SUNO to celebrate Kwanzaa with inaugural Ma'afa Awareness Week
Southern University, New Orleans' Center for African and African American Studies will hold its inaugural Ma'afa Awareness Week November 26-29. The week will culminate in the annual Kwanzaa Festival on Thursday, November 29, 2007 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the grounds of the North Campus at 6801 Press Drive. All events are free and open to the public.
"Ma'afa" is Kiswahili for "great catastrophe," "injustice" or "terrible occurrence." It typically refers to the tragedy African peoples endured during the Middle Passage and the years beyond.
This year, the Center for African and African American Studies invites both the SUNO family and general public to observe the legacy and struggles of African descendents in order to better understand the relevance of their culture and history.
Ma'afa Awareness Week will feature events such as a discussion with genealogist Antoinette Harrell, a panel discussion featuring New Orleans filmmaker Royce Osborn, and keynote speaker Millie Charles, founder of the nationally recognized SUNO School of Social Work. The events are sponsored by the SUNO Lyceum Committee and Title III.
Kwanzaa is derived from the Kiswahili phrase "first fruits of
the harvest." It is an African American celebration
created by Maulana Karenga in 1966. The celebration
honors family, equality, humanity, community responsibility,
cooperative economics, and cultural awareness. For
more information call Melonee Griggs at (504) 286-5006.
Ma'afa Awareness Week Activities
Monday, November 26th
Antoinette Harrell The genealogist discusses the
importance of understanding family heritage. Also
Black Inventors and Scientists Museum, Inc. display
Sophie B. Wright Charter School 1426 Napoleon
Ave. 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Tuesday, November 27th
Panel Discussion: To Be Black: Reflections From
African and African American Perspectives
Featuring Royce Osborn's short film "Spirits of
Congo Square"
SUNO North Campus, Bldg. 43 at 11 a.m.
Wednesday, November 28th
Cultural Diversity Forum
Local author, Deborah Cotton, discusses her new
book, Notes from New Orleans,
"A first person comic-tragic account of life in
New Orleans post-Katrina"
SUNO North Campus, Bldg. 43 at 11 a.m.
Thursday, November 29th
The 2007 Kwanzaa Festival Featuring performances
from Kumbuka African Drum and Dance Collective,
Zion Trinity, and Sophie B. Wright Charter School
students
There will also be vendors, a blood drive, educational
sessions and African American cuisine.
Keynote Speaker: Millie Charles, founder of the
SUNO School of Social Work
SUNO North Campus, Under the Tent from 9 a.m.
to 2 p.m.
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