Alkebulan Center to Unveil Ugandan Artist’s Tribute to MLK Legacy

Pasadena’s Alkebulan Cultural Center has announced a special event on Saturday, Jan. 20, combining a celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and an art exhibit featuring Ugandan artist Emmy Lu, whose creativity aims to promote cultural awareness and social advancement.

A highlight of the event is the official unveiling of “Timeless Voice,” Lu’s effort to capture the essence of MLK Jr.’s legacy. 

Dianne Lewis, Executive Director of Alkebulan Cultural Center, said the exhibit aligns with the center’s cultural and educational goals of educating the community, particularly children, about African-American history and civil rights.

“He’s an artist from Uganda, and some of his art pieces reflect the struggles that we went through and the things that Martin Luther King was fighting for,” Lewis said. “I asked him to bring pictures that he thought reflected the Civil Rights era, so that’s when he did. I wanted to reflect what we’re celebrating in Pasadena, which, right now, is the month of racial healing and bringing people together of different races, and that’s one of the things that Martin Luther King wanted us to do: to all work together as brothers and sisters.” 

Emmy Lu started painting at the age of three and developed a deep connection with African-American culture after settling in the U.S. in the early ’90s. Influences from jazz music, street culture, and life experiences characterize his art. 

Emmy Lu’s philosophy goes beyond being an artist; he considers himself a philosopher with a social and moral consciousness. 

Artworks in “Timeless Voice” will be part of a grand art auction and attendees will have the opportunity to bid on pieces of Emmy Lu’s personal collection. Lewis said 20% of the auction proceeds will contribute to the Cultural Center’s causes, supporting educational programs like the upcoming summer theater, music, and art program.

“The Center’s mission is that we educate the community about our culture, we educate our children and help them build self-esteem, help them build their academics and grow in school,” she continued. “Part of what we’re using the funds for is that in the summer we will have a theater, music, and art program, and hopefully we come up with some piece or play that we can culminate with and we will have the community come and watch what the children come up with.”

Lewis expressed her hope that the event will bring peace to the community, emphasizing the Alkebulan Cultural Center as a place for diverse individuals to come together, learn, and share experiences. The center offers various classes, including Capoeira, karate, and genealogy, with the goal of fostering unity and understanding among different races.

The private event will be held at 1435 N. Raymond Ave. between 4 and 7 p.m. 

To attend, RSVP at (626) 794-4647. For more information, visit www.alkebu-lanculturalcenter.com. 

To view some of Emmy Lu’s artwork, visit https://www.emmylufineart.com/.