FESTIVAL ENDS WITH A BAND, CALLED SWITCH

Ten thousand festival goers enjoying the festivities

With a crowd of 10,000 plus, which included a number of children, Switch received an Akron style homecoming. The enthusiastic crowd took a walk down memory lane with Switch, as they recalled fond memories of their teenage years and some of the bands hit songs of the 80's. With lots of graduates from East High and Buchtel, there were many friends and family in the audience.

But, the real story was the successful efforts of Akron's African American Cultural Association in organizing the 31st annual event. Debra Calhoun, Steve Arrington, Mike Irby, Shcarra Benn, Esi Bryant and John Fuller were some of the key organizers of this year's festival, some of which have been involved with the organization of the festival since it's inception in 1979. Everyone involved is to be congratulated for their kujichagulia (self-determination) in, not only keeping the festival alive and well, but in revitalizing an important community event.

The festival began with a tribute to the elders of the community and the ancestors who have passed on, led by Amma Rogers. Harambee, which means "let's pull together," in Kiswahilli is an important first step in many community events, for without the work of those who have come before us, none of what we're doing now would be possible.

Baba Jubal greets a festival goer

Some of the participants, like Baba Jubal of Cleveland, OH stated, "there's nothing like this going on in Cleveland." In fact, Baba Jubal was one of the major successes of the day with his free drum making and playing workshops. This was the first time something like this had been offered at the festival. Over the course of the day Baba Jubal and his assistant helped 50 children make and decorate drums and then gave them a free 1/2 hour lesson on how to play their new drums. The 2 youth booths were busy all day. Parents brought their children for all the activities and some respite from the sun.

Darryl Crosby of Akron stated, "I saw people there I haven't seen in 25 years." The community was definitely out in force. It was hot and sticky, but lots of fun.

A new feature of the festival was the inclusion of an African Village, which included two African huts, African dance workshops and drummaking; storytelling, games and a living breathing Chakaba (stilt dancer), the identity of which is a closely guarded secret. With all of the electronic games, currently in vogue, it was surprising to see how many young people actively engaged in playing Oware for 2 hours solid. The children who really showed an interest in learning how to play Oware were given a gameboard with seeds and instructions on how to play, so they could continue to play and teach friends & family how to play. Kofi Khemet taught workshop participants how to play tournament style Oware, which comes from Ghana, but is now played worldwide.

Festival goers had access to everything Lock 3 has to offer, including the exhibits inside the Akron History Museum. The Dr. Shirla R. McClain Gallery of Akron's Black History & Culture loaned the festival a portable exhibit that was on display all day. Pammie's operated the concession stand inside the building and there was also an opportunity to receive health related information and free screenings. The mentoring group 100 Black Men sponsored a chess tournament that brought out young people from all over Akron.

Serious chess players

There were less vendors than the previous year, but those that came left in good spirits. With the large crowds that came it seems certain they must have done reasonably well. Standouts among the vendors included Shea for Life, selling Vegan Philly Cheese Steaks and fragrance products; the Fruit Cup booth and perennial favorite L & E, with their fried okra and other popular dishes.

Of course, it would not have been much of a festival without all the local talent, like Heartbeat Afrika, with their excellent drumming; The MKE Ensemble with poet Mwatabu Okantah; Hue People; Best Kept Secret and many other great local groups.

The planning has already begun for next year, which promises to be bigger and better than ever. Hope to see you there.

FUN & GAMES @ AKRON'S AFRICAN AM FEST 2011

We're looking for children who love to have a good time. If there are any children out there like this we'd love to accommodate them from 11am-6:30pm. Fun and games, that make you think are on the schedule all day.

We begin at 11am by with Harambee, where young people will play an integral role. See Amma Rogers with questions or comments.

At noon Baba Jubal begins the drumming and drum making workshops he'll be doing all day. Stop by one of the African huts for more details.

He's followed by Sista Jewel, teaching African dance @ Youth Tent 2. Meanwhile, 100 Black Men begin preparations for registering and judging the chess tournament, which will begin at 2pm and of course Kofi Khemet will be telling folktales & other stories of the African diaspora @ Hut 2 starting at 2:30pm.

Check the schedule below for a complete listing of times and locations of all children's activities.

AKRON AFRICAN AMERICAN FESTIVAL

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE 2011

African Drum Making with Baba Jubal - 12pm
Location: African Hut 1

African Drumming with Baba Jubal - 1pm - 1:30pm
Location: African Hut 1

African Dance Class with Sista Jewel - 1:30pm - 2pm
Location: Youth Tent 2

Chess Tournament Registration - 2pm - 2:30pm
(tournament begins @ 2:30pm)
Location:

African Storytelling with Kofi Khemet - 2:30pm - 3pm
Location: African Hut 2

African Drum Making with Baba Jubal - 4pm
Location: African Hut 1

African Drumming with Baba Jubal - 5pm - 5:30pm
Location: African Hut 1

Mancala Games with Kofi Khemet - 3pm - 5:30pm
Location: Youth Tent 2

African Dance Class with Sista Jewel - 5:30pm - 6pm
Location: Youth Tent 2

African Storytelling with Kofi Khemet - 6pm - 6:30pm
Location: African Hut 2

THE AFRICAN MARKETPLACE RETURNS TO AKRON'S PREMIER CULTURAL EVENT

This year's attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy the sights & sounds of Africa and America for the 31st year of the festival, as never before. Not only will there be plenty of activities for the children, but the African Marketplace, complete with merchandise, food and craft booths will be out in force.

A lot has changed since the first festival. Sure, you can buy African clothes, books and gifts for the family online. But, there's still something to be said about knowing the person you're buying from personally and feeling their warmth and enthusiasm for the products they sell and the people they serve.

Come on out this Sunday and see what treasures our vendors and artisans have in store for you and yours.

The festivities begin at 11am with Harambee center stage. Be there, or be square.

HARAMBEE, LET'S PULL TOGETHER!

Harambee literally means let's "all pull together" in Kiswahili, is the official motto of Kenya and appears on its coat of arms.

Harambee events may range from informal affairs lasting a few hours, in which invitations are spread by word of mouth, to formal, multi-day events advertised in newspapers. These events have long been important in parts of East Africa, as ways to build and maintain communities.

Following Kenya's independence in 1963, the first Prime Minister, and later first President of Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta adopted "Harambee" as a concept of pulling the country together to build a new nation. He encouraged communities to work together to raise funds for all sorts of local projects, pledging that the government would provide their startup costs. Under this system, wealthy individuals wishing to get into politics could donate large amounts of money to local harambee drives, thereby gaining legitimacy; however, such practices were never institutionalised during Kenyatta's presidency.

"Harambee," may be derived from an expression of praise to a Hindu deity: Ambee Mata (a reincarnation of Durga riding a Tiger). The railway linesmen carrying huge loads of iron rails and sleeper blocks would chant "har, har ambee!" (praise praise to Ambee mother) when working. The first president, Jomo Kenyatta has been said to have witnessed a railway line team as it worked in cohesion and harmony. It represented the metaphor he wanted to reflect: a nation working together and communicating and sharing its load.

In these modern times we want to continue this tradition of working together as one! Harambee is a collective activity that everyone is invited to participate in. We'll sing "Lift Every Voice & Sing," recognize the elders of the community and remind everyone of our collective responsibility to work, love, live and play together in a harmonious fashion. We end Harambee with our right arm in the air, pulling down on the 7th Harambee.

Come on out to the festival at Lock 3, in Akron on Sunday @ 11am and help us help each other. Harambee, harambee, harambee, harambee, harambee, harambee, harambeeeeeee!!

HABARI YAKO (YOUR NEWS)

Your News will highlight cultural events in the African American community of Akron, OH year 'round.

We have no staff, other than you and I. That's why we decided to call the paper Habari Yako, Kiswahilli for Your News. This is a place to share your stories and let the world know what Black people in Akron have been up to for the past 150 years plus.

Got pics, videos or printed matter in a digital format. Post it up, send it in, become a part of the team. This is a shout out to all you would be journalists, poets and authors.

I teach in the Akron Public Schools every day, during the school year. I know we've got some bright, intelligent and very talented people out there.

Post up some pics on the FB page for the Akron African American Festival and get a FREE PRESS PASS, which will get you into any venue, any time as one of our representatives. All you have to do is continue to send in stories & pictures from events that we can share with the world.

Give me a shout out. There's only one way to eat an elephant, one bite at a time.

Peace with Justice,

WELCOME SWITCH TO AKRON THIS SATURDAY

Formed in Mansfield, Ohio in 1974 under the name First Class. Featuring brothers Bobby and Tommy DeBarge and Greg Williams, all of whom hailed from Grand Rapids, Michigan along with Akron, Ohio natives Phillip Ingram (brother of James Ingram), Eddie Fluellen and Jody Sims. At the time, they called themselves First Class. They joined Barry White's background group 'White Heat' as background musicians and were let go shortly thereafter.

This Saturday marks their long overdue return to Ohio on Saturday night at Al C. Sanders restaurant on Romig Road, in Akron, OH. Come on out and join the celebration. Admission is just $5.00. The food is excellent, the music will be tight. With you on the set all will be right.

The party starts at 8pm and ends at the stroke of midnight. Be there or be square. The band will perform at the African American Festival on Sunday night. If you can't make it out Saturday night join us at Lock 3 on Sunday for a fun filled day of FREE poetry, music and activities for the whole family. Arrive before 5 and see Switch, after dark, for FREE.