[media-credit name=”Eter Dafne Estrada/ Staff” align=”alignright” width=”200″][/media-credit]Southwestern College kicked off the annual celebration of African American History Month for the 26th consecutive year.  An audience of around 250 people gathered at the student center amphitheater on February 2 to hear the sound of Akayaa and Bolga Zohdoomah and a verbal presentation given by Professor Stanley James.

“This is going to be the Best African American History Month,” said Professor Stanley James.

Before the start of the event people were there anxiously awaiting for the kick off event to start. But as soon as the music started the vibe among listeners change completely and member of the faculty, staff and student body began dancing and joined Akayaa and Bolga Zohdoomah who provided music at the event.

With a short time frame things went quite fast. It began with Akayaa and Bolga Zohdoomah playing two songs and then there was a pause for a keynote presentation presented by James.

“Its not just we black people that are suppose to be participating in African American History Month, The United States participates in African American History Month, its a part of our culture.” said James.

His presentation was to teach the audience about the true meaning of Black History Month said James.

“It was deep it really hit people and made them understand more about black history,” said Visitor Valentino Pacely, 19. “Like James said a lot of people do not understand the meaning of black people they just automatically think of slaves, so it is good for someone to come out and really make people understand more about the history.”

James said is he would like to have for the next years of Black History Month are more resources since he does not receive any money to do a better event.

“No money no resources, I would love to have some actual support” said James.

Resources are important according to James because with more budgets they could bring on better bands, He said there is a lot of talent in the area.

James was not concerned about the number of people that would attend prior to event but that it was nice with how many people showed up.

“I think it was an interesting speech,” said student Edgar Hererra, 21, undecided. “It is good to keep people and students involved to learn more about what they might not know about the African American culture.”

David Castel De Oro who plays keyboard on the band and also works here on campus in the music department said that the he’s been with the group for the almost five years. He said that there is a lot of diversity within the group and that Akayaa generally likes to mix the African music with more Westerner influence music and that’s where other members then contribute to the mix. He also mentioned that dance is just as big part as the music is because in Africa everyone that plays and instrument also dances.

After his presentation the musicians got back on stage to play two more songs since Akayaa Atule the leader of the group had a music class to teach.  But due to the enthusiastic crowd who requested another song she pleased the audience and played one more to all of those who attended. Her last song was one called “freedom” symbolically with the celebration of Black History Month.

“Thank you to all of those people who put this event together like they said its not just for African American is for all of us, for all people we are all one nation, one people,” she said.