Earth Day made a strong statement in West Philadelphia on Saturday with a steady stream of hundreds of revelers for the first Earth Day Fest & Flea Market in Clark Park at 43rd Street and Baltimore Avenue. The Uhuru Movement hosted the event and proceeds were donated to the African Village Survival Initiative.
Atiya Ola was busily making vegetarian, vegan and raw food platters. She is the owner of the new Atiya Ola's Foods located at 4505 Baltimore Ave. Her enterprise opened last Sept. 20, she said. Saturday's $4 whole wheat wraps were stuffed with fresh zucchini, seaweed cole slaw, carrot "tuna," shredded yams and coconut and fresh beets.
"I love this tribute to Earth Day," said Bianca White of Overbrook. "I am just impressed with the activities like the different types of yoga and all the great entertainment."
Melvin and Sandra Williams of West Philadelphia were selling West African artifacts they purchased in New York City. There was also handmade dolls created by Sandra Williams on their vending tables. The small stuffed dolls had ebony skin and a thick head of wooly black hair. Those, she said, were a tribute to her African Mexican roots.
Among those who were on the Main Stage was Timi Tanzania, who sang African freedom songs. After a "Garden Basic" demonstration, Ron Ross gave a workout demonstration, titled "Have a Seat." This was followed by the Unidos da Filadelphia samba drummers. Pam Young of Food Trust also presented the "How to Grow Your Own Culinary Garden in Flower Pots" around noon.
Ron Ross explained that his "Have a Seat" is a hybrid mixture of cheer dancing, yoga and traditional aerobics. He has developed different varieties for varied audiences by changing the musical rhythms and adjusting the exercises so that even seasoned senior citizens can enjoy the movements without even standing up.
"There's just a multiplicity of ways that this program works," said Ross, who teaches fitness at a local senior citizen center in Southwest Philadelphia.
The others on the main stage were Diop Olugbala, leader of the Philadelphia branch of the International People's Democratic Uhuru Movement; poet Rasheed Bey, who also had a vending table nearby; and representatives from the Uhuru Furniture & Collectibles, an economic development project of the African People's Education & Defense Fund. Also present was African hip-hop artist Trigga N.A.M., All African People's Development & Empowerment Project director Dr. Michelle Strongfields, jazz fusion artists Plum Dragoness & the Elements.
"The celebration of Earth Day in a local community is really important," said Pam Africa, leader of the MOVE organization and the International Concerned Friends & Family of Mumia Abu-Jamal. "We need to get educated about sustainability because of all that is happening to our earth. There are bombings, pollutants, contamination to the air and water, and so much leading to our deaths."
There was a strong aroma of natural soaps, lotions, and other spa products coming from the Urban Essence table in the middle of Clark Park. Theresa Peoples explained that she started making the products back in 2003 when she wanted to ensure that she was not putting harmful chemicals onto her skin. She, too, spoke of the need to "think green" even when purchasing personal products.
"I think adding Earth Day to the flea market goes with the spirit of this event," Peoples said.
There will be more Uhuru Flea Market events in Clark Park throughout the summer and next fall. They will be held on Saturdays, May 16, June 13, July 11, Aug. 8, Sept. 26 and Oct. 17. All events will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rain dates are the Sundays following each scheduled date.
There are opportunities for those in the community to vend or volunteer. Those interested can call (215) 387-0919, e-mail philly_flea@yahoo.com , or visit www.uhurufleamarket.blogspot.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment