in this issue

Fashions, Soul Food and a Storyteller
Ended Black History Month at DO

Throughout the month of February, the Maricopa County Community College District Diversity Committee planned activities and displays that celebrated the rich cultural heritage and contributions of African Americans. The events of the month were effectively triumphed in the luncheon and fashion show on February 22, emceed by Ralph Thompson, Coordinator of Prospect Research for the Maricopa Foundation.

Guests were treated to a "soulful experience of home cooking, Southern style" from Bev's Kitchen of fried chicken, fried pork chops, red beans and rice, green beans and cornbread topped off with a perfect peach cobbler.

 

Joy Hanton, Terresa Toney, Joshua Mackey, Lois Garland, Dolores King and Brachelle Pennington.

Colorful fashions from the House of Miasia were modeled by Joy Hanton, Terresa Toney, Brachelle Pennington, Joshua Mackey, Dolores King and Lois Garland. Each model presented four different ethnic outfits as Miasia Pasha, owner of the House of Miasia, described each of the fashions. As promised, the fashions tantalized "your senses with unique, imported ethnic fashions for both men and women."

While both the food and the fashions were outstanding highlights of the luncheon, the audience was definitely moved when Dr. Arnette Ward, President of Chandler-Gilbert Community College, began the luncheon with the Negro National Anthem, "Lift Every Voice and Sing Till Earth and Heaven Ring."

The fashion show was followed with an explanation of "KWANZAA," by storyteller Hannah Harrison. "Kwanzaa," said Harrison, "is a unique African American celebration with focus on the traditional African values of family, community, responsibility, commerce and self-improvement."

Harrison explained that Kwanzaa is neither political nor religious nor a substitute for Christmas. It is celebrated from December 26 through January 1 and was founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga. Kwanzaa is based on Nguzo Saba, the seven guiding principles, one for each day of the observance: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, purpose, creativity and faith.

Harrison also delighted the audience with stories that reflected some of the guiding principles of the Kwanzaa. Luncheon and Fashion Show guests received a copy of the story of Kwanzaa and a calendar, which is a journey into 365 days of Black History. For each day of the year, the calendar highlights a specific African American history item.