I had just uploaded Dr. Runoko Rashidi’s link to his website on my blog when I discovered yet another treasure of historical information.  Sandwiched between Rashidi’s “Global African Presence“, “Unexpected Faces in Unexpected Places“, and right  above “Africa Within” was a link called “Hanging with Blackfellas DownUnder” that I simply couldn’t resist.  What I found was nice surprise, a concept of  “space time”, “space visitors” and “space people”as the  Afrique designer spit his ability to “funkatize galaxies” while “ego-tripping, time zone shifting and bandwidth snatching”.  Perfect, I thought, I’m totally feeling this “Kinte Space” vibe. So there I was drawn like a bee to honey to the “space people, 5-2008, post featuring none other than John Lee Hooker. “Blues Man” huh? I thought. What, “Hobo, Hobo Blues” couldn’t believe it so I had to see for myself and boy was I astounded.

What was more in ‘sync’ was the fact that my own new design theme included this space theme message so I was even more blown about this kind of synchronicity that is often spoken about as a reality of our magical shape shifting we posses as a creative principle and universal law.

Let us (fully) Awaken, Continue our Evolution on Our Planet and Manifest Our Infinite Blessings,

One Love! Ria Takharu

______________________________________________________________

John Lee Hooker — Hobo Blues

______________________________________________________________

This clip is incredible for those too young to remember the blues, too young to remember the experience of the South, segregation and Jim Crow. But watch closely, pay close attention to the detail in Mr. Hooker’s face. Listen to his song and it all comes shooting back at you — the past weeping, steamrolling its memories, a kind of audible transference of understanding of history through song. Thanks Bryan Wilhite for originally posting!

Enjoy, Bee Blessed, and Eternally Abundant! Ria Takharu

John Hope Franklin, a prolific scholar of African-American history who profoundly influenced thinking about slavery and Reconstruction while helping to further the civil rights struggle, died Wednesday in Durham, N.C. He was 94.

Derek Anderson for The New York Times

John Hope Franklin at home in Durham, N.C., in 2006.

A spokeswoman for Duke University, where Dr. Franklin taught, said he died of congestive heart failure at the university’s hospital.

During a career of scholarship, teaching and advocacy that spanned more than 70 years, Dr. Franklin was deeply involved in the painful debates that helped reshape America’s racial identity, working with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., W. E. B. Du Bois, Thurgood Marshall and other major civil rights figures of the 20th century.

Since viewing Brother Rashidi’s video, the elder,teacher, writer accepted my friend request on FaceBook and opened the doors for communication, exchange and insight into his life, and research abroad in search of our “African faces in Global places”.  It has been exciting and confirming seeing the African 1Billion strong on all corners of our globe.

My own life had taken turns that seemed to go back through history bringing me closer to the rural South many African-Americans left behind in search for the new opportunities promised in the North during the migration period of 1915 to 1930 . I too found out that my Yankee urban-suburban lifestyle would be challenged by the legacy still present in the cities of the South today. In cities like Augusta little had changed. Although the dream of segregation was realized “where little white boys and little black boys” could attend the same school education, communities, and opportunities were still very much marginalized along the train tracks, leaving disproportionate numbers of African American’s socio-economically disadvantaged, the incarceration of community youth skyrocketed with a 30% increase in juvenile crime and gang violence, while unemployment  and educational standards decreased in the public school systems who also lost city funding for summer school and youth job programs.

These truths touched home when meeting my nephew for the first time as he headed between states for two different juvenile offenses. He laughed softly while I made him breakfast as he explained that my sons had no ‘swagger’ which was the beginning of our debate about African American role models, the media, Hip Hop and identity. My father couldn’t stay silent and reiterated his views on responsibility and what being a father meant to him and should mean to all. But what topped it off was the call from my mother to join her in her study as we gathered around the computer to see the video “A War for Your Soul-Birmingham Version”. What was even more interesting was the fact that my 18 year old nephew and my 15 year old son had to be scolded and ‘threatened’ to enter the room and watch a video about their history, ancestors and African American story. The elders and I shook our heads in shame, cheered on, “ah-humed” and “amened” the parts we knew to be true in our hearts that those words might shaken up the minds of our boys to understand simply the larger picture of the world as a connection to their lives and choices!

Our lives definitely have value; more than we can begin to know. We have a social responsibility to teach our youth, our history, our truth!

One Love,

Ria Takharu

——————————————————————————–

A War for Your Soul — Birmingham Version

Follow the Link to watch Video

Notes from Erisai Films:

• This video was created to inspire young at-risk African-Americans not to fall prey to some of the problems they face in society. The use of the voice “Master of Darkness” represents the abstract concept of evil.
• This video should not to be used to divide people (Black & White).
• This video should not be used to criticize all aspects of hip-hop culture.
• This video should not be used to condemn the millions of Black youth that are striving for excellence in their classrooms and communities.
• This video should not be used to degrade the millions of children that do not have the proper educational resources offered in their community.
• This video should not be used to scare our precious Black youth into a position of change.
• This video should not be used to allow the rest of society to escape from their responsibility, to reach back and help with financial & academic support.
• This video, if used properly, will allow our youth to see some of the horrific conditions that our ancestors fought through & some of the horrific conditions we face today.

All Americans should be upset, that Black children are being murdered in Chicago, Detroit, Birmingham, Norfolk, Baltimore, Los Angeles, Seattle, Philadelphia, New York and many other cities throughout the nation.

All Americans should be upset, that in many of the above mentioned cities, schools are struggling for proper funding, thus leading to an unfair start in our academic based society.

Many have asked “Why should I care?”…but can you imagine, the first person to find a cure for cancer, could be living in one of these areas, that we are afraid to reach out and help.

—————————————————————————————————————————–

Today is July 4th 2009, our Independence Day in America. Last year, I was helping to light fireworks on a family farm in the mountains of Tennessee, this year I opted to spend this time alone with my dog, contemplating this American ritual of festivities. I could not bring myself to participate. For one, I found myself in an unfamiliar region of the South. I missed my ‘global tribe’ and had better begin to search in my heart for answers as to where I would spend the next four years of my life. I was forced to reconcile my shortcomings with honesty. Something within me had changed me maybe forever. It had seemed the cutting of my unnatural straightened hair had severed all that was false and untrue. In my heart I was tired and assumed the posture of truth. The quiet stillness of the house with only boiling water was soothing on this day. No scurrying downtown to grab a place among the crowds to see fireworks. I have seen fireworks on the Hudson, the West and East side, with friends on rooftops, under the gun shots in the ghettos of Northeast, incensed walled windows from the 5th floor on 16th Street, on the Washington Mall where fireworks shells blackened ash on my cheeks, Georgetown waterfronts, and Virginia town homes catered with barbecued cheese and Italian wine. ( I’ve even partied the French independence Bastille Day in Paris!) But today, this July 4th was my time take myself out of the ritual the bang and dazzle of an independence we have yet to acquire around the world.

I had a poke on Facebook which led me to Twitter and I followed the breadcrumbs to a video post by Runuko Rashidi about the African presence in global history called, “Unexpected Faces in Unexpected Places” a 2000 Old Dominion University lecture. I was delighted and just about taken with this one hour presentation of Dr. Rashidi’s scholarly findings and personal voyages and I thanked the Brotha on Facebook who shared this. It wasn’t that I had not known most of this information, but I did learned a great deal about my passion about African’s in Global History AND my passion for East Indian culture, religion and philosophy which I knew intrinsically was a part of my culture.

No one who saw me in the Lotus asana or speak of Nag Champa could tell me otherwise. India is as ‘home’ to me as Arizona, the Caribbean, Africa or America. I cried when I saw the black Buddha, the Nuba warrior ask “Where are African American’s fighting for our liberation from the Arabs?” Here again were these deep spiritual questions that had swelled my head, conscious and heart and here they were revisiting me once again.

I couldn’t pretend that America’s so called Independence day was superior to anyone elses. And what seemed more apparent on this day was the realization that oppression of truth translates into a much deeper symptom and illness of the spirit. And for this realization I found myself in an unfamiliar place. I did not partake in an American Independence ritual but lit candles and prayers for the liberation of our Global families on all four corners of our planet.

Unexpected faces in unexpected places 2000 – Runoko Rashidi

Peep this rural 1920s scenario when education in the Black community had value for the whole community:

Mississippi Department of Archives

$700 from the Rosenwald Fund
$300 from local White residents
$2650 from local Black residents

for every $1 the local authorities spent on white kids, they spend $0.07 on black kids!

The Freed People Commitment to Educating the Community

They had few resources and infact they were so impoverished makes it all the more impressive, the enormous commitments that they made to education. In many parts of the South, free people held mass meetings in which they agreed to tax themselves to support schools. Many free people paid tuition for their children’s education. A great deal of labor in kind was contributed to schools. They would build the school. ..Freed people in the neighborhood provided room and board to teachers. The northern teachers who were in the South often commented on the number of gifts that freed people off for them: eggs, cakes, etc. Freed people did everything they could to support their schools. Often, because they had little money, what they gave was their time and labor.

..Free men often formed companies that would guard the schools at night because the schools were always subject to attack by white neighbors who did not welcome a black school. Hundreds of black schools were burned in the Reconstruction Era. In the Memphis Riot of 1866, for example, black schools and black churches were targeted and most were destroyed.”

My daughter, Kaya Joli, has been struggling in her 4th grade class. I’ve found that each of my children need homeschool assistance which is made up of a “strict” schedule and additional tutoring from parents. This means we have to design a working schedule that fits into a paradigm that works for us all. Keep posted as we figure it all out! I just recreated a SOL Practice Tests Worksheet for you to download in WORD (daily-sol-practice-tests-worksheet2) and PDF (daily-sol-practice-tests.pdf).

In the meantime, here are some VA Standards of Learning Study Websites I found on “Google” and some that were handed down to me and other parents from Mrs. Samson, Kaya’s 3rd grade teacher. Thanks Mrs. Samson and other teachers who provided parents and

students the resources to get through the third grade with flying colors. Hope this helps SINGLE WORKING MOTHERS! love you…

DARIA RIA TAKHARU

VA STANDARDS OF LEARNING (VSL)
GRADE 4 http://www.virginiasol.com/test_grade4.htm

VSOL RESOURCES
http://www.msaveryslinks.bravepages.com/SOLresources.htm

INTERNET 4 CLASSROOMS GRADE 4
http://internet4classrooms.com/skills_4th.htm

SOL PRACTICE GRADES 4 AND 5
http://www.pwcs.edu/mullen/sol/grade5.htm

Standards of Learning for Virginia Public Schools
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/go/Sols/home.shtml

4TH GRADE STUDY ACTIVITIES
http://www.iq.poquoson.org/studygradelevel4.html

SOCIAL STUDIES:
http://www.quia.com/pages/vasocialstudies.html

SCIENCE::JLAB
http://education.jlab.org/

SCIENCE: QUIZZES, GAMES
http://education.jlab.org/indexpages/elementgames.php

SCIENCE
http://education.jlab.org/indexpages/index.php

4th GRADE MATH
4th Grade Math Technology Integration (AND OTHER SITE LINKS FOR ALL SUBJECTS)
http://www.rockingham.k12.va.us/resources/elementary/4math.htm

___________________________________________________-

My twins are BACK!! I’m pleased and less anxious. Their father, although emotionally unstable by sending them back at angry flare up, has truly ‘helped’ them more than harm them, in my opinion. Of course, they will have lasting scars of anger, betrayal, and emotional confusion about what it is to be a ‘good’ father, but their months in New York with him and his wife shaped their idea of just who their father has become. They no longer scream at me in agony to live with him, in fact, they have apologized for their past adolescent dramas during the last school year. They confessed that they now know and understand. There is resolution for all of us and we can now move forward.

“We had to see for ourselves, Mom” they said holding their heads down to the Earth.

I felt them and their new realization.

“I love reading, Mom! When Jennifer told me I couldn’t read and it was your fault. I told her she was wrong. I love reading now.” Darian confessed as he grabbed the small hardcover book.

And yes, he had mastered the very thing that was holding him down last year and had exceeded expectations in school becoming an honor roll student last quarter.

I am proud of both of my sons for their individual and collective achievements in their academics. They have taken a negative and have become the positive they needed in their lives. They are walking examples that ANY child can transform his or her “failure” into “success” in a short time with discipline, guidance, and internal will power.

Having said this, we have picked up the book, “Finding Oprah’s Roots” last night. Kaya, the youngest, still struggling in her 4th grade class spelled the word ‘fascinated’ yesterday in a contest I created. Any word they dont know or bobble with, they underline and we go through the tenses, definitions, sentence structure, forms, all of the English grammar needed to dissect and prick apart our language. We are learning to ‘control’ and ‘own’ the English language here in our home. I am the Teacher and my son, Eric, proved as well, that I am also his student. The Professor lectured most of the vocab and correctly defined History and Prehistory. It was an amazing pleasure for a mother in love with Philosophy, Education and her beloved children.

I’m excited about the findings we uncover on our journey of “Self-Discovery” in our family lineage. Our roots, like yours, is abundant, mysterious, and waiting to be found, recognized and honored. For this empowerment, I light an amethyst candle, burn sage, and sing a prayer of gratitude for their lives, struggles, and unwavering determination to survive in the world.

READING RESOURCES

BOOK:FINDING OPRAH’S ROOTS: FINDING YOUR OWN, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Buy on Amazon

VIDEO: AFRICAN AMERICAN LIVES SERIES, PBS, http://www.pbs.org/wnet/aalives/

DVD
AFRICAN AMERICAN LIVES 2 is available on DVD through PBS Home Video:

African American Lives 2 DVD

African American Lives 1 & 2 DVD 2PK Combo

African American Lives 1 DVD

African American Lives 1 VHS 2PK

Book
A book by Professor Gates, In Search of Our Roots: How 19 Extraordinary African Americans Reclaimed Their Past, will be published by Crown, a division of Random House, in spring 2008 as well. Incorporating the family histories of all the participants from African American Lives, Oprah’s Roots, and AFRICAN AMERICAN LIVES 2, the book presents further discoveries not included in the broadcasts while weaving the narratives together into an unprecedented tapestry of the African-American experience.

—Daria RIA Takharu, 12-02-2008

———————————-

African-American Lives 2: Chris Rock

9-27-08 Nuyorican Poets Cafe

9-27-08-Nuyorican Poets Cafe

QuickFacts! History­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­________________________________________

Juneteenth also known as Emancipation Day and Freedom Day

Originated in Galveston, Texas

Observed in 29 American States and the District of Columbia (Washington, DC) as a National Holiday

Although the Emancipation Proclamation was issued September 22, 1862 , which became effective January 1, 1863, most slaves were unaware of this government order until Union General Gordon Granger and some 2,000 federal troupes enforced the Emancipation and occupied the confederate state of Texas in Galveston ,

The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.^[8]

Juneteenth is celebrated by African Americans on June 19^th annually

Events__________________________________________________________

Juneteenth and African American Heritage Festivals 2008

National Juneteenth Observance Foundation Washington, DC–Host of the annual Washington Juneteenth National Holiday Observance.

——————————-

15-18 June-08 – FESTIVAL — AFRICAN AMERICAN CIVIL WAR MEMORIAL 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Celebrate with us!!! The 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Unveiling of the Spirit of Freedom Memorial, designed by sculptor, Ed Hamilton. Now a national monument, located at 10th & U Streets, NW, Washington, DC, erected via hard work by the work of Councilman Frank Smith, staff and the board of directors of the African American Civil War Memorial Freedom Foundation, we invite the public to Save-The-Date and mark YOUR calendar! Thousands of Descendants of the 209,145 U.S. Colored Troops who fought during the American Civil War will descend on the Nation’s Capital July 16 – 18, 2008! Call 202-667-2667 or e-mail to info@afroamcivilwar.org. Tuesday, July 15, 2008 – Friday, July 18, 2008. 10th & U Streets, NW, Washington, DC Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt. Vernon Place, NW Washington, DC. For more info visit <http://www.afroamcivilwar.org>.

——————————-

20-21 June -08 – FESTIVAL — Juneteenth, A Freedom Celebration featuring Dead Prez!

804-644-3900***PLEASE NOTE***DEAD PREZ CONCERT RELOCATED TO…HYPERLINK CAFÉ, 814 WEST GRACE STREET, RICHMOND, VA 23220, CALL ELEGBA FOLKLORE SOCIETY FOR DETAILS: 804.644.3900 SEE YOU THIS WEEKEND!

——————————-

20-22 June-08 — PLAY — Alexandria Black History Museum — “RUNNING SCARED, RUNNING FREE”

The spirit of Juneteenth is honored with this special presentation of “Running Scared, Running Free,” an inspiring, and at times harrowing, story set in the year 1850, the year the Fugitive Slave Act was imposed. Three separate stories are dramatically intertwined in this award-winning suspenseful presentation. Meet Dorcas, a quick-witted runaway slave from South Carolina; Tempie, the “conductor” of a safe house on the Underground Railroad; and Tobias Brunt, a ruthless bounty hunter, determined to capture Dorcas and return her back to her plantation owner. Reserve your tickets now order them online at the “Shop” at www.alexblackhistory.org
Showtimes: Friday, June 20, 2008 (8:00 PM-9:00 PM) Saturday, June 21, 2008 (2:00 PM-3:00 PM) Saturday, June 21, 2008 (8:00 PM-9:00 PM) Sunday, June 22, 2008 (2:00 PM-3:00 PM)

Cost: $10.00 / (703) 838-4356. Friday, June 20, 2008, 8:00 PM – Sunday, June 22, 2008, 3:00 PM.
Venue: Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.
Website: For more info visit <http://www.alexblackhistory.org>.

——————————-

21 June-08 – FESTIVAL — NEWPORT NEWS 4TH ANNUAL JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

The Emancipation Proclamation….and then, there was Juneteenth. Do you know about Juneteenth? Juneteenth is an exciting celebration that commemorates the ending of slavery and brings families, neighbors, and friends together to recognize the contributions that African-Americans have made to American history and to our community. The theme is “Unity in the Community.” The 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration is sponsored by the James A. Fields House and includes food vendors, live entertainment, exhibitors and craft and trade vendors. Free! / (757) 245-1991. Saturday, June 21, 2008, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Newport News Farmers Market, 2801 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News, VA.

——————————-

21 June-08 – FESTIVAL — ST. MARY’S JUNETEENTH AFRICAN AMERICAN CELEBRATION featuring SHANG & SPUR OF THE MOMENT

Join us for Juneteenth, a celebration of freedom held at the African-American Monument. This event is a celebration of African American Heritage. Featuring Jazz with Shang & Spur of the Moment, Juneteenth essay contest, Gospel singing, African Dance and Drumming, exhibits, poetry slam, food, vendors, children’s games and activities, Minority Outreach Coalition Mini-Health Fair and more! Free! / (301) 475-1861. Saturday, June 21, 2008, 12:00 PM. Freedom Park, Intersection of Route 235 & Tulagi Place, Lexington Park, MD. For more info visit <http://www.ucaconline.org>.

——————————-

21 June-08 – FESTIVAL — Juneteenth Genealogical Seminar “Footprints and Roots”- Suitland, Maryland

On Saturday, June 21 9:00AM-4:00PM, the Prince George’s County, Maryland Chapter of AAHGS will partner with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Suitland Ward and the Prince George’s County Historical Society to present our third annual Juneteenth Genealogical Seminar, “Footprints and Roots.” The keynote speaker will be Dr. Sandra Jowers-Barber, Professor of History at the University of the District of Columbia.

——————————-

26 June-08 – FESTIVAL — ALEXANDRIA AFRICAN HERITAGE & CULTURAL FESTIVAL

The reinvigorated Alexandria Heritage Cultural Festival celebrates the cultural diversity of Alexandria. The 2008 theme is “Reaching Back Moving Forward: From Africa to America.” Festival goers will be entertained, educated and inspired as the City explores the African culture and its influence. The festival features food, arts & crafts, and live performances. For additional information call the Events Hotline at 703.883.4686 or the Special Events Office at 703.838.4844. Free! http://www.alexandriava.gov/recreation/info/default.aspx?id=12678. Date: Saturday, July 26, 2008, 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Market Square, 301 King Street, Alexandria, VA. For more info visit <http://www.alexandriava.gov>.

——————————-

27 June -08 – FESTIVAL — BALTIMORE AFRICAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL 2008

The Heritage Festival is a family celebration of African American history, culture, art, music and education. In addition to offering a variety of foods, art displays, carnival rides and extensive health screenings the festival is proud to feature a comprehensive eclectic range of music on two stages including: reggae, soul, jazz, rhythm and blues, and gospel enticing for all ages. Attracting over three million people in six years, the African American Heritage Festival is proud to be the premier festival in the Mid-Atlantic region. While the festival celebrates the historic contributions of African Americans, visitors to the event, regardless of ethnicity, will enjoy a unique cultural experience. The 2008 lineup features Fantasia, Mario, Chuck Brown, Fertile Ground, Heaven 600 Gospel showcase, Kindred & Family Soul, Bilal, Eric Roberson, and more! Free! / (410) 340-6966. Friday, June 27, 2008, 5:00 PM – Sunday, June 29, 2008, 8:00 PM. M & T Bank Stadium Parking Lots B and C, 1101 Russell Street, Baltimore MD. For more info visit <www.aahf.net>.

——————————-

27 June -08 – FESTIVAL — FAYETTE AREA HISTORICAL INITIATIVE (FAHI) ANNUAL JUNE FESTIVAL

The 4th Annual June Festival which includes a Business Boot Camp and Cultural Sharing Festival. This year’s event will feature Blues entertainers, various workshops and lectures on African American history, education, economic development, the criminal justice system and health issues. The two day event begins Friday morning with the FAHI Business Boot Camp – Economic Development and tools for success in business. Topics will include; Writing an Effective Business Plan, Financing Your Business and Tourism and Small Business. The Saturday Festival will feature motivational speakers, crafts, gospel, blues and jazz music, the spoken word, educational programs, food and other interesting things. Free! / (276) 732-3496. Friday, June 27, 2008, 9:00 AM – Saturday, June 28, 2008, 4:00 PM. Fayette Street Historic District, Corner of Fayette and Market Streets, Martinsville, VA 24112. For more info visit <http://www.aaheritageva.org>.

——————————-

27 June -08 – FESTIVAL — HAMPTON AFRIKAN AMERICAN FESTIVAL

An outdoor, non-alcoholic, family-oriented event that features nonstop entertainment. A marketplace with over 70 vendors displaying and selling their art, crafts, plus live entertainment throughout the day. Food vendors serving up ethnic favorites! Time: Fri ~ 4:30 pm to 10:00 pm Sat ~ 11:00 am to 10:00 pm Sun ~ 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm Free! / (757) 727-8311. Friday, June 27, 2008, 4:30 PM – Sunday, June 29, 2008, 7:00 PM. Mill Point Park, Eaton Street, Hampton, VA 23669. For more info visit <http://www.hampton.gov>.

——————————-

2 August- 2008 – FESTIVAL — MANASSAS AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL

For the past 18 years, the first Saturday in August has marked the African American Culture Arts Festival in Prince William County. Over the years the festival has grown to include more than 125 exhibitors, including arts and crafts dealers, retailers of African Wares, youth groups, colleges and school exhibits, Health Fair, Business and Job Expos, Classic Car Show and great food vendors. Free! / 703-369-2475. Saturday, August 2, 2008, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Grace Metz Middle School, 9950 Wellington Road, Manassas, VA. For more info visit <http://www.maahf.com>.

——————————-

2 August- 2008 – FESTIVAL — ACANA AFRICAN FESTIVAL

New this year to the multicultural series is the ACANA (African Cultural Alliance of North America) African Festival. This series continues to celebrate the diverse cultures which make Philadelphia unique city. Supporting the region’s diversity has been a longstanding goal for PECO, who has sponsored the multicultural festivals at Penn’s Landing for the past twelve years. Free! /215-928-8801. Saturday, August 2, 2008, 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Penn’s Landing Great Plaza, Columbus Blvd. at Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106. For more info visit <http://pennslandingcorp.com>.

——————————-

8 August- 2008 – FESTIVAL — EASTERN SHORE AFRAM 10^th Annual FESTIVAL

Join us for the 10th annual Eastern Shore AFRAM Festival! This year’s theme, “Cherish the Family…Honor the Village” reflects our commitment to our community and highlights the contributions of those who strengthen “the village”. This festival provides time for our community to come together on August 10th and 11th and experience AFRAM’s rich cultural and historic legacy – while embracing Unity, Success, Diversity and Pride. Enjoy the sounds of Motown, Reggae, Gospel, Hip-hop, R&B, Steel “Pans” and more…in the sun or shade! Plus food, vendors and more! This will be a two-day cultural extravaganza you don’t want to miss. Once you experience this extraordinary celebration you will find it memorable. So mark you calendar and plan to this year’s festival. It’s free and filled with fun for the entire family. AFRAM’s Highlights are: Parade/Vendors/Pageant/Ethnic Food/Cultural Displays Jazz/Gospel Hour/Reggae/Motown/R&B/Hip-hop/African Dance/Talent Show/Children’s Events/Basketball Contest. Info: 302-6… Friday, August 8, 2008, 5:00 PM – Saturday, August 9, 2008, 8:00 PM. Nutter Park, Collins Avenue, Seaford, DE 19973.

——————————-

9 August- 2008 – FESTIVAL — KUNTA KINTE HERITAGE FESTIVAL

This annual event raises an awareness of the African-American heritage and the common challenges encountered by all ethnic groups striving to preserve their culture. This year’s festival will continue with the tradition of providing a variety of entertainers performing on the main stage and in the dining tent. Entertainers performing will include an annual crowd favorite, the Sankofa Dancers. Performances on the main stage will represent a good blend of dance and music including Contemporary R&B, Jazz and Jazz Fusion, Calypso, Gospel and 50′s do-wop. Cost: $8.00 adults / 410-349-0338 or visit <http://www.kuntakinte.org>. Saturday, August 9, 2008 – Sunday, August 10, 2008. Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds on Route 178 (General’s Highway), Crownsville, MD.

——————————-

9 August- 2008 – FESTIVAL — FESTAFRICA 2008

The festival will feature musical performances by local African bands and artists, cultural dances, fashion shows, art & craft exhibits, African foods, a variety of vendors and a children’s area with games, hands-on activities and storytelling plus Fashion shows, artists, poets, and comedians. (Formerly NaijaFest). Cost: $5.00 / (410) 608-0420. Saturday, August 9, 2008, 12:00 PM – Sunday, August 10, 2008, 8:00 PM. Patterson Park at Linwood and Eastern Avenues, Baltimore, MD. For more info visit <http://www.festafricausa.com>.

Helpful Links

The Truth about Juneteenth: NPR Radio Online <http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91633172.>

juneteenth.com <http://www.juneteenth.com/>.

Junteenth us <http://www.juneteenth.us/.>

by daria nefertiye giraud takharu | (c) 2008. my face in history PROJECT | events

All the white males had the privilege of whipping any slave at any time. Colonel Lloyd’s Great Farm House was located in Talbot County, Maryland near Baltimore, Easton, and Annapolis and was the center of all the overseers and many other farms in that area. It was a very beautiful place, everything was new, and the gardens the stables were the best in the all the towns. The slaves would fight each other to tell who had the best master and the winner was thought to be the same as his master, the greatest.

“They seemed to think that the greatness of their masters was transferable to themselves”

They would rather be with a rich white man who beat them then a poor white man who beat them. Old Barney and Young Barney had a horrible job taking care of the horses. If the Colonel, his sons, nephews, or his son-in-laws thought the horses were not kept to perfection; either feeling the horses didn’t eat enough, kept their head high enough, weren’t brushed, were too hot or too cold, or too fast or too slow, then Old Barney who was over 60 years old would be beaten on his head even for his son’s accounts. Even if it wasn’t true! They had no right to speak out on their behalf or out of term to a white man. They had to stand, look down and tremble with fear.

When Colonel Lloyd met one of his slaves on the road one day, he asked the slave who he had neither met and tricked the slave to telling him how he felt about his life and condition on the plantation. They had never seen one another since Colonel Lloyd had over a thousand slaves. The slave spoke freely and honestly. The Colonel asked questions about his slave’s food, and his life. The slave was honest saying the Master was not a good one but that he had been given enough food. The next day the slave was never seen again. Rumors say he was chained from wrist to neck and sent to Georgia where he was treated worse than ever. (Darian Smith, Eric Smith)

So the slaves learned that they couldn’t speak the truth about their lives or their master’s brutality. This was a means of survival on the plantation and in the South where slavery flourished. (Daria Takharu)