Authentic Ife Sculptures Coming to Virginia Museum of Fine Arts on February 12, 2011

The African Community Network is excited to be a part of the the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts' (VMFA) upcoming Ife Art Exhibit. The Ife art exhibit at the VMFA represents the first-ever showing of this phenomenal collection of copper, brass and terrocatta head sculptures from the Ife Kingdom in Southwest Nigeria.

This culturally exquisite and rare exhibit will open at the VMFA on February 12, 2011 to the festivities of African music, dancing, and storytelling, to be followed by exhibit tours (Self-guided tours are free). It's a once-in-a-lifetime educational and cultural experience for the entire family.

To learn more about the VMFA Ife Art Exhibit, please click here .

To learn more about the specific exhibit tours and hours, please visit here.

Happy Holidays from the ACN! Merry Christmas and Happy Kwanzaa.

Today's Kwanzaa Principle: Kujichagulia, which means Self Determination in Swahili.

What does self determination mean to you?

Yesterday's principle: Umoja, which means Unity.

Let us all come together to improve the lives of our families, children, nation and all of humanity.

Eritrea leading the world in tackling HIV/AIDS

A time to reflect around World AIDS Day. Eritrea, a nation of 5.2 million people and nine nationalities located in East Africa and bordered by Sudan in the North, Ethiopia in the South, Djibouti in the Southeast, and the Red Sea in the East and Northeast, is conquering its AIDS crisis through social awareness. Let all the nations follow.

ACN Supports Liberia and her President During Visit to Richmond, VA

ACN Helps Welcome Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to Richmond!

ACN members welcomed Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to Richmond, VA on Sunday, Nov. 7! President Sirleaf was adorned in regal green African attire as the Liberian Association of Virginia, Virginia Union University (VUU) officials, Richmond and Petersburg city government officials and friends of Liberia gathered in a Sunday worship service, recognizing the spiritual and social leadership of women, such as Sirleaf. President Sirleaf is the first female to be elected president of Liberia, a nation once plagued with strife and now, under President Sirleaf's leadership, facing a more prosperous future in areas of educational, economical, social and political progression.

Sirleaf infused the love for her nation and a call for partnership and support in her remarks to the congregation at VUU, a day after speaking to a full house at the Richmond Forum. Her peaceful yet passionate tone filled Coburn Hall at VUU as the young and the wise held on to her words of hope and positive transformation. She told the audience of Richmonders and Liberians that their support for her nation was not only wanted, but needed, and she urged them to be a part of change. Her remarks followed celebratory African drumming, harmonic singing by Liberian Association of Virginia choir, a history presentation given by area youth honoring Joseph Jenkins Roberts, the founding father of Liberia and its first president, and a powerfully poignant sermon led by VUU Dean of the School of Theology, Rev. John Kinney. The sound and beauty of Africa filled the air as ACN drummers poured out their love for Liberia and its leadership, welcoming President Sirleaf and then seeing her off with the rythm and beats of the Mother Land.

ACN Shares Culture and Uplifts the Community

The African Community Network (ACN) reaches out to the community to inform, educate, engage and inspire. The ACN partnered with the Richmond Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. on Thursday, Oct. 21 for "An Evening of African Culture" event at All Saints Catholic School in Richmond, VA. Students, parents and community members gathered to learn more about the beauty and values of various African countries and cultural groups. From drumming libations and African story telling, to African food tasting and educational seminars, youth and families in the City of Richmond are one step closer to reaching full potential through a heightened cultural consciousness.

It Takes a Village to Transform a Village

Connections create partnerships which then create potential for change and mutual prosperity. Connecting to culture can impact the world and make a difference in the life of a child, family, community and nation.

In this story, communities in African nations are utilizing resources created through partnerships and connections to succeed. While some initiatives are working, others are in need of improvement. This project, part of the U.N.'s Millenium Development Goals, is just one way we can all connect to culture and make a difference. One person can't do it alone. One organization can't do it alone. It takes a village.