Acrobatics & Artifacts: Umoja Brings Black History to Life
The event was a reminder that Black people have always been strong, creative, resilient, organizers, and protestors.
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By Paula Lynn Parks
Umoja at Bakersfield College finished off Black History Month with an educational and entertaining event filled with history and acrobatics.
Dr. Khalid el-Hakim presented an informative, interactive presentation based on some of the artifacts in his extensive collection. Dr. el-Hakim has been collecting items and sharing his collection through Mobile Museum 101 for 30 years.
The Zuzu Acrobats showcased Tanzanian dance moves that included dish spinning, chair balance, hand-to-hand balance, and tumbling. They invited children from the Agape Christian Academy to participate in the limbo and dish spinning. The troupe demonstrated teamwork, strength, skill, and comedic joy!
In the museum, visitors were able to see, feel, and touch items like slave shackles and whips, KKK hoods, stereotypical ads of black monkey-like children eating watermelon and “white only” signs. History changed from what you’ve read about to an experience you can’t forget. Dr. el-Hakim shared items in the theme of marches/protest. We saw James Baldiwn’s signature, picture of Nelson and Willie Mandela, news coverage of the Million Man March, Obama campaign stickers, and Black Lives Matter signs.
The event was a reminder that Black people have always been strong, creative, resilient, organizers, and protestors.
Event was hosted by Umoja African-American Success Through Excellence and Persistence at Bakersfield College. The program is designed for African American students and offers courses, academic support, transfer help, and academic and cultural trips. For more information, contact Umoja Coordinator Dr. Parks at 661-232-0191 or [email protected].