U. Museum hosts African cultural fair

Residents of Philadelphia and surrounding communities flocked to the University Museum Saturday afternoon, cramming its galleries and classrooms to take part in the sixth annual Celebration of African Cultures. The event featured a number of performing arts groups, themed workshops and craft displays offered by collectors and vendors from the Delaware Valley and New Jersey. Dance performances included exhibitions by the Spirit of Sankofa Performing Arts Company and the Women's Sekere Ensemble. Gospel music was provided by the Freedom Choir of Philadelphia while the jazz quartet Everafter played several sets through the afternoon. Earle Brown of WRTI's "Jazz Journeys" hosted a live broadcast from the Museum, including events and music from the celebration. The FM jazz station co-sponsored the event with the University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. "I think this is a good event because it draws a lot of people from the community into the Museum," said College senior Abigail Leafe, who works at the Museum. "I've seen a few of my classmates here," said Sita Battle, a young West Philadelphia student. "I think it's great how everybody gets together to see one common thing," said her younger brother Antonio Battle. Although visitors enjoyed the opportunity to taste samples of various African styles of cooking and be entertained by the various performers, education seemed to be the order of the day. Visitors had the opportunity to attend a hair-braiding presentation, a lecture on African textiles, a tie-dying display, a wood carving exhibition, several jewelry-making demonstrations and instructional dance workshops led by the dance troupe Children of Shango and dancer Van Williams. In a Museum classroom, members of Rainbow Child International entertained parents and children alike with storytelling, dancing and rhythm games that encouraged both creativity and group participation. Local author Debra Dean was also on hand to read from her recently published children's book The Adventures of Abiola. "We wanted to use this story as an educational tool, to provide all children with information on African-American history," said Dean. Farther down the hall, vendors offered their goods and services to visitors, with items ranging from kente cloth and brightly patterned vests to oracle readings and authentic artifacts. Standing behind a table of masks, carvings, shields and other crafts, New Jersey resident Sitta Keita patiently answered questions about his collection from the crowds of curious bystanders. "I bring pieces back and forth from Africa to the United States," he told them. "I'm not sure if you could call it a hobby -- but I like doing it," he added with a smile.