Molefi Kete Asante Institute in Germantown
A new resource has arrived in Germantown, and it’s for everyone. For parents who want to learn more about African culture and pass it on to their kids. For teachers, who want to incorporate and enrich their world history curriculum. For homeschooling families, who need research guidance through structured classes. Essentially, it’s for anyone with a desire to learn more about African contributions through a holistic worldview. What an amazing idea, a Think Tank! There are 7,000 of them worldwide and four thousand in the U.S. The Molefi Kete Asante Institute is the first of it’s kind in Phily.
The MKA Institute is a non-profit, non-partisan, educational and cultural organization whose mission is to “Develop a framework and practice for intellectual and cultural capital within the African world community.” This think tank is here to stimulate local and global change through research, instruction, advocacy and professional development.
Established in 2011, the Molefi Kete Asante Institute opened its doors to the public earlier this year. It offers a variety of innovative educational programs for youths, individuals and groups.
As the founder of the theory of Afrocentricity and creator of the 1st Ph.D. Program in African American Studies, Professor Asante has written extensively, with articles and books too numerous to name. The Institute is a continuation of his work as well as the work of Dr. Ama Mazama, Ph.D.
Asante credits the institution’s decision to set roots in Germantown to Gtown’s rich history, heritage and the idea that “Germantown is the New Harlem of the African World. There’s no better place in Philadelphia than Germantown, that emphasizes culture, populated by artists of all types, entrepreneurs and intellectuals.” He is not alone in his sentiments. In the heart of Germantown, the space is newly renovated, filled with light, books and resources. Parents and their children are welcome to visit, inquire, and learn.
On Saturday May 21st, Dr. Asante will lead a session on The African Origin of Language and Writing. A fascinating component to language study or to pique the curiosity of any parent (or teacher) interested in the history of oral and written language. Best of all it’s free; you just have to register in advance.
To Pre-register and for a list of scheduled events, visit:
www.afrocentricityinternational.com
Northwest Philly Parents is a partnership between Newsworks and Germantown Avenue Parents.
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