TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

A Cultural Celebration

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 11, 2009

LAKE MAGDALENE - In a packed room within Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, the Kuumba Dancers and Drummers recently offered a taste of African culture.

The event took place on Feb. 1, which is the first day of Black History Month. The nonprofit troupe, which was founded in 1980 by Myron and Natalie Jackson, provided cultural sounds and dances from different parts of Africa. The group features a range of performers from seasoned dancers to young children.

The troupe's performance included Myron Jackson reciting his poem "One's Love."

Also taking part was Patricia Haley, a Catholic nun who participated in the civil rights movement. She offered historical accounts of meeting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks.

Darlene Harris, adult program coordinator for Hillsborough County Library System, said the library system has hosted the event for several years to educate the public on culture and because it brings in a big crowd.

"Dance and culture always entertains, and you learn so much history," Harris said.

During February, libraries throughout the county will host events in commemoration of Black History Month.

Jessica Balanza
BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENTS

•"Faith, Scholarship, Service: Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune," 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Upper Tampa Bay Regional Public Library, 11211 Countryway Blvd., and 11 a.m. Feb. 28, Seminole Heights Branch Library, 4711 Central Ave.

•Musical Explosion Tour, 2 p.m. Feb. 22, John F. Germany Library, 900 N. Ashley Drive.

•"Legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen: Retired Lt. Col. Dr. Hiram E. Mann," 7 p.m. Feb. 24, Jan. K. Platt Regional Library, 3910 S. Manhattan Ave.; 2 p.m. Feb. 25, SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin; and 7 p.m. Feb. 25, New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd.

•"Take Me Out To The Ballgame: American Negro Baseball League," 2 p.m. Feb. 28, John F. Germany Public Library, 900 N. Ashley Drive.

•"Music of Duke Ellington: In a Mellow Tone," 3:30 p.m. Feb. 28, West Tampa Branch Library, 2312 W. Union St.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT