DETROIT COUPLE OPENS ART CENTER IN WEST AFRICA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Cynthia Latson
Email: C2prmedia@gmail.com
Phone: 310-256-9568

DETROIT COUPLE OPENS ART CENTER IN WEST AFRICACenter Bridges Gap Between Children of Ghana & Children from Detroit

ELMINA, Ghana — Detroit couple Jeff and Shaakira Edison are making history by setting an arts and culture center in Bantuma, a historic rural community in Elmina, Ghana.
The project’s site is just opposite the famous Elmina Slave Dungeon.

The center, called Ababio Culture and Arts Center, will house artisans such as carvers, sculptors, bead makers, kente weavers and other trades. Ababio is an Akan word that means “we have returned.” In an interview with The Michigan Citizen, center founder Shaakira Edison said the purpose of the project is twofold, serving as both an economic and social benefit to the people of Elmina and the Diaspora.

“The center seeks to market these crafts globally and also facilitate a link to bridge the gap between children of Elmina, Ghana and children from Detroit,” she said. “Our goal is to construct a multi-media arts center that houses work-spaces and a market place for artists, a performance pavilion and an Internet center that will serve as a global venue for the artists and an educational space for village youth.”
The Chief of Bantuma, Elmina granted the land to the returning couple. A groundbreaking event was held in 2010. Much work had ensued since then. The official inauguration of the center is slated for 2013.

“Our intent is to serve as a catalyst for community-building through art and digital media technology,” co-founder Jeff Edison said.

The Ababio Center will also provide economic opportunities, employment, education and training. Participating artisans will have an outlet to engage in business for trade and export in the global market. The center’s goal is to work vigorously to inspire the youth to learn the skills, trades and traditions of their ancestors, says the Edisons.

Shaakira Edison — a freelance photographer, caterer, avid traveler, gardener and grandmother — says the couple was inspired by another Detroit native, Malkia Brantuo, who repatriated to Ghana and started a school, supporting education and reconnecting with her roots.
It is the hope of the people in Bantuma that this Detroit couple, who understand and appreciate the talents and marketability that artisans can contribute toward economic expansion, will be successful.

“The youth must be entrusted to learn and develop new strategies to promote and compete in the global market,” Shaakira Edison said.

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For more information about the arts and cultural center, or to schedule an interview with Jeff and Shaakira Edison please contact Cynthia Latson at 310-256-9568 or email Cynthia at c2prmedia@gmail.com