08/26/08

The day of the African Child is an event organized by various organizations that focus on youth in the Inland Empire. 

The sole purpose of this event is to honor the elders in the community that have contributed

unconditionally to the community.  As a result we are gathering in a very non-public, yet public manner to just say thanks.

Groups Being Recognized

THE FATHERS

MISSION STATEMENT

We are Afrikan men who gather together in the spirit of the Nguzo Saba - Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work & Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith . . . to rebuild the social and cultural foundation of the Afrikan village (community) . . . to be responsible for the health and safety of all our people, our women, our children, our elders and ourselves . . . to be positive role models for the youth . . . to seek solutions and strategies within the context of our own experience to restore our people to their original greatness . . . to acknowledge our collective consciousness and the right to determine our own destiny.

Our words will be backed up by our actions and our actions will always be in accordance with the principles of Maat - Truth, Justice, Harmony, Balance, Order, Reciprocity and Propriety. This is our mission.

HISTORY -  SUMMARY

The first gathering was attended by eight men and took place on January 28, 1990. The name grew out of the shared characteristic of being proud fathers with children that all grew up together. The acronym for the FATHERS was developed by a founding member around 1991-92.  The gatherings began as free-flowing discussions of our women, our children, ourselves, our communities, spirituality, war, racism, etc..  These monthly gatherings eventually evolved into planning sessions for various activities and events intended to heal the cultural, social, spiritual, and economic ills of the Afrikan community.  The FATHERS became acknowledged as ritual elders who teach, encourage, support, and conduct Afrikan centered rituals, ceremonies and cultural events in the community.

The FATHERS celebrated the first Kwanzaa Dawn in 1991; co-founded the Mzee Coalition in 1994  which sponsored several Mzee (Senior Elder) Honoring Ceremonies; and have participated in major cultural events throughout Southern California.  The FATHERS are currently engaged in planning several development projects in Afrika.  Other major endeavors include securing a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Clarence Muse; and re-establishment of Rites of Passage as a functioning institution in the community to guide and counsel our youth in the roles and responsibilities of being men and women.