January 15, 1999
By Brigitte Glover
As we enter Black History month, notice the various events and choices we have around town to recognize the contributions of Africans and African Americans in the U.S. and abroad. But let's not be limited to one month, let's enjoy learning the history throughout the year.
Open Mic, Open Mind, Spoken Word, a Black History Celebration, every Wednesday during the month of February from 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. at the Malcolm X Library, 5148 Market Street.
I recently had the opportunity to talk to Chuck Ambers of the Casa del Rey Moro Museum in San Diego's Old Town. This is a man with a mission and his efforts benefit all of us in a museum which serves as a goldmine for the entire community, including students and researchers alike. He is steadily teaching African and African Diaspora-related world history, every day of the year, teaching the truth and leading by example. Over 6,000 years of African world history, including books, video and audio tapes. Tours and interviews are conducted regularly. 2471 Congress Street, San Diego Ph. 220-0022.
We have the World Beat Cultural Center to thank for a celebration in the memory of Martin Luther King, Jr., which featured guest speakers and music in Balboa Park on January 18th. Impressive performances included Jah Word, Zionic, Revelations, Capoiera Angola (African Brazilian martial arts), the World Beat Tabia Children's Theater, drummers, jazz and gospel music.
Worldbeat Productions & Moss Jacobs Presents bring the 18th annual Bob Marley Day and Black History Celebration to San Diego, "Healing the World Thru Music," on Monday, February 15th, featuring Alpha Blondy, Gregory Issacs, Israel Vibration, Beenie Man, Don Carlos, Mikey Dread, Sister Carol, Twinkle Brothers, Laurel Atkins and the N.Y. Ska-Jazz Ensemble Ras Shiloh and Japanese reggae artists, Zion High. Tickets available through Ticket-master or call 230-1190 for further information.
Don't miss the 7th Annual Brazil Carnaval 1999 which takes place on February 14th at the U.S. Grant Hotel, main ballroom, 326 Broadway, Downtown. Witness the beauty inside the hotel as it is transformed into a tropical paradise with Brazilian bands, a costume contest, silent auction and an electrifying Capoiera show. Experience Carnaval "Brazilian Style" and dance to rhythms from Rio to Bahia. For tickets call (619) 275-4114 or www.brazilcarnival.com.
As global aggression intensifies, San Diego continues to work toward assisting newly arrived refugees from various African nations. Educate yourself by becoming familiar with people of various backgrounds and truly learn the culture. You can utilize your area of expertise or creative talents by volunteering your time and working to assist those in need. The following San Diego based organizations could really benefit from your involvement: Alliance for African Assistance, (619) 282-2318; Eritrean Community, (619) 586-1579; Ethiopian Community, (619) 282-1321; Horn of Africa, (619) 563-1321; International Rescue Committee (619) 641-7510; Sudanese Community Association (619) 229-0745; St. Luke Refugee Network (619) 220-8797.
Get your reggae groove on every Thursday night the Backstage Nightclub located at 62nd and Imperial Avenue, San Diego, CA 619/263-2993.
DJ Handgun is in the house with reggae every Friday night at Harbor Nights, 2901 Nimitz Boulevard, Point Loma, 619/523-5656.
G Lounge, 2228 Bacon Street, Ocean Beach 619/222-8131, Reggae every Sunday with Carlos Culture and Pegasus High Power.
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