About Bennu Past Events And Committees

Bennu introduced a chess club for young brothers; this club is designed to teach patience and critical thinking.  Mastery of these skills will have carryover and beneficial effects for school and academic. (2/96) Afrikan Drum & Dance Classes for adults and children are offered, as well as a gymnastics program for children, ages 5-11.

Standing Committees:

Jazz society, Anti-Psychological Warfare Committee, combating negative media propaganda and stereotyping against Blacks, Free Mumia, Abu-Jumal/Black Political Prisoners/Police Brutality, African Study Group, Metu Neter, Black Women's Self Empowerment, Education Curriculum for the African centered Saturday School & Summer Education Program & Instructions to the Community, an open forum on critical issues, Afrikan Spirituality - a study of the various Afrikan Spiritual Systems.

Bennu introduced a chess club for young brothers; this club is designed to teach patience and critical thinking.  Mastery of these skills will have carryover and beneficial effects for school and academic. (2/96) Afrikan Drum & Dance Classes for adults and children are offered, as well as a gymnastics program for children, ages 5-11.

Three new forums include the Ecology Society which focuses on major environmental issues-toxic waste sites in Black communities, recycling, genetic alteration of foods, cloning, etc.; the Anna J. Cooper Literary Society may become a reality soon and the Brotherhood Gathering-Brothers united to discuss issues facing Black men.

Bennu hosted meetings for the local organizing communities, formed by community members after the MMM.  Bennu has successfully hosted the HIP HOP SUMMIT, 3/23/97, which brought many youth together to clarify issues surrounding the deaths of Tupac and Notorious B.I.G. & the impact of this music on community development, morality, negative images.  Summit also dealt with corporation exploitation of youth thru ads for alcohol and exploitation of Black women in the media.  Bennu has developed a Community Action Committee which is designed support local Sisters and Brothers who have difficulty with teachers who mistreat or mislabel their children, have problems with employers regarding racial mistreatment, etc.  Bennu has also hosted the Think Tank of the Afrikan Psychological Institute of the Association of Black Psychologists examining Afrikan Spirituality the ABPsi Board of Directors meeting.

 

 

 

Kemetic/Egyptian Origin 

of the Bennu

Bennu is the name of a particular and special ancient Kemetic bird.  This majestic bird flew over the land for 500 years spreading culture, arts and sciences for all to gather.  After 500 years, the Bennu made a nest from branches and leaves of the earth then fanned its wings over the nest until a fir rose from the pile.  The birds soared high over this pyre then plunge down into the raging inferno.  After a short time had past, from the ashes a new bird emerged.  Flying high above the earth, the Bennu again spread the culture through the arts and sciences over the land for another 500 years.

The Bennu Cultural Center serves as a hub of cultural activity.  It brings the community together to celebrate the traditional greatness of our African ancestry as well as to prepare our people for the 21st century and beyond.

 

 

Community Service Awards

Ujama Award, 9/10/94, by the Committee for Effective Representation, Brad Thompson Mayor Pro Tem Councilor, District C

 

Nguzo Saba Award, Feb. 26 1995, "for providing a Afrikan Center Institution to educate, serve, enlighten and empower the Triangle Community", presented by Raleigh Men's Council,** Community Service Award Presented by Association for the Concerns of Afrikan American Graduates Students, North Carolina State Univ.,  April 3,1996, 

 

Recipient of the 1997 Golden Eagle Business Service Award "for outstanding service and excellence in the area of business entrepreneurship".  Also citied for your role as a positive influence in the Afrikan American community as well as for your contribution to make the issue of business and economic empowerment a vital force in the community."; presented by the Mastermind Millionaire Network Club, Dr. Joe L. Dudley, Sr., President & CEO of Dudley Products. Education Award "for enlightening". 

 

Recipients of the Citizen Award 1999 for Social Justice, Drs. Mawiyah and Kamau Kambon