Ohio University opens its treasures at The African Art Conference 2007. PART 2

Dr. Paschal Yao Younge & Dr. Zelma Badu-Younge greeted us with very large welcomes, unbeknownst to the gallantry which was soon to await us for the next 4 evenings. The food was plentiful and many of us wondered where were we going to place it all. The 10-hour lectures and presentations really whet out excitement for the night’s festivities. Presenters included we (in order of presentation): Makeda Thomas, Kadadia Viviane Doumbia, Rodrigues King-Dorset, Fric Fountain, Ballet Creole, Elmarie Costandius, Modesto Amegago, Ekata Rosemary Isibor, Akin Euba, Julie, Dosso, George Vincent Amagnoh, Cheryl Hallibutrton-Beatty, Habib Iddrisu, Aquila Kikora Franklin, Terrie Ajile Axam, Patrick Parson, Ursula Payne, Robin Gee, Doris Green, Osita C. Ezenwanebe, Philip Mallory-Jones, Dennis O. Eluyefa, Baile McKnight, Kofi Agawu, Azaguno African Drumming and Dance Ensemble,

William H. Chapman Nyaho, Kariamu Welse and company, Andrea E. Frohne, Rush Rehn, Sista Jewel Jackson (Adama Conteh), Michael Kemeh, Kathy M. Robinson, Kim Strunk, Felle Vega, Onoyom Godfrey Ukpong, Christopher A. Walker, Esiaba Irobi, Sara Smith Waters, Adolphe Yace, Timothy Addai Balag’kutu Adivilah, Francis Nii-Yartey, Nicole L. Stanton, Richard Donald Smith, E. Jean Johnson-Jones, Hugo R. Miller (HUGEAUX), Brenda Washington Lacy, AndrewR. Martin, Kevin A. Ormsby, Halifu Osumare, Thomas Spreelin MacDonald, Laura M. Smalligan, Kwaku Amoaku, Freeborn Odiboh, Augusto Soledade, Onye Ozuzu, Osubi Craig, Nzinga Metzger, A. Latoya Davis-Craig, OluSegun Williams,Vibert C. Cambridge, Nneka M. Aqwuebo(student), Staylor Anamuah-Mensah(student), Brandi Baker(student), Masudul Biswas(student), Akibu Hassan(student), Yakubu Lamai(student), Stell Maria Mayengo(student), Alex Wilson (student), Olubunmi Oyinsan, Thomas F. DeFrantz, Phylise Smith, Danielle Rioga, and Robert Thompson.

The Opening Performance, April 18, 2007, was with Canada based Ballet Creole founded by Trinidadian Patrick Parson. Their performance left us tired as the dancers themselves, however with the will power of wanting more. The Drum was the Father of this entire conference. The sounds could be heard rhythmically through out the Appalachian Foothills.

On this first day I was wondering how would Dr. Paschal Yao Younge & Dr. Zelma Badu-Younge would out do themselves. Though somehow they did. On my first night on my laptop in my hotel room, completely exhausted I wrote “SPECTACULAR Dr. Paschal Younge and the African Arts Department of Ohio University is really putting on a 1st Class conference. The opening concert was with Canada based Dance company Ballet Creole. HEAVENLY. Just dropping a small word until, I have time to focus. Today Thursday April 19, 2007 is full with a long day of conferences. Athens Ohio is a must see…..Hugeaux”

On day 2, April 19, 2007, as the lectures and presentation reached crescendo levels, with more room, and the food poured, the topics became to flow. Dance theorists, Music educators and Visual artists, discussed their trails, accomplishments and errors. Each day, there was a Keynote speaker, who was awarded a plaque from Ohio University by Dr. Paschal Younge. A strong Humanitarian oneness was present though this conference.

Once again Directors ( Husband & Wife) Dr. Paschal Yao Younge & Dr. Zelma Badu-Younge topped themselves at the evening’s Open Concert. Opening was Azaguno African Drumming and dance ensemble. Harvard based Dr. Kofi Agawu , the keynote speaker presented his paper titled: To Cite or Not to Cite? Confronting the Legacy of (European) Writing on African Music. Next, we were given a very rare piano concert performance by international African pianist Dr. William H. Chapman Nyaho.

Lastly, the drums and dancing by Philadelphia based Kariamu Welch and company, sent us dancing into the night. Unbeknownst to be and a few other colleagues, Directors ( Husband & Wife) Dr. Paschal Yao Younge & Dr. Zelma Badu-Younge had invited the dancing back to their lavish home in the Appalachian foothills. This had to be a 16 – 18 hour day for us. That night from my laptop I wrote “The African Art Conference at Ohio University in Athens Ohio was in full gear on this second day. The message of the drum was the strong force of this day.
( procede to PART 2)