Culture is an issue that has been at the forefront of many Bahamian minds for quite some time, and in a effort to maintain cultural intelligence The College/University of the Bahamas has pledged to hold several cultural events each year.
Next week the College will host its first COB Cultural Extravaganza Wednesday Feb. 20, at the Dundas Centre, Mackey Street, this event is said to be one of a kind.
"The cultural evening is basically highlighting some Bahamian talent but it's also looking at telling the journey and the story of the abolition of slavery," says Jessica Minnis, chairman of the abolition committee and one of the events organizers.
"We have Michael Pintard as the master of ceremonies, and featured artists that include Pat Rahming, Freddie Munnings Jr., the National Youth Choir, the Prodigal Sons, Anku & the Thought Catchers, the COB College Choir, Men of Means and many others."
They will also have a West African fashion show, with a Junkanoo rush out at the end, giving attendees a good mixture of art and expression.
This event is being presented by the college as part of an Abolition of The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Conference that they will be hosting next week.
According to Minnis, this event will consist of several panels and displays that will focus on the issue of the trans-atlantic slave trade. "The panelists include Dr. Joseph E. Harris, of Howard University, who is a professor of history, and an expert on Africa. He is also the director of the South African Research and Archival Project. At the conference Harris will speak on the topic global slave trade and the emergence of communities of African descent around the world.
Dr. Rosanne Adderley, a professor of history at Tulane University and author will focus on Freed Africans in The Bahamas. Mr. William Godfrey Davis, an attorney and transformative mediator, will address reparations for the peoples of the Maafa. Mr. Abd Mr. Kojo Yankah, the president of the Africa Institute of Journalism and Communications, who is also an educator and an author, will speak on the topic "Reconciliation for the peoples of the Maafa".
"The whole purpose is to focus on the issue of slavery. It's an educational event but it will also be a fun event," said Minnis.
This cost of admission for the cultural extravaganza is $20 for adults, $5 students and children. Tickets can be purchased from the Chapter One Bookstore, Thompson Blvd. All proceeds from the extravaganza will go towards establishing a chair in African Studies at COB.
*COB Cultural Extravaganza
When: Wednesday Feb. 20
Where: Dundas Centre, Mackey Street
Cost: 3 days: $450.00, day rate: $150.00
Late registration fee: $125.00
Student rate: $150.00
Student day rate: $75.00
For more information on these events contact Minnis at 397-2606 or 397-2607.
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