which include Aspen, Blossom, BU Tanglewood, Chautauqua, Eastern Music Festival, ENCORE, Greenwood Music Festival, Interlochen, Meadowmount, National Symphony Summer Institute, National Orchestral Institute, Sewanee, Rocky Mountain, Sewanee, Walnut Hill School, and the Youth Orchestra of the Americas. Incoming first year students may be eligible for scholarships in partner institutions, including the Juilliard School, University of Michigan, Manhattan School of Music, and Indiana University Music School.
 
In addition, all 18 Semi-Finalists (both divisions) will receive a Sphinx Music Assistance Fund scholarship (in partnership with the American Symphony Orchestra League) which they can apply towards their musical development.
 
Sphinx Instrument Fund
The Sphinx Instrument Fund provides a limited number of instruments to Semi-Finalists of the Sphinx Competition. These instruments are available for their use for the entire year after their participation in the competition. Placements of instruments are based on need and transfer is made at the conclusion of the competition. Instruments are provided by Charles Rufino Violins, David Kerr Violins, William Harris Lee, Geoffrey Ovington Violins, Shar Fine Instruments, and Psarianos Violins.
 
 
The Empowerment Temple
A.M.E. Church
 
 
March 20, 2004
thru
March 30, 2004
 
Please Join
Pastor Jamal-Harrison Bryant
& The Rev. Cecelia Williams Bryant Missionary Society of
The Empowerment Temple
A.M.E. Church
 
This Exciting Travel Opportunity Begins With Accommodations At The Historic Commodore Hotel, Located At The Highest Point On Cape Town’s Victoria And Alfred Waterfront. The Commodore HotelOffers Spectacular Views, Superb Service, And Excellent Cuisine.
 
From Cape Town, We Will Go On To Johannesburg, Where You Will transfer To Swaziland And Spend Three Nights At One Of 3 Sun International Hotels Found In The Royal Ezulwini Valley Of The Kingdom Of Swaziland.
 
Here You WILL Enter A World Of Fun, Excitement And A Wide Range Of Entertainment Options, Such As Tennis, Bowling and Volleyball. Enjoy Horseback Riding Through Some Of The Most magnificant Sceneries In Swaziland, 18-Holes Of Golf And A Fully Equipped Health Spa.
 
After Departing Johannesburg You Will Enjoy Two Nights At The Balalaika Hotel In Sandton, Where You Will Experience Impeccable Service And Gracious Surroundings.
 
The Balalaika Hotel Has Been Named As One Of Sandton’s Leading Hotels Because Of It’s Tastefully Appointed Rooms, It’s Breathtaking Rose Garden, Relaxing Fountains And Swimming Pools.
 
Conveniently Located Next To The Hotel You Will Find The Village Walk Shopping Center Offering Over 70 Specialty Shops, Restaurants And 10 Cinemas.
 
Mission Activities Are Scheduled For Each Of Our City Locations During This Trip To Africa & Swaziland. You Will Enjoy City Tours, Inspirational & Spiritfilled Activities, Breathtaking Sites, Afternoons Of Leisure And Many, Many More Truly Memorable Experiences During This 10-Day Trip.
 
Additional Details And Itinerary Will Follow.
 
Travel Itinerary
Bwi TO Atlanta,
Capetown,
Johannesburg,
Swaziland,
New York,
AND BACK TO Bwi
 
Land Cost: $1285 Per Person/Double Occupancy
$450 Additional For Single Rooms
Air Cost From
Atlanta To JohannesburG
$1335 Per Person Plus
$99 Air Tax
Transportation
To And From Baltimore
$135 Per Person
 
All PRICES Based On Double Occupancy
See Details For Single AccomModations
(Prices May Vary Slightly, Subject To Confirmations)
 
For Additional Information And Details Please Contact:
Iris Mapp
EMPOWERMENT TEMPLE
410-491-3538
Imdss@Aol.Com

 
The Black Madonna
 
Pilgrimage to
the Source of our Being
 
Arriving Paris June 12, 2003
Returning to Paris June 22, 2003
 
Host: Koré Salvato
assisted by Sharif Graham
 
Rooted in the ancient world, and at the same time remarkably contemporary, the luminous icon of the Black Madonna responds to the call of the modern soul. Her mystical silence returns us to our depths and allows the fountain of being to rise from within: clear, purposeful and sparkling.
 
Koré will guide the group both in body and spirit to selected places of pilgrimage to the Black Madonna, traveling by train. For those who wish, she will also offer the healing arts of Reiki and the Bach remedies. Sharif will guide the group toward an experience of the cultural background out of which the Black Madonna emerged.
 
For additional information contact:
 
Koré Salvato in France
at (33) (0) 1 41 38 25 56
KHumza@aol.com
Registration
Website
 

South Africa
A New Era Study Tour
 
June 29 - July 10, 2003
For brochure contact Consolidated Tours
 
1-800-554-4556
Flyer - PDF 198K
 
For additional information contact:
ASCAC Foundation
Queen Nzinga Ratibisha Heru
(323) 730-1155 office
(323) 731-4998 fax
 
 
 
Defend Affirmative Action and
Save Brown v. Board of Education!
 
On April 1, thousands of high school and college students will march through the streets of Washington, DC to the U.S. Supreme Court demanding that the high court uphold affirmative action in the University of Michigan cases. These two cases represent a turning point in regard to race relations and for our entire society. This is a struggle for integration and equality in education and throughout American life. Now is the time to stand up.
 
Affirmative action is a desegregation plan for higher education. If affirmative action is barred, higher education in America will be resegregated. Already, integration plans in K-12 education have been attacked across the country. As a result, segregation in K-12 education increased dramatically.
 
A VICTORY AT THE SUPREME COURT will open up a new struggle for progress towards integration and equality in education and throughout American society. A victory will present a better opportunity than we have had for generations to reconcile the segregated, unequal reality of our educational system with the hope and pride that the overwhelming majority of Americans of all races feel in the prospect of integration and equality.
 
A DEFEAT would outlaw any and all active integrationist measures in this society, without which there has never been and can never be any prospect of genuine integration. If positive integrationist measures are barred, Brown v. Board of Education will be a dead letter.
 
An unprecedented, public divide between President Bush and Secretary of State Colin Powell over the University of Michigan affirmative action policies illustrates the peculiar importance of these cases. The outcome of this struggle teeters on a razor's edge between victory and defeat. Your voice and your organizing can tip the balance. Only this civil rights march can guarantee victory in these critical cases. We have a little over two months to force a positive change in history.
 
BEGIN ORGANIZING a contingent from your school, trade union, church, or community organization immediately. Do not wait to hear back from us. Spread the word about the march; take the pledge and call to action (see below); email everyone you know, all your friends and relatives. Tell them this historic turning point demands their voice.
 
Now is the time to affiliate your organization to BAMN or form a local chapter of BAMN (Guidelines this are found in points #1 & 2 in the BAMN Principles).
 
The new civil rights movement must meet either victory or defeat at the Supreme Court with a greatly expanded fight to make real the promise of Brown v. Board of Education - the long-deferred promise of integration and equality.
 
Please contact us with any ideas or questions. Please forward this information everywhere. Together, we can win.
 
WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU
TO BUILD THE MARCH:
 
See "What you can do" to organize and spread the word!

Circulate and sign the Pledge

Circulate and sign the Petition

Sponsor a Student to be at the march

Adapt this sample resolution to present to any organizations you are a part of to endorse and build the march

Contact us!
 
The Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action & Integration, and Fight for Equality By Any Means Necessary (BAMN)


 
"Unexpected Faces
in Unexpected Places"
 
The Global African Presence
 
Presented by
Professor Runoko Rashidi
Contact: (860) 236-5621 X-238
 
Event in Connecticut
Tuesday, February 4, 2003
7:00 PM
 
Civil Rights Activist
and
Author Lani Guinier
 
will speak in the Betty Tipton Room at Eastern CT State University in Willimantic, Connecticut
Tickets - $10.00
Contact - (860) 465-4693
 
Event in Connecticut
Tuesday, February 4, 2003
7:00 PM
 
Axiology/Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome
 
Dr. Joy Leary's Discussion
on race and culture
Central CT State University
New Britain, Connecticut
(860) 225-4681 X-286
 
Event in Connecticut
Sunday, February 9, 2003
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

The mission of the African-American Affairs Commission (AAAC) is to improve and promote the economic development, education, health and political well-being of the African-American community in the State of Connecticut. The AAAC accomplishes these goals through information sharing, promoting cultural awareness, community networking, and legislation.
 
For more information contact:
 
African American Affairs Commission
State Capitol 210 Capitol Avenue, Room 509
Hartford, CT 06106
(860) 240-8555
Fax:(860) 240-8444

Email: AAC@po.state.ct.us
 
 
 
Making Humanism Count
Unity in Action
 
62nd ANNUAL CONFERENCE
WASHINGTON DC
 
May 9 - 11 2003
 
Be a part of the sixty-second annual conference of the American Humanist Association, “Making Humanism Count: Unity in Action.”
 
The American Humanist Association has a long history of uniting diverse groups and creating synergy among those who share the Humanist values of reason, democracy, and social justice.
 
This year’s conference will be held in conjunction with the General Assembly Meeting of the International Humanist and Ethical Union, which the AHA is hosting, and presents a unique opportunity to meet and mingle with world-class Humanist leaders.
 
Don’t miss out on the exciting workshops and excellent line-up of awardees and speakers, including Rabbi Sherwin Wine, Kate Michelman, and Ralph Nader.
 
The annual conference starts at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, May 9th and ends at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 11th, 2003.
 
Be sure to register before April 15, to benefit from an early registration rate. Please remember to arrange for your own accommodations in Washington, DC— we've negotiated a special rate at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City.
 
To register:
With your credit card, use our on-line registration form or print and mail in or fax the registration form (pdf). or call (800) 837-3792
 
Conference Registration Rates:
AHA Members
$95 per person
$115 per person, after April 15
 
Non-members:
$130 per person
$150 per person, after April 15
 
Special Activities:
Pre-conference seminar, $65 per person
Friday awards banquet, $50 per person
Saturday awards lunch, $35 per person
Saturday awards banquet, $50 per person
 
 
Dark mother
of Spain
 
A 12-day spiritual study tour

guided by
 
Lucia Chiavola Birnbaum, Ph.D.
 
Visit the Basque, Catalan,
and Andalucia Regions
March 1-12, 2003
 
This Spiritual Journey Tour is part of an ongoing enterprise of the Women’s Spirituality program of the California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisc—reclaiming women’s cultural history and spiritual experience.
 
The educational tour is grounded on Lucia’s dark mother. African origins and godmothers (iUniverse, 2002; Media Mediterranea 2002; Enheduanna Award for Excellence in Woman Centered Literature, 2002.
 
Like Lucia’s 2000 and 2001 study tours to Sicily, this journey will explore evidence of prehistoric african migrations, paleolithic signs and neolithic images of the dark mother, and looks to art, folklore, and contemporary politics. The Spanish tour will focus on basque and catalan regions of the north and Andalucia in the south.
 
The basque regions of Spain in the north, which indicate non-Indo-European bloodlines (high concentration of RH negative) offers a glimpse of the prehistoric african legacy to Europe.
 
This legacy will be explored in the 16,000 BCE art in the Altamira Caves in this region, a region that produced the brilliant art of Picasso, Dali, Miro, and Gaudi—highlighted today in the stunning new Guggenheim art museum, founded by basques, at Bilbao.
 
The social and economic legacy of prehistoric african migrations will be suggested in the showplace of democratic communalism at Mondragon.
 
Political implications are glimpsed in the fierce resistance to fascism in basque and catalan regions in the Spanish Civil War. In Barcelona the implications of the religious and spiritual legacy of African prehistory and history are felt in the major pilgrimage site to the sanctuary of the black madonna of Montserrat and in prehistoric symbols and broken tiles of many cultures in Gaudi’s unfinished church, La Sagrada Familia.
 
In the high middle ages, Andalucia may be considered a case of the culture that emerges from a suppressed shared belief in the dark mother in judaism, islam, and christianity.
 
Lucia’s hypothesis is that this shared central belief of diverse cultures produced the harmonious and creative civilization of Spain in the high middle ages—before the christian church and state began the ethnic cleansing that culminated in expulsions in 1492, and the inquisition thereafter.
 
In judaism and islam, the central–suppressed—belief in the african dark mother may be glimpsed in aniconic veneration (judaism and islam both forbid graven images).
 
In Spain in the high middle ages, and today, there are pervasive images of the pubic V, the color ochre red, and the double yoni (star of David)—signs of the ancient dark mother of Africa. Iconic evidence of the memory of the dark woman divinity of prehistory may be seen in many images of Tanit of Carthage, Africa, taken by phoenician/canaanites everywhere in the known world in the 1500 years before Jesus.
 
In the christian culture in Spain that became dominant after 1492, iconic evidence of the persistent belief in the african dark mother may be found in the many black madonnas of Spain.
 
Ritual evidence of this suppressed belief may be glimpsed in enactment of dark mother’s values (justice with compassion, equality, transformation), particularly at carnival time, which in 2003 is March 3, 4, 5.
 
Cultural resistance to patriarchy in the christian epoch is found in, for example, in the flamenco dance.
 
Lucia Chiavola Birnbaum, Ph.D., is core faculty in the Women's Spirituality program at the California Institute of Integral Studies. She has written three award-winning books: Liberazione Della Donna: Feminism in Italy; Black Madonnas: Feminism, Religion, and Politics; and dark mother: african origins and godmothers.
 
Itinerary:
 
March 1 Barcelona. Transport from airport to hotel, welcome dinner.
March 2 Barcelona. La Sagrada Familia, black madonna of Montserrat, Las Ramblas, the Spanish Civil War.
March 3 Barcelona to Zaragoza. Black madonna Pilar, Carnival.
March 4 Zaragoza to Santillana del Mar. Altamira caves, Mondragon, Guggenheim Museum at Bilbao, Carnival.
March 5 Santillana del Mar to Madrid. Carnival.
March 6 Madrid. Prado Museum, Archeological Museum, with local guide.
March 7 Madrid to Toledo and Cordoba. Jewish, Muslim, and Christian cultures.
March 8-9 Cordoba to Seville. Hispano-Arab culture, La Giralda, Christian Alcazar, flamenco.
March 10 Seville to Granada. Guided tour of Alhambra, Generalife gardens.
March 11 Granada to Madrid. Free time.
March 12 Madrid. Free time, transport to airport.
 
LAND PACKAGE
11 nights and 12 days of lodging in three-star hotels; two meals a day, covered; air-conditioned bus with driver; lectures and discussions.

Arrive Barcelona March 1,
depart Madrid March 12.
(Airfare not included.)
 
Fee: $2475 (early bird fee) by December 15, 2002, or $2675 (regular fee) by January 15, 2003. Single room supplement: $300. A deposit of $500 required; full fee due by January 15, 2003. All but $100 refundable until January 15. If tour is cancelled, all fees will be refunded.
 
All tour participants are automatically enrolled as auditors. Academic tuition: $150 registration fee. One (1) unit of credit: $410, B.A.C.; $635, M.A.; $795, Ph.D.; auditor tuition fee will be advanced toward academic credit units.
 
For more information or to register, use our Request Information form or email lucia@darkmother.net or wsdesk@ciis.edu. Microsoft Word Doc one and two

Kemet Nu
"KNOW THYSELF"
TOUR ITINERARY
Egypt: From Cairo to Nubia
 
July 20 - August 3, 2003
(15 days)
 
Day 1-- Sun. July 20. Evening departure from J.F. Kennedy International Airport via EgyptAir.
 
Day 2--Mon. July 21. Upon arrival in Cairo, you will be met, assisted through customs and transferred to your hotel. Evening orientation. D
 
Day 3--Tues. July 22. Depart by bus after breakfast to tour the famous Pyramids of Giza and see Horemaket, the Great Sphinx. Evening lecture and group introductions. B/D
 
Day 4-- Wed. July 23. See the ancient burial sites of Sakkara, location of the Step Pyramid built by King Djoser; visit Memphis, Egypt's first capital, to see the colossal statues of Ramses II and his unique Alabaster Sphinx. Visit the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid of King Sneferu at Dahshur. Evening lecture. B/D
 
Day 5--Thurs. July 24. Tour the Egyptian Museum of Antiquity that houses the magnificent riches of ancient Egypt. Transfer to the airport for an evening departure to Luxor. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. B/D
 
Day 6--Fri. July 25. Morning and afternoon at leisure. Evening visit to the East Bank Temple of Luxor, one of the world's first universities and citadels of learning for the ancient world. B/D
 
Day 7--Sat. July 26. Visit the magnificent East Bank temple of Karnak, one of the world's first universities and citadels of learning for the ancient world. Evening lecture. B/D
 
Day 8--Sun. July 27. Take the scenic bus route to the impressive temple of the Goddess Hathor at Denderah. Visit the Temple of Seti I at Abydos. B/L/D
 
Day 9--Mon. July 28. Travel to the West Bank of the Nile to visit the magnificent tombs at the Valley of the Kings, the Funerary Temple of Pharaoh Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahri, the Ramesseum and the Funerary Temple of Ramses III. Evening lecture. B/D
 
Day 10- Tues. July 29. Early morning trip by bus to Aswan, the land of Nubia, stopping at the monumental Temple of Horus at Edfu and Kom Ombo Double Temple of Sobek. B/L/D
 
Day 11- Wed. July 30. Early morning visit to Abu Simbel in Lower Nubia, where you will see the magnificent rock hewn temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari. Return to Aswan in the early afternoon. Evening visit to the Nubian Museum. B/D
 
Day 12- Thurs. July 31. Morning and afternoon at leisure. Optional trip to the Tombs of the Nobles on the West Bank overlooking the Nile. Visit to a Nubian village. Evening lecture. B/D
 
Day 13- Fri. Aug. 1. Visit the Temple of Isis at Philae, the unfinished obelisk of Queen Pharaoh Hatshepsut. Evening "Galabia Party" with farewell dinner and local entertainment. B/D
 
Day 14--Sat. Aug. 2. Transfer to the airport for a morning return trip to Cairo. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Remainder of day at leisure. B/D
 
Day 15- Sun. Aug. 3. Early morning departure for New York. B
 
Tour brochures and information
contact:
Ashra or Merira Kwesi
Kemet Nu Productions
P.O. Box 41005
Dallas, TX 75241-0005
Tel: (214) 371-0206 Fax: (214) 371-0908
E-mail: kwesi@kemetnu.com or kemetnu@aol.com
 
Spread the word please.
 
HOLY SPIRIT, RADIANT WATERS, ECSTATIC EARTH
 
A transformative journey to the florida keys with Arisika Razak and Marina Alzugaray
 
May 19 - 27, 2003
 
Come join us for a transformative journey to the Florida Keys, as we celebrate the expansiveness of the ocean, the bounty of the earth, and the divine gifts of female embodiment. Reclaim your beauty, honor your body, expand your spirit, and open yourself to the wonders of nature that surround and lie within us.
 
Circling as sisters, we will dance, sing and play together, exploring the spiritual gifts of our female bodies. Drawing from earth-based spiritual traditions, science and medicine, the healing powers of Nature, and our own experience as women. We will weave a safe container for the exploration of our biological female heritage, the lineage of our cultures, our mother-lines, and our connections to earth and spirit.
 
As women, we embody and reflect the radiant waters, ecstatic earth, and holy spirit of Life itself.
 
The Florida Keys are home to North America's only coral barrier reefs and the magical earth there is land newly born from the dance of the mangrove trees with water and wind.
 
Come rest and refresh your spirit amidst the silver palms and crystal oceans. Bathe in the healing waters and reclaim the divine body that you were born with.
 
Celebrate the power of the female mysteries: menstruation, child birth, sexuality and menopause.
 
Arisika Razak, RN, CNM, MPH, has been a midwife, healer and spiritual dancer for thirty years. An Associate Professor of Women's Spirituality at the California Institute of Integral Studies, Arisika has led spiritual and healing workshops for women for over 2 decades. Her dance celebrates the physical body of woman, and the blood mysteries of childbirth, menstruation, sexuality and menopause. She has contributed to several books, and is a featured dancer in the films A Place of Rage and Fire Dancer.
 
Marina Alzugaray, MS, is midwife, ritualist, and healer. Using the primal elements of earth, water, and fire she has done transformative work with women for over twenty-five years. She plays with dolphins in the wild, teaches prenatal water exercses, attends births at home, and works with Women's Blood Mysteries. Born in Cuba, Marina celebrates the richness of her culture through music and dance.
 
PROGRAM
Eight nights and seven days with lodging and meals.
Arrive Monday May 19. Depart Tuesday May 27.

COST
$1560.00 (Early registration $1480.00 before April 5).
Transportation to Florida not included.
 
Academic Credit and Continuing Education Credit available from the California Institute of Integral Studies.
 
For more information or to register, use our Request Information form or email Arisika at arazak@ciis.edu, or call the Women's Spirituality program at 415-575-6255

Race in Digital Space
 
 
an exhibition organized by the List Center at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
 
Spelman College Museum of Fine Art
 
October 22 , 2002 – February 22 , 2003

Race in Digital Space examines how technology and techno-culture shape and reconfigure the social construction of race and identity. This survey exhibition featuring film and video, net.Art, CD-Roms, Websites and aural mixes features works by 54 artists who inhabit electronic space and engage new media in creative and progressive ways.
 
Contact the Museum at:
Spelman College Museum of Fine Art
350 Spelman Lane SW, Box 1526
Atlanta, Georgia 30314
 
Summer Hours:
Tuesday - Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 12pm - 4pm
Closed Sunday & Monday
 
For more information call:
Phone: (404) 215-2583
Fax: (404) 223-7665
Email: museum@spelman.edu
 
One Planet
Under a Groove
 
 
Hip Hop and Contemporary Arts
an exhibition organized by the Bronx Museum of the Arts
 
Spelman College Museum of Fine Art
 
Opens March 1, 2003

One Planet Under a Groove: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art explores the impact of hip hop culture on visual art.
 
And examines how it has evolved from a uniquely urban form of cultural expression that first developed among African American and Caribbean youths in the Bronx.
 
To a phenomenon among other working-class neighborhoods in New York City, to a widespread phenomenon in the United States and the world.
 
With various regional styles, to the dominant form of popular culture in the U.S., and ultimately to an art form that has also been exported globally and adapted to numerous international contexts.
 
Contact the Museum at:
Spelman College Museum of Fine Art
350 Spelman Lane SW, Box 1526
Atlanta, Georgia 30314
 
Summer Hours:
Tuesday - Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 12pm - 4pm
Closed Sunday & Monday
 
For more information call:
Phone: (404) 215-2583
Fax: (404) 223-7665
Email: museum@spelman.edu

The Ma’at Production Association of Afrikan Centered Theatre (MPAACT)
 
Dear Supporter:
 
At a discussion following a performance in Decatur, Illinois, an older African American woman sits in tears.
 
She thanks MPAACT for its work. She explains that never during her life in this small community has she seen such moving and varied expressions of African culture. She calls the theatrical performance she has just experienced "food for her spirit."
 
The above was one of the most powerful moments of our 10th anniversary touring season, one that gives evidence that MPAACT is achieving it mission to increase the appreciation of Afrikan Centered Theatre, one person at a time. In addition to our successful tour, MPAACT's 10th anniversary year was full of many other accomplishments:
 
We inaugurated our publishing company, Sakhu, with the publication of Alibi Transcripts: Monologues of the Dark Indicted.
Our production Kosi Dasa received a Jeff Recommendation and our musical ensemble Poh'ro was the winner of a 2002 Jeff citation for best original music.
 
We were given the Paul Berger Award for Art and Entrepreneurship by Columbia College. This award "honors the spirit of entrepreneurship and outstanding service in the field of arts management."
 
Work by MPAACT playwrights were produced in Chicago, Detroit, and Los Angeles.
 
Your previous support of MPAACT made the above accomplishments possible, and for this I thank you. I would like to suggest that you extend your support by making a donation, of $25 or more, to assist us in the continuation of this important artistic work.
 
Your gift to MPAACT will allow us to continue to produce fresh and challenging looks at the lives of Afrikan people to audiences in Chicago and beyond. It will also help MPAACT provide a space for developing playwrights and other artists of Afrikan descent to hone their skills and explore Afrikan Centered Theatre.
 
Peace,
 
Larry Nance
Development Director
 
P.S. As you continue to enjoy your summer, please take a moment to make a gift to MPAACT! Your gift now will help us prepare for our 2002/2003 mainstage and touring season. To show this appreciation we would like to offer the following:
 
For a donation of:

$50 A 10th Anniversary MPAACT T-shirt
$100 A signed copy of Alibi Transcripts & a classic poster from one of MPAACT¹s productions

$250 2 tickets for one of our 2002-2003 mainstage productions, & a classic poster from one of MPAACT¹s productions

$500 2 tickets, t-shirt, a signed copy of Alibi Transcripts and a classic poster from one of MPAACT¹s productions
 
Please send your contribution to:

MPAACT
P.O. Box 10039
Chicago, IL 60639
 
*MPAACT is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization. All donations to MPAACT are tax deductible to the extent for provided for by law.
 
General Information/questions:
Information@mpaact.org
 
To Purchase tickets for our current mainstage season:
tickets@mpaact.org
 
To make contributions or for information on volunteering:
development@mpaact.org
 
For information about our current tour and/or booking any of our programs: bookings@mpaact.org
 
For information about any of our playwrights or producing there works, or to find out more about our play development program:

literary@mpaact.org
 
Contact us via Phone at: 312/409-6724

The Ma’at Production Association of Afrikan Centered Theatre (MPAACT) is a not-for-profit, theatre founded in 1990 at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. With a focus on new work and collaborative art, MPAACT exists to develop, nurture and sustain Afrikan Centered Theatre (ACT).
 
 
Reserve your place by calling Joe Roberts, Jr.
(212) 893-7542, or e-mail:
Joe.Roberts.jr@morganstanley.com

 

June 15, 2003

The Chicago born, now nationwide -- Longest running, and most successful urban Father's Day celebration in the country.
 
Over 1000 Real Men from 10 cities across the country raise thousands of dollars for local charities through the event.
 
The Brainchild of entrepreneurs and marketers Kofi and Yvette Jackson Moyo - owners of the Chicago-based marketing firm Resource Associates International (RAI).
 
Real Men Cook pays tribute to African American men by bringing together fathers, sons, uncles and Brothers" to share their culinary talents.
 
Some 6,000 people are expected to show up at the South Shore Cultural Center for the Chicago portion of this year's event, while close to 20,000 people are expected in total in the ten cities across the country participating in Real Men Cook.
 
Click the city links below for more information
 
Those cities include Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Dallas, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, Miami and Washington, D.C .
 

Dr. Crawford's Nile Valley
Educational Tour to Egypt
 
July 27, to August 10, 2003
 
 
Dr. Crawford's Welcome Statement
 
This educational tour to Egypt, Kemet Nu, the holy land of our ancestors, will be an experience that you will never forget.
 
Join me as we visit the pyramids and the sphinx, the temples of Ramesses II & Nefertari, Abu Simbel, Isis Temple, Philae Island, Kom Ombo, Hatshepsut and Isis, Ptah Hotep’s mastaba, the Grand Lodges at Luxor, Avenue of the Sphinxes, the sites of the Immaculate Conception and Resurrection, cruise up the nile, visit Abydos, the Holiest of Holy cities, and more.
 
 
Author of Recasting Ancient Egypt in the African Context,
1996, Dr. Crawford is a professor at Medgar Evers College,
CUNY where he teaches the History of African Art
among other courses about African civilizations.
His passion for Egypt is unbending and that is what
he will share with you on this journey
back to the ancient future.
 
 
Dr. Ben to guest lecture in Cairo, Egypt
 
 
Dr. Yosef ben-Jochannan, Dr. “Ben,” the famed Egyptologist who has led many Africans from the Diaspora to Egypt for more than 50 years will travel with Dr. Crawford’s Educational Tour to Egypt - Summer 2003. He will be our guest lecturer in Cairo. Do join us for this historic occasion. Secure your space now.
 
DAILY ITINERARY
 
Day 1 - Departure from JFK via Egypt Air in the afternoon/evening. Meals on flight.
 
Day 2 - Arrival in Cairo afternoon/evening. Assisted through customs and taken to hotel for check-in. Dinner not provided. Let’s go out to eat a hot meal before retiring to bed.
 
Day 3 - After early breakfast, visit the Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, and leisure. Evening discussion/lecture before bedtime and flight to Aswan the next day. (B/D)
 
Day 4 - Flight to Aswan. Rest of the day for leisure and shopping. (B/D)
 
Day 5 - From Aswan, early morning flight to Abu Simbel (Lower Nubia) to visit the rock-cut temple of Ramesses II and Queen Nefertari. Tour and lecture. Return to Aswan in the evening to begin the cruise the following day. (B/D)
 
Day 6 - Cruise begins at Aswan Dam and continues with the unfinished Obelisk, Kom Ombo and Edfu for the evening. Tour & Lecture. (B/L/D)
 
Day 7 - At Edfu, visit the Temple of Horus and sail via Esna toward Luxor for the evening. Tour & lecture. (B/L/D)
 
Day 8 - In Luxor, visit the Valley of the Kings (West Bank), Deir el Bahri Funerary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Colossi of Amenhotep III ("Memnon"), and the Ramesseum. Free afternoon and evening. (B/L/D)
 
Day 9 - Temple of Karnak, Amen Re and Hypostyle Hall, Avenue of the Ram-headed Sphinxes. Cruise ends. (B/D)
 
Day 10 - After breakfast, visit the Grand Lodge of Luxor with the Avenue of the Human-headed Sphinxes. Tour and lecture. (B/D)
Day 11 - After breakfast, visit Abydos and Dendera. Tour & lecture. (B/D)
 
Day 12 - Flight back to Cairo (check-in at Cairo Airport Hotel). Shopping & sightseeing. (B/D)
 
Day 13 - After breakfast, visit Saqqara, the ancient Necropolis, Djoser’s Step Pyramid and temple, mastaba of Ptah Hotep and Memphis. Tour & lecture (B/D)

Day 14 - Visit the Cairo Museum, Khan Khalili Bazaar, Old Coptic area, final dinner, Cairo night life, and goodbye (this should be a group activity). B/D
 
Day 15 - Early morning departure for JFK, arriving in NYC the same day.
 
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
 
NOTICE
We will do our best to match tour members with roommates, however, we cannot promise a share.
 
 

Sign up for

Price per person
2 per room
$2,960.00

Single (no roommate)

$3,150.00
 
Children 2-11 years
(sharing with 2 adults)

$2,100.00
 
 
COST PER PERSON DEPOSIT SCHEDULE
 

INITIAL

DEPOSIT: $500.00

Oct. 15, 2002

1.

NOV. 15, 2002 
$500.00 

2. 

JAN. 15, 2003
$500.00 

3. 

FEB. 17, 2003
$500.00

4. 

MAR. 15, 2003
$500.00 

5. 

MAY 1, 2003
$500.00 
 
NOTE: IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO MAKE A DEPOSIT!
A Visa is mandatory for travel to Egypt. Egypt's Visa is $15 for U.S. citizens. Others are $20. Please secure visas prior to travel and make sure that passport name and visa name correspond.
 
 
Dr. Crawford’s 15-Day Tour Includes:
 
Round trip International air fare: New York/Cairo/New York
 
Deluxe hotel accommodations based on twin bed rooms with bath (Cairo/Aswan/Luxor)
 
2 meals daily throughout (starting day 3 of the tour)
 
All transfers with assistance and portage
 
Sightseeing as per itinerary including entrance fees
 
Domestic air fare: Cairo/Aswan/Cairo and Aswan/Abu Simbel/Aswan
 
4-Day Deluxe Cruise from Aswan to Luxor (3 meals daily)
 
All services charges, hotel taxes, tips, gratuities and English-speaking guides
 
CONDITIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES
 
Dr. Crawford/Gi-Gi Travel, and/or its agents act only as agents for the passenger with respect to the hotels, transportation (whether by air, rail, steamship, limousine, or motorcoach), sightseeing, sporting activity (for example: scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, golfing, tennis) and other services, and as such holds itself free of liability for any death, delay or damage from any cause whatsoever. Nor shall Dr. Crawford/Gi-Gi Travel have or incur liability other than its liabilities as a common carrier. Further, Dr. Crawford/Gi-Gi- Travel, and its agents accept no responsibility for losses damages or delays occasioned by sickness, strike, act of war, quarantine, weather or other acts beyond our control. The right is reserved to change itineraries without penalty when consistent with the interests of the tour. The right is reserved to decline to accept or retain any tour member at any time. Further, Dr. Crawford/Gi-Gi Travel, and airlines used in connection with this tour are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time the passengers are not on board the aircraft. The passenger tickets in use by the airline(s) when issued shall constitute the sole contract between airline(s) and the purchaser of these tickets and/or passenger. Dr. Crawford/Gi-Gi Travel does not assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the contents of this brochure. Payment of deposit for this tour signifies full understanding and acceptance of the above mentioned conditions.
 
INSURANCE
WE STRONGLY SUGGEST TRAVEL INSURANCE to safeguard your trip against severe penalties. You will receive an insurance form once you submit your deposit.
 
BAGGAGE
1 checked piece of luggage and 1 carry-on to fit underneath the seat or overhead compartment.
 
CANCELLATION POLICY
Deposit of $500.00 paid by October 15, 2002 is non-refundable. From October 15, 2002 to May 1, 2003, $1000.00 is deducted from monies paid if travel member cancels trip. After May 1, 2003, if tour is cancelled by traveler, all monies paid on trip are non-refundable. All cancellations must be received in writing. No exceptions to cancellation policy.
 
NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR COST
AIRPORT EXIT TAXES
BEVERAGES WITH MEALS
PERSONAL EXPENSES
INSURANCE
 
CREDIT CARDS: No Credit Cards will be accepted. If you intend to use a credit card, you should obtain a credit card check.
 
Please make all checks/money orders to:

GI-GI TRAVEL AGENCY, INC.
Mail to: 1562 President Street, Brooklyn, NY 11213
Phone: (718)778-8500 fax: (718) 778-1737
 
E-mail: Gigi799@aol.com
or
Sankofawp@netscape.net
 
CLICK HERE FOR RESERVATION FORM
Please send a copy of your payment (check or money order) to:
Clinton Crawford, P.O. Box 473592
Brooklyn, New York 11247
 

Beyond Diversity Basic Training
 
Basic but challenging!
 
April 30 - May 01, 2003
9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Westfield Friends Meeting House
Cinnaminson, NJ (near Philadelphia)
 
This seminar gives participants a new awareness of how racism is connected to both conscious and unconscious attitudes and behaviors.
 
Participants explore diversity through honest, open communication that genuinely honors cultural differences.
 
Through the captivating study of the ways in which racism impacts their own lives and the lives of others, participants learn key concepts that prepare them to approach cultural diversity in unique ways that are innovative and often life challenging.
 
Beyond Diversity Basic Training is a prerequisite for Beyond Diversity Intermediate and Advanced Courses that will be offered in the fall of 2003.
 
Tuition: $200
Register by April 15, 2003
Discount tuition available! Call for details! 856-235-2664
 
Register Online
 
 
Beyond Diversity Institute
 
It's not just training…
It's training for change...
 
July 14 - July 18, 2003
9 am to 5 pm
 
Westfield Friends Meeting House
Cinnaminson, NJ (near Philadelphia)
 
This 5-day workshop combines the Center's Beyond Diversity Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Training courses into a powerful summer intensive program.
 
The Beyond Diversity Institute engages participants in an in-depth investigation of what it means to be a racial person in our society. Participants will explore how racial identity is internalized and how it affects perception and behavior.
 
During the last two days of the workshop, we will focus on the personal and societal impact of racism and how it supports relationships of power and privilege.
 
The Beyond Diversity Institute builds a sense of community in which cultural differences are welcomed and fully explored. The training prepares individuals to create a respectful multicultural society that honors the background and experiences of all individuals.
 
Tuition: $750
Register by June 16, 2003
This training is limited to 16 individuals. Register early!
 
Register Online
 

This page will periodically highlight forthcoming presentations, panel discussions, public lectures, and other academic information. We also highlight certain social and entertainment events. Submissions are most welcome and can be forwarded to the Events Director for immediate publishing in this space.

Content subject to approval.

 

The Africa Banner Network
 
 

| KINGDOM | ABOUT US | BOOKS | SCULPTURES | MUSIC | EXTRAS |
| SHOPPING CART | PRINT ORDER FORM | CUSTOMER SERVICE | 
| GLOSSARY OF TERMS | OPEN OUR EYES | NEWSLETTERS |
| CALENDAR OF EVENTS | BEYOND WORDS | YOUR EYES |
| KNOWLEDGE LINKS | NEW BEGINNINGS | WHAT'S GOING ON |
 
 
[ VIEW GUESTBOOK ] [ SIGN GUESTBOOK ]
 
©A.B.N. Enterprises 1999- 2005, all rights reserved. The words African By Nature
are registered trademarks of A.B.N. Enterprises. Address: PO Box 257515
Chicago, IL 60625.