Well of Sorrows
(2010)

Benjamin Tate (Joshua Palmatier)

Thursday, September 16, 2010
7pm – 8pm

Book Reading and Signing

An epic tale of a continent on the brink of war, and a deadly magic that waits to be unleashed on an unsuspecting world. Colin Harten and his parents had fled across the ocean to escape the Family wars in Andover. But trouble followed them and their fellow refugees to this new land, forcing them to abandon the settled areas and head into unexplored territory-the sacred grounds of a race of underground dwellers and warriors. It was here that they would meet their doom. Driven to the borders of a dark forest, they were attacked by mysterious Shadow creatures who fed on life force. Only Colin survived to find his way to the Well of Sorrows-and to a destiny that might prove the last hope for peace in this troubled land.

The Africa House Reading Series engages authors in a discussion about their writing, inspirations, creative processes, themes, and the ways they deal with and resolve issues as they write. They may also give a preview of their new and forthcoming projects, respond to questions about what they see as their legacy, what they hope readers will take away from their books, and how their writing will be preserved for future generation. In short, it is a forum for them to discuss their philosophy of life and creativity. After the reading and discussion with the audience, the authors will sign their books.

The Series is sponsored by Ojedi, AfricaResource, and River Read Books. Sponsors are welcome.

Ethiopia: The Origin of Coffee

Adapted from Selamta, The In-Flight Magazine of Ethiopian Airlines

Edited By Dr. Nkiru Nzegwu

Abyssinia, now Ethiopia, is the original home of the coffee (arabica) plant. Kaffa, the province in the south-western highlands where they first blossomed, gave its name to coffee. The formal cultivation and use of coffee as a beverage began early in the 9th century. Prior to that, coffee trees grew wild in the forests of Kaffa, and may in the region were familiar with the berries and the drink. According to Ethiopia’s ancient history, an Abyssinian goatherd, Kaldi, who lived around AD 850, discovered coffee. He observed his goats prancing excitedly and bleating loudly after chewing the bright red berries that grew on some green bushes nearby. Kaldi tried a few berries himself, and soon felt a sense of elation. He filled his pockets with the berries and ran home to announce his discovery. At his wife’s suggestion, he took the berries to the Monks in the monastery near Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile River.

Valentine Dinner with Sarah Vaughan
February 13, 2009, 7pm to 9pm

A night of jazz featuring the music of Sarah Vaughan, a formidable force in Jazz. She won three Grammys and was awarded the NEA Jazz Masters Award by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Ella Fitzgerald called her the world’s "greatest singing talent." Sarah Vaughan's contribution to the female jazz vocal genre, during the twentieth century, puts her alongside the likes of Dinah Washington, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. The dinner event will be on February 13, 2009 from 7pm-9pm at Africa House. You can purchase your tickets online or by phone.

Africa House is excited to end the 2008 exhibition year with a phenomenal and prominent contemporary Haitian artist, Philippe Dodard. The exhibition is curated by Professor Nkiru Nzegwu.

Artwork from Exhibition Online

The Secret of the Chair - Philippe Dodard

Africa House is a beautifully restored 6500 sq ft multipurpose, multidimensional site for art, culture and education focusing on Africa and the African diaspora is located in the historic Village of Endicott in upstate New York, the birthplace of IBM. Located at 50 Washington Avenue, Endicott, NY,  Africa House is 10 minutes from the city of Binghamton, and just three hours from New York City.