Program Overview

Publish Post

Shujaa Cyphers Rites of Passage Academy Overview

Shujaas or warriors are dynamic individuals that fight for principles that they consider essential to the survival and sustenance of their people.

A Cypher, or the circle in hip hop that denotes the sharing of rhythmic storytelling, is a cohesive grouping of people practicing the traditional African practice of the griots.
Griots, or storytellers, have long held people’s histories that were not printed in books or acknowledged by dominant culture.
Each griot in a cypher works to keep story and spirit in rotation, and like clockwork, a timeless tale is told.

Shujaa Cyphers Rites of Passage Academy is a fertile community creating change, liberating minds and supporting self-sufficiency through multigenerational, multidisciplinary learning opportunities. Designed to promote a holistic comparative worldview for all participants, Shujaa Cyphers are a catalysts for unifying all people of the African Diaspora.

ViWiDA - Victory Women in Development Association
234 West Queen Lane * Philadelphia, PA 19144
(267) 849- 3490 * ViWiDAUSA@gmail.com

Bridging Communities, Building Unity

As our first blog, we thought it appropriate to enliven you all with great footage, fhotos and fire from the amazing events of Friday, December 5th & Saturday, December 6th.

Friday night's screening and panel discussion was excellent, insightful and inspiring.

Big appreciation to Temple University, Muna Johnson & Kenya Raimey (African-American Studies Program), film maker Black to Our Roots Ras Tre Subira (Black Missions Media), Stephanie Tisdale (Liberator Magazine), Brother Gabe Bryant & Sister Shesheena Bray (Sankofa Community Empowerment Group), and our special guest Mama Charlotte O'Neal (A Panther in Africa) representing Tanzania and the United African Alliance Community Center of Arusha.

http://picasaweb.google.com/alwatankwele/FilmFestPannel?authkey=YlVq5YNfJsY#

http://sankofason.shutterfly.com/afri-livebridgingcommunities

Acknowledgments go out to the Urban Shamans, Son of Nun, True Dialects, Aquil, Olu Butterfly, Sista Fayah, Kwele and the Low Country Capoeira Angola Society for making the night a deeply moving and beautiful party to attend!

http://picasaweb.google.com/alwatankwele/Show?authkey=_LUpqICoD60&pli=1#

Mama Charlotte & the UAACC is grateful for all the love Philadelphia has shown.

Keep checking back for updates on Shujaa Cyphers movements!