Asanteman Of North America Celebrates Asanteman Day In New York

Asanteman Day 2015 will be hosted by the Asanteman Association of USA in New York, NY. His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, will be represented at the event by

Nana Adusei Atwenewa Ampem, Tepamanhene. Also attending as part of Otumfuo's delegation is Otumfuo's Manwerehene, Baffour Dr. Osei Hyiaman Brantuo VI. As part of this annual event that actively and genuinely promotes and celebrates the unity, culture and history of the Asantes in North America through symbols, rituals, education and ceremonies, the organizers are planning the following events/activities:

1. Saturday, September 5, 2015 (daytime): - Grand Durbar and Cultural Show at SOUNDVIEW PARK, Bronx River Avenue, Bronx, NY 10473. (STORY AVENUE AREA)

2. Sunday, September 6, 2015 (daytime): Asanteman Congress and Delegates Forum in a Town Hall format where general discussions on socio-economic issues affecting Asanteman and development projects will be held. Otumfuo's Representative, delegates of member associations and leaders of Asanteman of North America will take and respond to questions. It is open to the general public.

3. Sunday, September 6, 2015 (evening): Grand Fundraising Dinner Dance will be held at the GHANATA HALL, 2180 Webster Avenue, Bronx, NY. 10457 (between 180^th and 183^rdStreets). The attendees will have the pleasure and honor of dining and sharing the dancing floor with Otumfuo's Representative and the other Asante Royals and Dignitaries.

Purpose of the Asanteman Day
The purpose of the Asanteman Day celebrations is twofold:

1. Educating the general public about the traditions and culture of an indigenous African people that have had a worldwide impact on civilization – namely, the Asante Kingdom; Showcasing the rich Asante Culture with the objective of inculcating core “Asanteman” values into nurturing our young ones so as to maintain a sustainable community of responsible citizens as well as strengthening their emotional attachment to the Asante Kingdom in any social and economic phenomenon, and

2. Establishing a network of Asantes, friends and sympathizers of Asantes in the Diaspora to help support; initiate businesses and development projects for the well-being and development of Asante Kingdom in particular and Ghana in general.

Theme of the Celebration

The theme for the Asanteman Day 2015 celebration is

“Rekindling the Spirit of Asante Unity and Ensuring Civic Commitment to the Asante Kingdom”.

And our Goal is to raise $100,000 as the seed money to acquire a building for Cultural Center for Ghanaians. We have identified the need to help our new generation of Africans born in the United States to learn their culture.

Asanteman of North America

Asanteman of North America is the umbrella organization of Asanteman associations in the United States and Canada. The Asanteman of North America embraces the following Asanteman associations in the following states/cities:

Working with, collaborating and assisting member organizations, Asanteman of North America seeks to preserve Asante cultural heritage and promote unity and cooperation among Asante people. Asanteman of North America works to harness the collective resources of its members to provide socio-economic assistance to Asantes in Ghana and North America.

The Durbar in its Traditional and Contemporary Setting

In traditional Asante, the durbar is part of the annual Adae Kese Festival and is held in a large open space in Kumasi near Manhyia Palace. Presided over by the Asantehene, it involves a colorful parade of canopies and umbrellas accompanied by fontonfrom drums, kete and adowa dancers, horn blowers and singers. First celebrated over three hundred years ago after winning the war of independence against the Denkyiras, the Adae Kese became an annual event during which the paramount chiefs pledged allegiance to the Asante kingdom and demonstrate their continued loyalty to the occupant of the Golden Stool. The occasion serves the purpose of preserving unity and loyalty. The durbar is the public setting where all this took place.

In America, this tradition lives on through the Asanteman Day Durbar Event under the auspices of the Asanteman of North America. The Asanteman Day was established to be celebrated during the Labor Day weekend in one of the Association's member states or cities. All Asantefuo worldwide and especially in North America are expected and encouraged to attend. It is an occasion for showcasing Asante culture and stimulating public appreciation for it as well.

The main elements of the Durbar will consist of:

• A procession of chiefs and Ahemaas (Queen Mothers) wearing traditional kente and gold ornaments;

• The seating of the Asantehene's representative who will preside over the Durbar;

• Traditional dancing and drumming;

• Message from the Asantehene delivered by his representative;

• Paying homage to the Asantehene's representative.

• Exhibitions, lectures and demonstrations

• Speeches by special guests

As a public display of Asante culture, the durbar provides abundant opportunity to educate and inform the general public about Asante history and culture.

Scope of the Durbar

The organizers expect this event to be very well attended. The Ghanaian population in the New York metropolitan area is estimated at 800,000 and 3,000,000 throughout the United States and Canada. The vast majority of them are Asantes.

The Durbar is designed to attract the general public since the organizers are interested in sharing Asante culture with the public at large. We expect that at least 5,000 people will pass through the event. Core participants will be members of Asanteman of North America and associated groups. Seating capacity under a tent should accommodate 500 people.

For additional information please contact the following:

• Nana Tieku Acheampong (New York Asantefuohene) - 347-515-1725

• Nana Kofi Boateng (Washington Asantefuohene) - 301-213-9114

• Nana Kwabena Amakye (New York Akwamuhene) - 347-854-5731

• Opanin Kwadwo Manu (New York Abusuapanin) - 347-859-7880

• Nana Maafowaa (North Carolina Obaapanin) - 704-906-4575

Mr. Akwasi Owusu (Washington Council of Elder ) 703-386-6324

FROM : PRINCE OSEI - BONSU. WASHINGTON D.C