Ambler Campus, Temple University

WHERE: Temple University Ambler, 580 Meetinghouse Road, Learning Center Auditorium

WHEN: Wednesday, February 6, 7:30 p.m.

The kickoff for Temple University Ambler’s celebration of Black History Month will begin with a strong voice and the beat of a drum.

From traditional African percussion and dance to the personal story of the daughter of the real “American Gangster,” Temple University Ambler has planned events and activities throughout February that highlight the cultural achievements, personal struggles, and triumphs of African-Americans. The events are free and open to the public.

The celebration begins on a rhythmic note Wednesday, February 6, at 7:30 p.m. with a performance by the Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble in the Ambler Campus Learning Center Auditorium.

The Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble is considered one of the best and most exciting African dance and drum ensembles in the United States. They have won national and international championships for their performing arts programs. Their performances are a visual and aural celebration of African culture that includes everything from “Pasha the Stilt Walker,” dancers, and acrobats to singers, drummers, and “ground masquerades.”

The internationally acclaimed ensemble was founded in 1984 and has grown to become one of the largest professional ensembles of its kind in the country. All of the members of the troupe are practicing martial artists and many of its members have honed their musical and dance talents with community leaders and teachers in several African countries.

The ensemble, headquartered in New Jersey, is comprised of African-American families “of contrasting religions and different ways of life, proving that through the understanding of love and discipline — while practicing, working, and training together, that unity can exist.”

“We all should honor, respect and appreciate the culture from which African Americans of this country originate,” states the ensemble in describing its goals. “The Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble presents to you, family values and the beauty of African Culture.”

Each year, Temple University Ambler’s Office of Student Life and Brothers and Sisters United student organization seeks to “provide our students with unique cultural experiences, from musical performances to interesting speakers,” said Dr. Wanda Lewis-Campbell, Assistant Dean for Student Life at Temple University Ambler.

“The only way to truly learn about a culture is to experience it first-hand, to learn about its history,” she said. “This program gives us a great opportunity to continue celebrating and sharing the culture of African-Americans and African history.”

On Tuesday, February 19, Francine Lucas-Sinclair will present “My Father: The American Gangster.” Lucas-Sinclair is the daughter of the real “American Gangster,” Frank Lucas — portrayed by Denzel Washington in the critically acclaimed 2007 film, which has been nominated for three Academy Awards. The program will be held at 7:30 p.m., in the Learning Center Auditorium.

While the movie did not show the child who was present at the arrest of her father, she witnessed everything. Lucas-Sinclair later founded an organization — The Yellow Brick Roads — to help and support children of incarcerated parents. Her story has been told on radio, television, and in Glamour Magazine. At Ambler, she will share her story of the loneliness, isolation, and embarrassment suffered by these forgotten children.

“Although Francine Lucas-Sinclair’s story isn’t a pretty one, it’s one that she overcame by persevering. The mistakes of one’s parents should not stop a child from going on to achieve and being proud of who they are,” said Dr. Lewis-Campbell. “Many children of incarcerated parents suffer from problems directly related to their parent’s incarceration. Our speaker inspires and helps to build their self-esteem by sharing her story which had a very good ending.”

Today, Lucas-Sinclair’s Yellow Brick Roads non-profit organization (YBR), takes a hands-on approach to addressing the day-to-day needs of the children of incarcerated parents, “while providing the necessary tools so that they are able to face their parent or parent's incarceration.”

“At YBR we will strive to provide a place where these children know that they are not alone, and where they can come to the realization that no matter how difficult their current circumstances may be, if they follow the right path, their life can be whatever they want it to be,” said Lucas-Sinclair. “This organization will be international, since we plan to have a chapter in every major city in the United States, and eventually chapters in several foreign countries.”

The February 6 and February 19 programs are part of the Ambler Campus Spring Cultural Affairs Series.

The Cultural Affairs Series “is intended to enrich the range and depth of the cultural experiences of Temple students and, at the same time, open our doors to our neighbors in the surrounding communities,” said Temple University Ambler Dean Dr. James W. Hilty.

“Our goal is to connect Temple Ambler more directly to the community by sharing our cultural and educational resources,” he said. “In this way we hope to contribute to the intellectual and cultural dialogue, to foster a larger sense of mutual interest, and to enliven and enrich our daily lives.”

For more information on the February events, please contact the Office of Student Life at 256-468-8425.

CONTACT: James Duffy, 267-468-8108, duffyj@temple.edu, release available by e-mail