Blog
Youth got hands-on experience with the culinary arts in different workshops showing the diversity of food across the culture. One workshop focused on Caribbean cuisine exposing the youth to food they may never have tried before in Jamaican peas and rice and some even got in on the preparation. Our travel food event centered on a meal featuring curry and a homemade flatbread. The most well-attended was the Food for the Soul workshop highlighting American soul food staples barbeque ribs, macaroni and cheese, and cornbread. We can’t wait to hear how the youth will put their own spin on some of these recipes!
Another event highlighted both our Makerspace and the beauty of Kente cloth which is used to create clothing in many West African countries. Youth got to create their own items from a selection of different colored designs and practice with sewing machines and pattern-cutting, skills they can put to use in the Makerspace.
Our celebration culminated in the Black Excellence Bash, a Zone-wide event featuring members of Balafon West African Dance Ensemble. Auberle’s own Spiritual Director Boniface Igba led the group in a conversation about culture and community, encouraging all of us to celebrate diversity everywhere we go. The Balafon members guided everyone in a drum circle that got everyone involved whether joining in at a drum or feeling the beat at their seat. Next, they taught a choreographed dance step-by-step that kept up the energy from the drum circle. Finally, there was time for everyone to show off some of their moves in a dance circle.
We had a great time engaging youth in celebrating the contributions and achievements of African Americans in all different forms of artistic expression. Art isn't just a canvas and paint brush, art is Musa helping sew a Kente Cloth, art is Tat'talaysha grating fresh gouda cheese for a recipe. Art is adventure and we love helping the youth explore while learning new skills.
