Washington State Africa Network
Community Calendar
To submit a performance, lecture, exhibit, festival or other event, send information to Xwasan@ ibike.org (remove the "X" and space). For faster turn around please send information in the same order that you see below (sponsoring organization, name of the event, when, where, cost if any, additional details, contact information).
State Conflict, Disintegration & Self Determination
Somalia 1993 to Present: Operation United Shield & Current Conditions in
Somalia, by Frederick Michael Lorenz,
JD, LLM, Senior Lecturer, University of Washington
When: May 5th, 2008, 7-9 pm
Where: UW Communications Building, Room 120
Presented by the Ellison Center for Russian, East European and Central Asian
Studies and the Center for Global Studies.
Saturday, May 10th, 8 PM
Columbia City Theater, 4950 Rainier Ave S, Seattle WA 98144
$12
The Spirit of West Africa: West African
Music & Dance Festival
When: May 10, 2008
Where: Center House, Seattle Center
The Spirit of West Africa
brings to life the traditions of six West African countries through
exhibits, live music, dance performances, and story telling. The festival
delves into the African roots of hip hop, jazz and rock with live
performances by top local and touring artists from Ghana, Senegal,
Benin, Nigeria, Gambia and Guinea, including: Thione Diop, Awal Alhassan,
Mohammed Shaibu, Shawna Hawk and many more. Festival goers may take part
in ritual and celebratory African drum and dance workshops, learn how a
drum talks, and witness the healing drums of West African drum masters
trained since birth to serve their communities. The festival marketplace
offers shea butter and other special African beauty products. For
more information on The Spirit of West Africa, West African Music and
Dance Festival,
visit the Seattle Center website at:
http://www.seattlec
China in Africa: Implications for Development, Human Rights & the United
States, by Ambassador Robert Houdek
When: May 14th, 2008, 3:30 - 5:30 pm
Where: UW School of Law, William H. Gates Hall, Room 127
Uganda; Chief of Mission, Ethiopia,& Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for
African Affairs.
Co-sponsored by the Asian Law Center at the UW School of Law,
the African Studies Program, the Marc Lindenberg Center for Humanitarian
Action, International Development and Global Citizenship, the Center for
Global Studies, and the Department of Political Science.
"Sweet Crude" Screening
When: May 15th, 2008, 9:30 am - 12:20 pm
Where: UW School of Social Work, Room 305
A documentary about oil extraction and its impact on the Niger Delta. Followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers: Sandy Cioffi, Director, Mary Ella Keblusek, Associate Producer, & Joel Bisina, Nigerian-American colleague and advisor on the film.
Co-sponsored by the African Studies Program, the Center for International Studies, and the Program on the Environment.
Fashioning a U.S. Security Relationship with Africa
When: May 15th, 2008, 3:30 - 5:30 pm
Where: Parrington Hall Forum, Room 309
Reception following.
Co-sponsored by the African Studies Program, the Marc Lindenberg Center
for Humanitarian Action, International Development and Global Citizenship, the
Center for Global Studies, and the Department of Political Science. When: May 16th, 2008, 10:30 am - 12:00 noon Join Ambassadors Roger Meece and Robert Houdek in an informal presentation
and Q & Ambassador Meece served as Ambassador to the Republic of Malawi
and to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as Director for Central African Affairs
at the State Department, and in several Peace Corps staff assignments, as
well as Peace Corps Volunteer in Sierra Leone.
Sponsored by the African Studies Program, Jackson School of International Studies.
When: May 19th, 2008, 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm A documentary that follows young people in Nyanga township as they prepare
for their crucial "Matric" exams. Followed by a Q&A Co-sponsored by the African Studies Program, the Civic Engagement
Project, and the Global-Local Community Action Institute at the School of
Social Work. National Day: When: May 22nd, 2008, 3:30 - 5 pm Organized by the African Studies Program & the Simpson Center for the
Humanities, and co-sponsored by the Henry M. Jackson School of International
Studies, the Graduate School, the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) Public Programs
Department, and the SAM African Arts Council.
National Day: NW Folklife Festival presents: When: May 23-26, 2008
Date & Time To Be Announced (week of May 26) Seattle International Film Festival presents: Annually in late May-June.
National Day: National Day: National Day: National Day: National Day: National Day: Zimfest presents:
When: July 4-6, 2008 National Day: National Day: National Day: National Day: National Day:
National Day: National Day: National Day: National Day:
National Day: National Day:
National Day: National Day:
National Day: National Day: National Day: National Day: National Day: National Day: National Day: National Day:
National Day: National Day: National Day: National Day: National Day: Sundiata African Cultural Association
presents: When: February 16-17, 2009
Festival Sundiata, is a celebration of African and African-American art,
history & culture, showcasing the significant history and cultural
contributions of African and African-American people, both past and present.
The three-day festival features music, films, workshops, children’s
activities and more. For more information contact: Sundiata African American Festival, P.O.
Box 24723, Seattle WA 98124-0723. Tel: 206-329-8086. Or go to
National Day: National Day: National Day: National Day: National Day:
National Day: ================================ Washington State Africa Network (WASAN) presents: When: TBA All WASAN programs are open to anyone who wishes to attend. For more information email
Xwasan@ ibike.org (remove the "X"
and space) The Washington State Africa Network presents: The film is still in editing, but Andrew will show
selected footage from the film, set to the films soundtrack. Synopsis: Liemba is a study in contrast. In the port
town of Kigoma, on the west coast of Tanzania, two relics of Africa’s
turbulent past live side-by-side. The first is the MV Liemba, a passenger
and cargo ferry that has been plying the waters of Lake Tanganyika for the
past 90 years. The second is the Anglo American Corporation, a
multi-national mining company that has been taking African minerals to
Europe since 1917. Anglo American’s opulent Tanzanian base of operation is
a short distance down-shore from the dilapidated homeport of the MV Liemba
in Kigoma. Anglo American officials regularly ride on the bridge of the
Liemba, occupying regal state-rooms as they travel to oversee their
extensive mining operations in the area. Meanwhile, the indigenous Kirugu
people who inhabit the lake’s shore are left to earn what they can selling
fish, meat and produce from their dug-out canoes to the throngs of third
class passengers riding in the belly of the battered Liemba. While the
Anglo American Corporation exploits fortunes in gold, diamonds and other
mineral, the majority of Tanzanians are left with nothing but poisoned
water, scarred lands and a tattered infrastructure, dependent upon a
deteriorating ferry to carry them to a pillaged future.
Uganda; Chief of Mission, Ethiopia,& Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for
African Affairs.
Discussion with Students Interested in Foreign Service Careers
Where: Simpson Center, Communications 202
"Testing Hope: Grade 12 in the New South Africa" Screening
Where: UW School of Social Work, Room 305
Cameroon
May 20, western provinces, independence from British, eastern and northern
provinces independence from France, 1972
"'If You Call Your Plate a Potsherd.': The Postcolonial Artist and
Tradition" Obiora Udechukwa, Dana Professor of Fine Arts, St. Lawrence
University
Where: Simpson Center, Communications 202
Eritrea
May 24, independence from Ethiopia, l993
NW Folklife Festival
Where: Seattle Center, Seattle
Generally there is assort African music scattered throughout each day of the
annual four day event -- check the program available at every entrance. For details see
http://www.nwfolklife.org/P_F/Festival.html
All the performances are free, but donations to support the event are requested.
The Future of Africa and U.S. Foreign Policy, Dr.
Jendayi Frazer, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs, Department of
State
Films by or about Africans
For information on tickets see www.seattlefilm.com
, or call the box office, 206-324-9996.
Mozambique
June 25, independence from Portugal, l975
Madagascar
June 26, independence from France, l960
Djibouti
June 27, independence from France, l977
Seychelles
June 29, independence from the UK, l976
Ghana
July 1, independence from the UK, l960
Burundi & Rwanda
July 1, independence from Belgium, l962
Zimbabwean Music Festival
Where: Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA
For more information see
www.zimfest.org
Cape Verde
July 5, independence from Portugal, l975
Algeria
July 5, independence from France, l962
Malawi
July 6, independence from the UK, l964
Comoros
July 6, independence from France, l975
Liberia
July 26: founded l847
Benin
August 1, independence from France, l960
Niger
August 3, independence from France, l960
Burkina Faso
August 5, independence from France, l960
Cote d'Ivoire
August 7, independence from France, l960
Chad
August 11, independence from France, l960
Central African Republic
August 13, independence from France, l960
Congo (Brazzaville)
August 15, independence from France, l960
Gabon
August 17, independence from France, l960
Swaziland
September 6, independence from the UK, l968
Mali
September 22, independence from France, l960
Guinea Bissau
September 24, independence from Portugal, l973
Nigeria
October 1, independence from the UK, l960
Guinea
Lesotho
Uganda
Equatorial Guinea
Zambia
Morocco
November 18, independence from France, l956
Mauritania
November 28, independence from France, l960
Tanzania
December 9, independence from the UK, l961
Kenya
December 12, independence from the UK, l963
Festival Sundiata
Where: Seattle Center House, Upper Level
Free admission.
http://www.seattlecenter.com/events/festivals/default.asp
or call Seattle Center Customer Services: 206- 684-7200.
Gambia
Feb. 18, independence from the UK, l965
Ghana
March 6, independence from the UK, l957
Ghanaian Association of Greater Seattle generally hosts an
Independence Day celebration.
Mauritius
March 12, independence from the UK, l968
Tunisia
March 20, independence from France, l956
Namibia
March 21, independence from South Africa, l990
Togo
April 27, independence from France, l960
Sierra Leone
April 27, independence from the UK, l961
Monthly Meeting, Africa Film Program &
Discussion
Where: Safeco Jackson Street Center, E Main St, between 23 & 24th, Suite
200.
7:00 Business meeting
7:30 film and discussion:
Free, the public is welcome!
Liemba: The Making of an African Documentary
Hidmo Eritrean Restaurant:
African Music Night
Every Sunday, 8-10 pm (as of May 2005),
2000 S. Jackson St, Seattle, WA. 206-329-1534.
Free Admission,
Nonsmoking venue.
Live African music and east African cuisine. Come join the fun in a
"house-party" atmosphere where the performers let their hair down and try
out new things.
KEXP
Radio, Seattle WA:
"The Best Ambiance" with Jon Kertzer
Every Monday, 6 pm - 9 pm, KEXP FM 90.3 Public Radio
BOO Radio, Portland OR
"Africa on Fire!"
African Dance Class:
Awal Alhassan
Traditional dances of his native Ghana and West Africa. Movements are fun
and energetic for dancers of all levels. Sweat, smile, and celebrate!!
SEATTLE- Dance: Wednesday Evenings in Madrona: 7:30-9pm at Spectrum Dance Theater, 800
Lake Washington Blvd, $14 drop-in. Sunday Mornings on Capitol Hill,
10:15-11:45am at Velocity Dance Center (Mainspace- second floor) 915 E Pine
Street. $15 drop-in. Punch cards available for a discount.
OLYMPIA- Dance and Drum: One Saturday afternoon per month at Fusion Dance Studios. 302 Columbia St
NW Drum 3-4:30, Dance 4:45-6:15. $15 each, $25 for both. Check website or
contact for upcoming dates. More information at
http://www.sohoyini.com.
Questions? Call 206-902-7379 or email info @sohoyini.com.
African Dance Class:
Etienne Cakpo
Etienne Cakpo & Siri Wood: Gansango Music & Dance,
Contemporary & Traditional West African Dance & Music. Wednesdays, 10:00-11:30 am, Open Flight Studio, 4205 University Way NE,
Seattle. For more information:
http://www.gansango.com,
gansango@yahoo.com, 206-417-4679
African Dance Class:
Sarah Lee and Karim Koumbassa
West African Dance classes every Monday night with Sarah Lee
teaching, and Thursday night with Karim teaching, from 7:30-9pm at Planet Earth
Yoga in Fremont:
www.planetearthyoga.com. $14 for 1 class, $60 for a 5 session VIP card
($12/class), $100 for a 10 session VIP card
($10/class)
In addition, Sarah Lee teaches Friday night West African Dance classes in West Seattle at Allstar Fitness from 7:15-8:30pm. Your first class at Allstar is free, after that it costs $15 for a day pass, and you can use the facility the whole day. Email sarahlee@ oneworlddance.com for more information.
African Dance Class:
Lara McIntosh,
Wassa Dance
(formerly Positive
Sweat)
Afro-fusion classes with
wonderful live music on Sundays. All levels and drop ins welcome! Basic classes: Wed., Fri., Sat.- 9-10 a.m.
and Tues., Thurs - 6:15-7:30. Wassa's Lab: Tues., Thurs. 7:30-8:30 p.m.
and Sunday Morning Groove with live
music 10-11:30 a.m. All classes in ARC Ballet
Studios in the Crown Hill School Building, 9250 14th NW, north Ballard.
www.wassadance.com or 206-284-9473
African Dance Class:
African/Funk Dance
Every Tuesday 7PM – 8PM, 1701 23rd Ave. (corner of 23rd and E. Olive) Capitol
Hill, across from the Ebenezer Church,
parking on E. Olive. This class is designed for the
sole purpose of toning, burning calories, and strengthening your body while
having as much fun as possible. Work at your own pace and take water breaks as
you need. High energy rhythms set the tone as Eric Wilson leads you through
various dance styles (African, funk), core strengthening, and stretching. This
class focuses on safe and controlled movements. You can take the class bare foot
or bring indoor dance shoes for the new wood padded floor. $12 per class or
3-class card for $30. All level class, bring water, matt, and towel. Call 206-579-6880 or visit
http://www.compfit.com for more information.
African Dance Class:
Afua N’Diaye
West African dance classes from Senegal on Fridays at Seattle Central
Community College on Broadway. Two classes: Beginners 5:30p-6:30p and all
levels 7p-8:30p. The facility is beautiful with a great wooden floor. If you
are interested, please contact Afua by calling her at 206-722-6602, or emailing
her at:
afua@ qwest.net or visiting her website:
www.planetafua.com
Waid's:
Africa Night
Every 2nd Saturday of the
month (as or Aug 2007), 1212 E Jefferson St, Seattle, WA. For details see
http://www.myspace.com/seattleafrica
Zobel:
The African Knights Freedom Reggae Band
Every Thursday, 10pm - 2am (as of Feb 2004), 1219 E. Jefferson St. between 12th & 13th
Cover charge: $5.
For more information 206-323-1408
Maya Soleil:
Maya Soleil Afro-World Fusion
Several times most months (see website), Blaine to Portland
Shows are classified as Maya Soleil Traditions (Pan-African acoustic
group) or Maya Soleil Afro-World Fusion (electric ensemble). All events are
smoke-free.
For more information: Email: mayasoleil@ mindspring.com Web site:
http://www.mayasoleil.com
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