Purdue News

November 21, 2001 Black Cultural Center festival showcases African marriage rituals WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Purdue Black Cultural Center's performing arts ensembles will interpret traditional courtship rituals and ceremonies in African based cultures during the Cultural Arts Festival, which begins at 8 p.m. Dec. 1 in Loeb Playhouse. The event will feature African, Caribbean and African-American customs celebrated through song, dance, spoken word and drama. Through the theme of "bride price," the production will explore the various customs that African people associate with courtship and marriage, such as offering payment for a bride and jumping a broom. The Haraka Writers, the New Directional Players, the Black Voices of Inspiration and the Jahari Dance Troupe all will perform. Teju Omolodun, assistant director of the Black Cultural Center, says the festival will enhance the cultural awareness of the Greater Lafayette community. "This festival celebrates the many African cultures represented in the Tippecanoe community," Omolodun says. "The only way a body of people can truly grow into a community is through the acknowledgment, acceptance and appreciation of the individuals within the community. The 2001 Cultural Arts Festival will offer an arena for the people of Greater Lafayette to get in touch with an intricate aspect of African based culture." The Cultural Arts Festival was established in 1975 as an annual event to commemorate the establishment and dedication of the Black Cultural Center on Dec. 4, 1970. Tickets are $5 for Purdue students and $7 for the general public and can be purchased at the box office or by calling (765) 494-3933. CONTACT: Teju Omolodun, (765) 496-1945, osomolodun@purdue.edu. Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page