| 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"
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 Soup Are 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. |
at Ash� Cultural Arts Center
