Ash� Cultural Arts Center Newsletter

Ash� Cultural Arts Center Newsletter JUNE FILM SCREENINGS Check it out. Starting Tonight, June 7, 2012 New Orleans Loving Festival - "The Loving Story"

"Multiracial Identity" June 7, 2012 Reception, 6:00 p.m. | Film screening, 6:30 p.m. Ash� Cultural Arts Center, 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. Free and open to the public. This award-winning documentary, written by Brian Chimera, explores the social, political and religious impact of the multiracial movement. "Opens up a set of honest and timely conversations about race and mixed race in the United States...." (Andrew, Jolivette, Chair, American Indian Studies, San Francisco State). Call (504) 569-9070. New Orleans Loving Festival: "The Loving Story" June 12, 2012 Reception 6:30 p.m. | Film screening, 7:00 p.m. Ash� Cultural Arts Center, 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. Free and open to the public Celebrate the New Orleans Loving Festival with a FREE screening of the acclaimed documentary The Loving Story June 12 at Ash� Cultural Arts Center. It is co-presented by the New Orleans Film Society, HBO, Press Street, and the Charitable Film Network. The New Orleans Loving Festival was started in 2011 in response to a Louisiana Justice of the Peace who refused to issue a marriage license in 2009 to an interracial couple in Hammond, Louisiana. The festival is modeled after "Loving Day" multicultural celebrations across the country that organize people to fight racial prejudice through education and build multicultural community. Arrive early for a 6:30 p.m. reception. The screening will start at 7:00 p.m., and there will be a short discussion following the screening with a panel of speakers including Hamilton Simons-Jones, Annette Hollowell, and others. About the film A racially-charged criminal trial and a heart-rending love story converge in this documentary about Richard and Mildred Loving, an interracial couple who fell in love and married at a critical time in American history. Because of a confluence of social and political turmoil, our reluctant heroes bring about change where previously no one else could. They are paired with two young and ambitious lawyers who are driven to pave the way for Civil Rights and social justice through an historic Supreme Court ruling, changing the country's story forever. Click here to watch the trailer. "Black Folk Don't" June 26, 2012 | Screening: 6:30 p.m Ash� Cultural Arts Center, 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. Free and open to the public The New Orleans Film Society and BlackPublicMedia present the premiere of the second season of the web series Black Folk Don't on Tuesday, June 26, at 6:30 p.m. at Ashe Cultural Arts Center. The screening is FREE and open to the public and will include a post-screening Q+A with series creator and director Angela Tucker. Featured in Time Magazine's "10 Ideas That Are Changing Your Life," Black Folk Don't is an irreverent documentary web series exploring the grey areas between stereotype and truth. Black Folk Don't questions the notion of normative behavior and comes to the conclusion that black folk don't agree on what blacks do and don't do. This season, the team travelled to Louisiana to get New Orleanians' take on six new topics voted on by viewers. These topics include camping, eating disorders and more. Interviewees include Melissa Harris Perry and Toure. Click here to watch the trailer. Call (504) 569-9070.

Quick Links... Ash� Cultural Arts Center Website

News from Sudan

• South Sudan: Billions in Govt Funds Unaccounted for

  Sudan Tribune, 2 June 2012

  South Sudan's President Salva Kiir has written to over 75 former and current government officials directly asking them to account for misappropriated funds. read more �

UN/Tim McKulka

Celebrating independence (file photo): Most of the stolen funds, according to President, have been taken out of the country and deposited into foreign bank accounts.

• South Sudan: The Failure to Recover Embezzled Funds Squarely Rests With the President (opinion)

  South Sudan News Agency, 3 June 2012

  The past month of May 2012 has been full of events for the nascent Republic of South Sudan (RSS) - the country witnessed new dispensations on both the political and economic ... read more �

• South Sudan: Betrayal of Nation's Expectation - Why Country Is Screwed Up (opinion)

  South Sudan News Agency, 3 June 2012

  "An estimated $4 billion are unaccounted for or, simply put, stolen by current and former officials, as well as corrupt individuals with close ties to government officials. read more �

• South Sudan: Nation Anti-Corruption Commission Calls for Asset Deceleration

  Sudan Tribune, 25 March 2012

  The South Sudan Anti-Corruption Commission (SSACC) has announced that 31 March is the deadline for the submission of forms detailing the assets of politicians, senior civil ... read more �

• Sudan: More Officials Declare Income and Assets

  Sudan Tribune, 2 March 2012

  More constitutional post holders in South Sudan declare their personal income and assets to the South Sudan's Anti Corruption Commission (SSACC) on Thursday, although like previous ... read more �

Esu

In Nigeria an elderly man pauses near a laterite stone outside of the main entrance of an Ijesha family compound and pours libation as he prays for the continued protection and well being of the occupants. On a Caribbean island as ceremonial drums provide sacred rhythms in the background, the guest of honor steps forward through the crowd draped in red cloth while holding a crook staff and stops periodically to speak in parables to island residents that have come seeking guidance. Upon entering a Lucumi olorisha home in a Midwestern urban area, a Candomble priestess kneels before a shrine, claps her hands three times as she sings Oriki (sacred praise names) to the Yoruba deity of chance. All are paying homage to �s�, one of the most powerful deities in the orisa pantheon. In the Yoruba pantheon, Elegba is a deity, the divine messenger of Olodumare. Elegba is a guardian, protector and communicator. Through divination, he guides the fate of man. In West Africa and all through the Diaspora he is revered. The Fon call him Legba. He is called �s� (eshu), �legba and �legbara among the Yoruba. In Brazil for the practitioners of Candomble, he is Exu. The Lucumi of the New World know him as Eshu Eleggua. These references are sacred praise names or "oriki" for Eshu-Elegbara. Oriki is used to describe the attributes or to recount the adjectives that describe an orisha. When we examine the name Elegbara, we find it is comprised of two words. The word "ele" means messenger. "Agbara" means power or authority. Accordingly this oriki defines the deity Eshu role as messenger and holder of Olodumare's �s� (power and authority). Symbols such as an Eshu figure holding a calabash, personify this attribute. Omo orisha throughout the Diaspora recognize Eshu Elegbara as a deity that holds the power to make things happen* - good or bad. For this reason he is propitiated to assure that all communication or action will not encounter negative influence or obstruction. As trickster, Eshu is associated with disorder and destiny in the Yoruba pantheon. As "orisa orita" or "esu orita", orisha of the crossroad or the corners, Elegba represents the transitional or center point of the crossroad where one must make a decision. In this position, Elegba represents all the bewilderment and confusion one faces when attempting to make the proper choice. Once the choice is made, he is involved in the consequences and through his own devices guides us towards and along our proper path. His ambivalence to orisa and man makes Elegba a complex, neutral force. For those who live in accordance to social and religious law, he is a great benefactor and guardian. Those who choose to live contrary" will meet him on their path as the "law enforcer" or "divine policeman". The personified characteristics of Elegba are contradictive. For example, he is a loyal friend and very generous. He is the dispenser of punishment and shows loyalty to no one, man or orisa. Practitioners are quick to say "Elegba will lift you up very high with his hands and in the next instance open his hands so that you fall". These contradictive aspects Elegba represent the belief that Olodumare (a descriptive name for God) is all-powerful and not bound by any rules. All that is good and bad lies within Olodumare's power (�s�). Esu Elegbara as the holder of Olodumare's �s� (the power to make things happen) dispenses it in accordance to the Olodumare's will.

Happy Mother's Day from The New Orleans Agenda

"Happy Mother's Day" A Mother's Day Wish from Judge Terri Love & Jasmine May 2012 Dear Ty, "There is no velvet so soft as a mother's lap, no rose as lovely as her smile, no path so flowery as that imprinted with her footsteps." Mother's Day Origin Anna Jarvis is recognized as the Founder of Mother's Day in the US. Anna Jarvis received the inspiration of celebrating Mother's Day from her own mother in her childhood. Her mother, as an activist and social worker, expressed her desire that someday someone would honor all mothers, living and dead, and pay tribute to their contributions. A loving daughter, Anna never forgot her mother's word and when her mother died in 1905, she resolved to fulfill her mother's desire of having a mother's day. Anna began by sending carnations to be placed in her home church service in Grafton, West Virginia to honor her mother. Carnations were her mother's favorite flower and Anna felt that they symbolized a mother's pure love. Anna along with her supporters wrote letters to people in positions of power lobbying for the official declaration of the Mother's Day holiday. Then, on May 8, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a Joint Resolution designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day. Happy Mother's Day! Sincerely, Judge Terri Love email: vincent@sylvainsolutions.com web: http://www.theneworleansagenda.com

MAY-2012-SCHEDULE-OF-EVENTS-AT-ASHE--CULTURAL-ARTS-CENTER

Link

Dear Ty, We're very excited about our May schedule of events. Here's a gist. The women of Sistahs Making a Change are stirring up excitement with two performances this month. Kuumba's summer program registration numbers are growing, while our Barbershop Meetings are instilling knowledge and wisdom in young men. Meet Antonio Garza as he shares a 45-minute performance with us. Meanwhile, "A Whole School for the Whole Child" creates dialogue about schools in our community, and Kids Play NOLA winds up its program with a creative culminating activity. Our community cinema series ends with a bang, while we're anticipating the smooth and savory flavors of teas at Carol's Tea-riffic Party on the Boulevard. We're gearing up for our Side by Side meeting which includes our first ever Sous-Sous. And if you're a member of DOVIA, the bimonthly meeting is coming up soon. Don't forget to join us at our monthly Workplace Wellness Luncheon where we impart knowledge via professionals who are eager to share information on healthy lifestyles. Happy Mother's Day! Remember to shop at our boutique and receive 30% off on all clothing, jewelry and accessories. Shop tonight, Friday, May 11, until 8 p.m. and Saturday, May 12, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Join us for another stimulating month! YOUR ASH� TEAM Are you a member of Ash� Cultural Arts Center? If not, call or stop by to find out more. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHECK US OUT TONIGHT WHEN ANTONIO GARZA PRESENTS TWO SCENES FROM HIS INTERNATIONALLY TOURED ONE-MAN SHOW "MEN IN UNIFORM" Friday, May 11, 2012 | 7:00 p.m. at Ash� FREE

MAY 2012 EVENTS AT ASH� CULTURAL ARTS CENTER SISTAHS MAKING A CHANGE 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. | Every Monday and Thursday Ash� Cultural Arts Center | 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., New Orleans Free and open to the public Thursday, May 17, A tribute to Malcolm X. Sistahs perform. Friday, May 18, Sistahs perform at the culminating activity for Community Cinema Beginning May 24, on Thursdays we'll have Tap Classes with Janet Andrews. Regular dance classes are taught at 6:00 p.m. each Monday and Thursday by Giselle Nakhid. NO CLASSES ON MEMORIAL DAY, May 28, 2012 Come get fit with the "sistahs" as you exercise and dance your way to wellness. The program is directed by Jamilah Peters Muhammad, a registered nurse and professional dancer, who handles all aspects of programming, such as dance, educational films, nutrition, and health and wellness. Monday at 7 p.m., enjoy an interesting seminar or film. A nutritious meal is served after each class. No dance experience required. For more information, call (504) 569-9070, or just show up ready to move. KUUMBA INSTITUTE SUMMER PROGRAM REGISTRATION - NOW OPEN Through June 4, 2012 Register 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays or at the Institute, Saturdays 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Ash� Cultural Arts Center | 1724 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., New Orleans Tuition and registration fees apply. Give your kids, ages 6-16, a cultural arts experience they'll never forget at the Kuumba Institute, operating June 4-July 20, 2012 from 8:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. Students receive specialized training in visual arts, dance, martial arts, voice, stepping, yoga, photography, poetry, Capoeira, arts & crafts, drama and African drumming. Students are served breakfast, lunch and a snack. In addition to providing them with various means of artistic expressions in a classroom setting, they gain exposure through field trips and off-site performances. Each session concludes with a culminating experience where students share with family, friends and the community, artistic expressions which are created from instructional inspiration. Registration Fee: $35 per child. Tuition: $250 if registering one child, $350 for two children, $450 for three children. For more information call (504) 569-9070. BARBERSHOP MEETING - FATHERS' TIME Wednesdays, May 9, 16, 23, 30, 2012 | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Ash� Cultural Arts Center | 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., New Orleans Free and open to the public The Barbershop Meeting happens weekly and focuses on issues of importance to the growth and well-being, especially of young men. Men of all ages are invited to join the discussion and to give input based on their life experiences. This meeting affords the opportunity for goal-setting and reflections. Come and bring a few friends. Peter Nakhid leads the discussions. For more information, call (504) 569-9070. "STORYTELLING" BY ANTONIO GARZA Friday, May 11, 2012 | 7:00-8:30 p.m. Ash� Cultural Arts Center | 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., New Orleans Free and Open to the Public Ash� Cultural Arts Center presents Storytelling with writer and performer, Antonio Garza. Garza will perform two scenes, one from his internationally toured one-man show Men in Uniform, the other from his newest project A Mexican's Guide to the Middle East. Garza draws from personal experience to craft sometimes hilarious, sometimes quietly reflective narratives that explore ideas of "crossing" and "passing" in the distinct cultural contexts of New Orleans, Jerusalem, and the Texas-Mexico border. Scene 1: Two friends, a black man and a Mexican, bump into an aggressive Border Patrol agent along the Texas-Mexico border in the weeks after 9/11. What will happen? Scene 2: An Arab jokingly claims to be Mexican to his Mexican customer, who jokingly claims to be Arab, in a corner store in New Orleans. How will this little game end? Come find out this Friday at Ash� Cultural Arts Center. Call (504) 569-9070. A WHOLE SCHOOL FOR THE WHOLE CHILD: COMMUNITY SCHOOLS AND THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION IN NEW ORLEANS Tuesday, May 15, 2012 | 5:45-7:30 p.m. Ash� Cultural Arts Center | 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. Free and Open to the Public The New Orleans Kids Partnership presents "A Whole School for the Whole Child." Join us in a dialogue about the role of Community Schools in setting up for academic success and healthy development. Hear from a cross-section of education and community stakeholders about the power of working together to improve the quality of services and experiences for children and families, both inside and outside the school setting. The panel will be moderated by Erika McConduit, executive vice-president of the Urban League of Greater New Orleans. Refreshments will be served. Pre-register at http://communityschoolsforum.eventbrite.com/. For more information, call Jenny James at (504) 523-3525. KIDS PLAY NOLA'S CULMINATING PROGRAM Thursday, May 17, 2012 | 6:00 p.m. Ash� Cultural Arts Center | 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. Free and Open to the Public Kids Play NOLA will hold its culminating program, presenting the talented children who have worked so hard during the series. Come out and support them. For more information, call (504) 569-9070. Community Cinema presents "STRONG" Special Guest - Bobybuilder NICOLE COLEMAN Friday, May 18, 2012 | 6:00 p.m. Ash� Cultural Arts Center | 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. Free and Open to the Public Strong! is a documentary film produced and written by Julie Wyman. A formidable figure, standing at 5'8" and weighing over 300 pounds, Cheryl Haworth struggles to defend her champion status as her lifetime weightlifting career inches towards its inevitable end. Strong! chronicles her journey and the challenges this unusual elite athlete faces, exploring popular notions of power, strength, beauty, and health. Following the film will be a talkback session led by bodybuilder extraordinaire Nicole Coleman, a competitor and personal trainer. Then stay for the after- party where you'll meet panelists and facilitators from previous film screenings. Sistahs Making a Change and The Pinettes Brass Band have been invited to spice up the evening. RSVP to Drena S. Clay at (504) 569-9070. CAROL'S TEA-RIFFIC PARTY ON THE BOULEVARD Sunday, May 20, 2012 | 3:00-6:00 p.m. Ash� Cultural Arts Center | 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. Tickets: $25 (non-members); $20 (Ash� members) We've got something really special for you! This festive Tea features teas, sweets and tasty treats from throughout the African Diaspora. Treat your taste buds to the smooth flavor of green tea from Morocco, or sip savory teas from Trinidad. From traditional to exotic, we're sure to tantalize your palate. Enjoy authentic Moroccan pastries baked especially for this occasion, and enjoy the smooth sounds of Dorise and Tanya. Bring your friends and family. Tables are available. Please call (504) 569-9070 to reserve. Tickets are available at Ash� Cultural Arts Center or online at http://conta.cc/TeaPartyOnTheBlvd. N.O. NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT COLLABORATIVE Tuesday, May 22, 2012 | 4:00 - 8:00 p.m Ash� Cultural Arts Center | 1724 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. Stay tuned for details. SIDE BY SIDE MEETING - SOUS-SOUS Tuesday, May 22, 2012 | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Ash� Cultural Arts Center | 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. $5 for SoupAre you an artist with a great idea that will improve your community, but you need funding? Join Gris Gris Lab and Ash� Cultural Arts Center for its first Sous-Sous where artists can present ideas for small community projects and receive funding-no strings attached. Here's how it works. Pitch your idea to participants, all of whom have paid $5 to join the Sous-Sous. The attendees then vote on which project they consider to be the best idea presented that night. The winner walks away with all of the proceeds that were collected at the door. Attend the meeting for details and come ready to pitch your idea. The Side By Side Program was created in 2006 at the Ash� Cultural Arts Center to assist and support New Orleans artists and culture bearers who were affected in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Since its creation, Side By Side has helped artists with resumes, business cards and photographs, sponsored Artist Showcases, Chill Zones, housing information and networking opportunities. Call (504) 495-0463. DOVIA MEETING Wednesday, May 23, 2012 | 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Ash� Cultural Arts Center | 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. This is a regularly scheduled bi-monthly meeting, open to members and potential members of DOVIA (Directors of Volunteers in Agencies). For more information call Gwendolyn Richardson at (504) 569-9070. WORKPLACE WELLNESS LUNCHEON Thursday, May 31, 2012 | noon-1:30 p.m. Ash� Cultural Arts Center | 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. Free and Open to the Public RSVP to (504) 569-9070. "The Health of the Community: Where We Are" will be presented by Ashley Burg, MPH, of Louisiana Public Health Institute (LPHI) and Patricia A. Davis, BS, CPN, neighborhood & health liaison for the Neighborhoods Partnership Network, program coordinator of Healthy New Orleans Neighborhoods. LPHI coordinates and manages public health programs and initiatives in the areas of health systems development and health promotion/disease prevention while providing an array of services to help meet the needs of partner organizations. LPHI's HNON recognizes that the drivers of the health of people and neighborhoods cross all sectors of life and whole communities. In fact, most of what impacts the health of the community are influences beyond health care itself, such as family income, quality education and a healthy neighborhood environment. Reserve your space by calling (504) 569-9070. COMING SOON COMING SOON COMING SOON COMING SOON COMING MOROCCAN CARPET WEAVERS JUNE 25-29 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Ash� Cultural Arts Center, 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard Workshops: $100 Public Presentation: Free The Moroccan Carpet Caravan 2012 brings two Tamazight carpet weavers and their translator from the Valley of the Roses to Ash� Cultural Arts Center. Ash� is the first of four stops on a North American tour of carpet art events. The weavers will teach carpet weaving on traditional wooden looms built especially for the occasion, present a colorful carpet exhibition, and offer a cross-cultural presentation. The workshop will teach basic weaving skills in the indigenous traditions of North Africa not offered anywhere else in the United States. Morrocan carpets are incredible works of art, created entirely by hand with eco-friendly materials. Students will weave their own rag rug with the visiting instructors. Limited enrollment. $100 per person. A free public presentation about Amazigh culture and traditions with Moroccan mint tea takes place on Thursday, June 28 at 7:00 p.m., with the opening of the carpet exhibition and the sale beginning at 8:00 p.m. Workshop payments can be made online. Mail check or money order to Ash� Cultural Arts Center, 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70113. For more information call Tammy Terrell at (504) 569-9070. CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE REGISTRATION SITE. CELEBRATION OF THE DRUM: Featuring internationally acclaimed percussionist Hamid Drake. This celebration is a healing event using the drum and worldwide rhythms to help transform our community through art. Percussionists and drummers from around the world will take turns expressing themselves by way of the rhythms of their countries. June 30, 2012 | 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Ash� Cultural Arts Center, 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard Included in the celebration will be the drums of Africa, Brazil, India, Japan, and Ireland, as well as percussionists of the Mardi Gras Indians and featured artist Hamid Drake. Tickets are $20. Call Tammy Terrell or John Grimsley at (504) 569-9070. July 1, 2012 | 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. at Congo Square, Armstrong Park Healing Drum Circle for Peace in our Community. Drummers from around the city and those who participated in Celebration of the Drum will meet in Congo Square, along with dancers and the community, to drum for peace. The Drum Circle is free and open to the public. Call Luther Gray at (504) 495-0463. MAAFA: Commemorating the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade July 7, 2012 | 6:30 a.m. Begins at Congo Square/Armstrong Park Free and Open to the Public Maafa is a Kiswahili word that means great tragedy. This annual community-wide commemoration honors the memory of the millions of African people and their descendants who suffered or perished during the period of African capture and enslavement in America. The commemorative activities begin with greetings at 6:30 a.m. in Congo Square at Armstrong Park, 835 N. Rampart Street. A drum procession leads participants to the Tomb of the Unknown Slave at St. Augustine Church and then weaves through the French Quarter, passing the slave exchange and other related historical points of interest. The procession continues on to the Canal Street Ferry which includes a ceremony on the Mississippi River in honor of the ancestors. The procession ends at The Village at Algiers Point, 200 Patterson Avenue, where we'll be met by a Mardi Gras Indian gang. At noon, participants gather at Ash� Cultural Arts Center, 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. for food and entertainment. For more information, call (504) 569-9070.

Mother's Day Super Sale at ASHE!

at Ash� Cultural Arts Center Dear Ty, Mother's Day is Sunday, May 13, 2012. For this occasion, you'll want something real special. So why not do all your shopping at Ash� Cultural Arts Center's Diaspora International Boutique, located at 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard. We're having a BIG SALE Friday and Saturday, May 12 and 13. Shop from 10:00 a.m until 8:00 p.m. Friday and 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. Come in for 30% off all clothing and accessories. Are you an Ash� Member? Shop Thursday, May 10, 2012, at our "Members Only" preview sale. You'll find beautiful accessories, jewelry, unique clothing, books, CDs, fragrant oils and soaps, and much more. At Diaspora, our items are always priced to sell quickly, so mark your calendar for this great sale. However, if you just can't wait until the weekend, come on over today. You can still get merchandise at great prices. Call (504) 569-9070. We are eager to see you. To all you moms out there, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! from all of us at Ash� Cultural Arts Center and Diaspora International Boutique.