The Afropolitan Experience

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!!! WE NEED YOU!!! Dance4Africa is annual...

Sat, 16 Jun 2012 10:43:00 -0400

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!!! WE NEED YOU!!!

Dance4Africa is annual celebration of African arts and dance. Held in Houston, TX the goal is to raise awareness and monetary support for incredible organizations, projects and companies who are making the life of the common African better. We hand-select a reputable project that has shown a record of excellence and productivity in their work.

As you may well know by now, this is the ultimate pride of our work here at The Afropolitan Experience. It is our passion, our purpose and without which we do not exist. WE DO THIS ALL TO SEE THE LIFE OF THE COMMON AFRICAN IMPROVE!!!

There will be fun, there will be art, there will be dance, BUT with a rock-solid purpose.

With that said, consider joining us to make this year’s Dance4Africa 1 2 remember.

Here are areas you can put in work:

Social media - We need a group of dedicated warriors that will help spread the word of Dance4Africa all over the social media world (facebook, twitter, tumblr, google+, etc). You’re online anyways, you know?! ;)
Hospitality - With this one, you kinda have to be based in Houston. So, we have some pretty important guests coming for this year’s event and we want to make sure they are treated with the respect that is due them. Do you have a killer smile and the warmest presence? If so, this area is perfect for you.
Sponsorship - Do you know a small business, work for a company that will love to and/or know someone whose deep pockets can help support this work? If you do, consider joining us to help back this project. - Lack of money is the root of all evil, so we gotta have it ‘cause we’re really good. Oh and btw, we do operate under tax-exempt status, so yes, they can write it off ;)

If interested, email info@theafropolitanexperience.com with the subject “volunteer”.

I know these are pressing needs the team is dealing with at the moment. I’ll keep you updated with more opportunities as they arise.

This year’s event is tentatively scheduled for Friday, November 16 2012. We’re currently working on a website that will give you more info.

Best,

George Ukomadu

Founder, CEO The Afropolitan Experience

A spirit of unity and support for the rapid emergence of...

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 12:51:00 -0400

A spirit of unity and support for the rapid emergence of Nigerian-American relations was alive at NAMC’s 1^st Annual Fundraising Gala on Friday, June 8^th, 2012. The inaugural event, held in Houston, TX at the Galleria-Sheraton Suites, proved to be a spectacular success for the growing organization that brought out major power players from all walks of life to reflect on building successful milestones between the United States of America and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Isaiah Carey of Fox 26 News was the emcee for the evening.

The theme of the inaugural celebration, “A Night to Transform”, illustrated the initiative of NAMC (Nigerian-American Multicultural Center) to combine celebration with cultural, community and diplomatic awareness, while striving towards meeting the organization’s future goals, including a two million dollar campaign to open Houston’s official Nigerian-American Cultural Center.

An official proclamation issued by the City of Houston was presented to NAMC by Houston City Council Member, Jack Christie (sealed by Mayor Annise Parker). In the proclamation, Mayor Parker states, “Houston has been enriched by the presence and contributions its citizens of Nigerian descent, and recognizes their important role in the cultural, civic, economic and spiritual life of our community.”

Gala attendees were stimulated with a full, live ambiance of Nigerian culture all evening long with dinner, ethnic dance presentations, a high profile fashion showcase, and ladies’ headgear (Gele) tying tutorial.

NAMC President, Yemi Koyejo, recognized three major organizations (AFREN, Oriental Energy Resource Limited, Amni Interational Petroleum Development Company Limited) during the awards segment for their significant monetary and professional support of NAMC’s past and future initiatives. Proceeds from the gala will also contribute to signature NAMC projects, including young professional outreach for college graduates and young adults, executive roundtable seminars, and the Expanding Horizons’ Career Discovery forum for high school students.

The major highlight of the evening was two featured keynote addresses delivered by U.S. Congresswoman, Sheila Jackson-Lee, and Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States of America, Professor Adebowale Adefuye.

In Jackson-Lee’s address, she recognized her own personal love and admiration for the nation of Nigeria, dating back to her days as a young woman studying in Lagos at the University of Nigeria-Lagos. The congresswoman stated that she “did not wait to go (to Nigeria) with status”, and now she considers herself “A daughter of Nigeria”. During her address, Jackson-Lee acknowledged some of the major highs and lows occurring in Africa’s fastest growing economy, including the recent tragedy with the Dana Air crash.

A moment of silence was paid in respect to the loss of Jennifer and Josephine Onita, two Houston-Area residents who perished in the flight crash that claimed the lives of more than 153 passengers and individuals on the ground on Sunday, June 3rd. Ambassador Adefuye maintained the tempo set by Congresswoman Lee in his address.

He recognized the progression of Nigerian to American relations, yet challenges that both societies must continue to support one another. Adefuye believes that the future of Nigeria rest in the future generations, especially within the extended of Nigeria-Americans. Ambassador Adefuye cited the young adults from the evening’s earlier dance presentation as key example. He jokingly expressed to the crowd that he bets a few of them have never set foot in Nigeria, but their desire “to know” and discover their heritage is what keeps them motivated to support their extension homeland.

Many of the evening’s guests were overall very pleased and moved by the segment of events for the ceremony, organized by professional planner, Doyin Fashakin, and brought together by 2012 gala committee members Goldie Erowele, Ama Love, Yemi Oyedeji and President Koyejo.

Gala Attendee, Sope Willoughby praised NAMC’s success and stated, “With all of the negative press about Nigeria, it was great to witness the positive aspects of (the) culture.” Attendee Deanna Tinnin also reflected that NAMC is “heading in the right direction” and “there is more than just a black and white America” when reflecting on the cultural influence of international relations in the United States.

Written by: Ivuoma Okoro

-ivuoma@theafropolitanexperience.com-

Marvin Gaye #BlackMusicMonth

Sat, 09 Jun 2012 10:55:07 -0400

Marvin Gaye #BlackMusicMonth

Lauryn Hill #BlackMusicMonth

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 10:57:00 -0400

Lauryn Hill #BlackMusicMonth

Nina Simone #BlackMusicMonth

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 11:01:14 -0400

Nina Simone #BlackMusicMonth

Sade #BlackMusicMonth

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 10:58:14 -0400

Sade #BlackMusicMonth

Nneka #BlackMusicMonth

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 10:56:00 -0400

Nneka #BlackMusicMonth

#Fela #BlackMusicMonth

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 10:57:36 -0400

#Fela #BlackMusicMonth

Curtis Mayfield #BlackMusicMonth

Sun, 03 Jun 2012 15:00:47 -0400

Curtis Mayfield #BlackMusicMonth

Youssou N’Dour #BlackMusicMonth

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 10:55:44 -0400

Youssou N’Dour #BlackMusicMonth

Mama Afrika #BlackMusicMonth

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 10:57:01 -0400

Mama Afrika #BlackMusicMonth

nadia-love: Happy Birthday to the late great Dr. Betty...

Mon, 28 May 2012 19:01:03 -0400

nadia-love:

Happy Birthday to the late great Dr. Betty Shabazz. Fierce activist, educator, mother of 6 daughters and widow of Malcolm X. Born on this day in 1934 in Detroit, Michigan.

Jazz legend Miles Davis (May 26, 1926 - September 28, 1991)

Sat, 26 May 2012 16:11:08 -0400

Jazz legend Miles Davis (May 26, 1926 - September 28, 1991)

The talented Basquiat

Sat, 26 May 2012 02:22:17 -0400

The talented Basquiat

Bliss sweetzee-chronicles: John Holyfield ~ Drfiting

Fri, 25 May 2012 12:53:54 -0400

Bliss

sweetzee-chronicles:

John Holyfield ~ Drfiting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Three-Time Tony Award Winning...

Sun, 20 May 2012 23:29:41 -0400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Three-Time Tony Award Winning Production FELA!

Comes to Houston’s Jones Hall

for Limited Engagement - June 5-10, 2012,

Presented by Society for the Performing Arts

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

HOUSTON (March 29, 2012) – Society for the Performing Arts (SPA) proudly presents one of the most critically acclaimed musicals to ever hit Broadway—three-time Tony Award Winner FELA! The performance schedule is as follows: Tuesday-Friday, June 5-8 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, June 9 at 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; and Sunday, June 10 at 2 p.m. in Jones Hall. Tickets are ON SALE NOW! Ticket prices range from $30-$80 and may be purchased online at www.spahouston.org, by phone at 713-227-4772 or at the courtyard level ticket office at Jones Hall located at 615 Louisiana St. Hours of operation: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Friday, and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday. For groups of 15 or more, call 713-632-8113.

FELA! is a provocative hybrid of dance, theater and music that explores the extravagant and rebellious world and life of Afrobeat legend, Nigerian musician and Human Rights activist Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Firebrand, iconoclast, brilliant composer – Fela used his extraordinary music as a vehicle to express his disenchantment with the military regimes in his native Nigeria. Fela’s pioneering music and soulful Afrobeat rhythms (a blend of jazz, funk and African rhythm and harmonies) also ignited a sea of change in 20^th century music. FELA! is a triumphant tale of courage, passion and love, featuring Kuti’s captivating music and the visionary direction and choreography of Tony-Award® winner Bill T. Jones.

Inspired by his mother, a civil rights champion, Kuti defied a corrupt and oppressive military government and devoted his life and music to the struggle for freedom and human dignity. Throughout his life, he paid a steep price for his courage in the face of powerful and implacable enemies with numerous arrests and countless beatings.

Fela’s legacy and his music, that is now available globally, was a true testament of incredible courage in the face of opposition. His message of transparency, honest government and justice for all is still as relevant today as it was four decades ago – in Nigeria and globally.

FELA! received its world premiere Off-Broadway in September 2008, where it won the Lucille Lortel Award for Best Musical, before transferring to Broadway’s Eugene O’Neill Theatre in November 2009 where its

accolades included three 2010 Tony Awards®, for Best Choreography, Best Costume Design, Best Sound Design, and an Astaire Award for Bill T. Jones’ choreography.

During its critically acclaimed, hugely successful run on Broadway FELA! was praised by Ben Brantley of The New York Times exclaiming “There should be dancing in the streets. There has never been anything on Broadway like this production.” FELA! has been hailed as “an exuberant celebration” by the Associated Press, “an ecstatic phenomenon” by Time Out New York and “one of the most original and exciting shows” by The New York Daily News.

FELA! is directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner, and Kennedy Center honoree Bill T. Jones, with a book by Jim Lewis and Bill T. Jones, and music and lyrics by Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Conceived by Bill T. Jones, Jim Lewis and Stephen Hendel, the design and Tony Award winning costumes are by Marina Draghici, lighting design by Robert Wierzel and the Tony Award winning sound design by Robert Kaplowitz.

FELA!, produced by Shawn ‘Jay-Z’ Carter, Will & Jada Pinkett Smith, and Stephen and Ruth Hendel, is currently on the North American leg of its tour following successful engagements in London and Amsterdam.

About Society for the Performing Arts

Founded in 1966, Society for the Performing Arts (SPA) is the largest independent non-profit presenting organization in the Southwest. Since its inception, SPA has sponsored more than 900 performances of the world’s finest music, dance and theater events, in adherence to the belief that the arts are fundamental to the overall enrichment and quality of life within the community. In addition to presenting artists, SPA seeks to provide a variety of learning experiences for adults and children through master classes, lectures and special student performances, as well as build relationships between the performing arts and other interests within the greater Houston area and throughout the state of Texas.

therasberryexperience: Honoring the birthdate of the late great...

Sat, 19 May 2012 19:09:43 -0400

therasberryexperience:

Honoring the birthdate of the late great Malcolm X/El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz - May 19, 87 years ago. I wonder what he’d be like today.

“I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it’s for or against.”

OKA News: Win Tix to The Roots Picnic, Joakim Noah on Fela Kuti, Jay Z's DJ Young Guru in South Africa + more!

Fri, 18 May 2012 08:07:01 -0400

OKA News: Win Tix to The Roots Picnic, Joakim Noah on Fela Kuti, Jay Z's DJ Young Guru in South Africa + more!:

Jeremy Boateng @D1models for FAB Magazine Noir Issue styled by...

Fri, 18 May 2012 08:01:33 -0400

Jeremy Boateng @D1models for FAB Magazine Noir Issue styled by the ever amazing Alexis London.

(via iammsd)

Ida is a Social Entrepreneur and a Development Consultant. She...

Thu, 17 May 2012 20:37:24 -0400

Ida is a Social Entrepreneur and a Development Consultant. She is the founder of Ethnic Supplies Ltd an online Social enterprise that enables East African women involved in handicrafts and textile production access western markets with their wares.

She is the founder and Chairperson of a community development charity LET THEM HELP THEMSELVES OUT OF POVERTY that works to address day to day community challenges in Ruhanga SW Uganda.

Ida has a keen interest in business as a tool for fighting poverty and is listed as an expert contributor to the BUSINESS FIGHTS POVERTY platform.

She has served on several international panels as a speaker on challenges that face African women both at home and in the diaspora, Inclusive Business, Social Enterprise, these have included the African Diaspora conference in Tripoli, and the Home is best Summit in Uganda, Villages in Action conference in Masindi Uganda, the Business Fights poverty event series as well as a guest appearance VOX Africa’s SHOOT THE MESSENGER a current affair TV programme with broadcaster Henry Bonsu.

WEBSITES: www.ethncisupplies.co.uk, www.africaontheblog.com, www.lethemhelpthemselves.org; www.idahorner.com
Twitter: @ethnicsupplies, @idahorner and @LTHT
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ethnicsupplies https://www.facebook.com/groups/10917088863/