“Culture is the process which gives people a general design for living and the pattern for interpreting their reality. If culture is a pattern for interpreting reality and you are following white culture, then your conception of reality is European centered, which means that you will work in the best interest of Europeans because this has become your reality.”
Dr. Wade Noble
Every race has a soul, and the soul of that race finds expression in its institutions. We as a people, particularly within this geographical region, have a Black Embassy called the African Cultural Art Forum (ACAF).
Yes, it is true that under certain circumstances, many of us won’t go back to Africa to reside or even visit, for that matter. ACAF reminds us that Africa is within us and that wherever we may find ourselves, we have the innate ability to generate and produce African culture.
Sisters and Brothers, if you have not already visited ACAF in the heart of West Philadelphia, I implore that you place it on your immediate agenda. ACAF is a place where you will gain strength and overwhelming empowerment just by walking in the front door.
ACAF is a place where you find reflections of yourself and Mother Africa. ACAF is a place where you feel the warmth, art, hospitality, wisdom, history, and the antidotes and cures for the illness of a ‘Derailed Culture.’
Entering the threshold of ACAF reinforces a needed healing process that enables us to stand tall, take a deep breath, lift our Black, beautiful heads up, and embrace the cultural ammunition needed to restore our rightful place on our thrones.
The African Cultural Art Forum is located at 221 S. 52nd Street, (Chancellor) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
There is no possible way that you can ride or walk by ACAF without taking notice of the magnificent artwork adorned on the front edifice of the, historical building. A short glance or intimate study reveals powerful images of West African Adinkra symbols, accompanied by iconic images of Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, and, of course, traditional and modern Black families. Literally, thousands of African pedestrians and neighborhood residents experience the power of those mighty and vibrant images without even entering the building.
Unlike certain businesses, ACAF gives customers a variety of items, from beautiful authentic African wooden sculptures and masks to Jamaican Sea Moss, organic honey, Gyarko pepper, natural coco powder, and delicious coffee from Cameroon.
On the shelves and walls of ACAF, we can find scented and pure Shea Butter, peppermint body wash, coconut oil, Black soap, scented incense, fresh sage, frankincense, Kwanzaa Kinara’s, and candles.
ACAF also has an amazing collection of artwork that adorns the walls. Customers can find dashikis, drums, wooden Ankhs, African jewelry, hand-crafted bags, assorted collections of necklaces, wrist bands, and Red, Black, and Green Flags. We also can find Black-conscious DVDs, Black History calendars, propaganda of upcoming community events, and, of course, the latest editions of SCOOP USA Newspaper!
ACAF also offers free lecture series and African historical and Cultural presentations for the community.
The success and endurance of the family-operated ACAF has not been an easy road. One of the proud founders, 84-year-old Baba Rashid Abdul Samad, informed me that “they would not be where they are today if not for the love and support of the Black community.”Baba Rashid and his brother, Sharif Abdul Rahim, sat down with me and unfolded elements of the journey of building such a strong, respected, sovereign institution
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