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Nestled in the heart of Pasadena is a cultural center that has been providing a space for art, education, and community for the past 30 years. Despite its history and contributions to the community, many people are still unaware of its existence.
Describing it as a “hidden secret”, Dianne Lewis, CEO of the Alkebu-lan Cultural Center on Raymond Ave. said it provides an all-inclusive environment, where everyone is welcome.
“It’s a beautiful place. It’s diverse, it’s all inclusive. Everyone is welcome. It’s a special spot for people to come and view art, take classes and bring their children,” Lewis said.
This “hidden gem” will celebrate African American History Month throughout February, with various cultural events including the first annual Black Arts festival, a genealogy workshop, a Capoeira lecture and more.
Lewis said the series of events aim to educate the people of Pasadena and Altadena about African American history.
Capoeira
Brazilian capoeira is a unique blend of martial arts, dance, and music that has its roots in the 16th century. Developed by African slaves as a means of self-defense and expression, capoeira has since become a symbol of Brazilian culture and a beloved art form around the world.
Lewis said the Capoeira lecture on Feb. 17th will delve into the origins of the Brazilian dance in Africa.
“We will explain to the community how this Brazilian African dance came about, how it evolved, and why we call it Capoeira and where it originally started, which was Africa. Children don’t know that. They know it’s a lot of fun,” Lewis added.
Black Arts Festival
Alkebu-lan Cultural Centerording to Lewis, the first ever Black Arts festival at La Pintoresca Park on Feb. 26 will showcase African American art of all genres.
“I’ve been trying to educate the community about African American art and artists. First I started out with just the artists that lived in Pasadena. What I learned was that we have so many amazing artists in Pasadena, but they don’t necessarily have a platform or a place to showcase their art. So over the years, I’ve built and Alkebu-lan Cultural Centerumulated relationships with these artists. One of the other issues is that they want to get their art out there. They want it to be shown.”
“I thought it was a good time that we would try to do an arts festival where we bring all the artists together to showcase their art, to have an opportunity to sell their art, to teach about their art,” Lewis said.
The arts festival is a full day affair from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at La Pintoresca Park.
Some artists participating at the festival will present an artwork featuring George Floyd, the 46-year-old black man, who was killed in the city of Minneapolis by a white police officer in 2020, Lewis added.
“That art piece that will be shown will educate the community and it’s something that hopefully everyone can see. It’s a beautiful piece of art, but it’s also giving us a history of something that we don’t want to happen ever again also,” Lewis said. “We’re working on bridging some of the gaps between people. I think the arts work very well at doing that.”
Genealogy Workshop
The genealogy workshop, which will be held on every remaining Tuesday of February, on the 14th, 21st, and 28th at 1 p.m. is for people who want to know more about their family tree.
“The genealogy workshop is for those people in the community that want to find their roots, that want to find people in their family where they came from, who they are.”
Lewis added they partnered with ancestry.com for the genealogy workshop.
“I’ve done the genealogy class and I learned that my great grandmother was part Cherokee Indian. I didn’t know that. That’s why I got this curly hair. She also grew up in Oklahoma, which I never knew. Just things that will help you find the history of your family.”
For a comprehensive list of all the Black History Month events happening at Alkebu-lan Cultural Center, https://alkebu-lanculturalcenter.com/calendar
Alkebu-lan Cultural Center was established in 1989 as a community based non-profit cultural center.
“One of the things about the cultural center is we work very hard at trying to Alkebu-lan Cultural Centerumulate grants that will allow us to provide classes for the community. If you want to come take the class, you’re welcome to come and take the class, we don’t turn anyone away,” Lewis signed off.
For more information, visit: https://alkebu-lanculturalcenter.com
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