Javada Hunter, a freshman in middle grades education, wants to learn more about African culture, but Chelsea Durant, a freshman in engineering, just wants to have a good time.

Both students are planning to attend Harambee, which is an annual event held by the African American cultural center.  Harambee is a Swahili term meaning “let us come together.”

Harambee will be held Tuesday at 5:30 pm.  This is an event of cultural exploration and awareness for everyone to enjoy.

Activities of the night will include performances by Uninhibited Praise, N.C. State’s gospel choir, a viewing of the late Charles Searles exhibit, Universal Reflections of color and rhyme and a discussion of the collection with Kathleen Spicer his wife and Belinda Tate, the director of Diggs Gallery at Winston-Salem State University, according to the African American cultural center website.

Not only will this be a fun evening but a welcome to the “Village within a village” according to Program Coordinator for the African American cultural center, Toni “Mama” Thorpe. 

“We want newcomers to know that within our large Wolf pack village, many smaller villages exist,” Thorpe said.

 The African American cultural center is also home to many outside learning resources including its own library and art gallery and will be hosting many other events throughout the year. These events will be showcased at tonight’s event.

“I’m interested in learning more about the African culture,” Hunter said.

Students can also learn about the African American cultural center, like Christian Rhone, a freshman in biomedical engineering.

“I want to see all the different things the African American Cultural Center has to offer,” Christian Rione said.

Other students are going because it’s something to do, like Durant.  

“I’m going because I have nothing better to do,” Chelsea Durant said.

According to Thorpe, students of all races, religions and creeds are welcome.

“Anyone looking for kinship, friendship, partnership or curiosity, our village welcomes you” says Mama Thorpe.

The Harambee will be held at the Witherspoon Student Center in the Washington Sankofa room 126 from 5:30 until 7:30. 

For more information on the AACC, Harambee 2010 or the Charles Searles exhibit which is open until September 24, visit http://www.ncsu.edu/aacc/index.php/ or you can Email Mama Thorpe at toni_thorpe@ncsu.edu and call her at 919-515-1451.