African Unity Fest Feb. 7
Join the community for a free, daylong event to unite and celebrate diverse peoples of African descent—the third annual African Heritage Unity Celebration. The Unity Fest will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7 at Seattle Central Community College's Charles Mitchell Student Activity Center, 1718 Broadway.
Starting with a multifaith blessing, the event will include African dance performances and dance instruction; praise dancers; drummers and other musicians; videos highlighting African and African American history; a children's fashion show and parade of flags; a knowledge contest with prizes; exhibitors; opportunities to try yoga; and a rich diversity of ethnic cuisines.
Camp Erin Seeks Volunteers
Camp Erin, a three-day overnight camp for kids and teens grieving the death of a loved one, is looking for fun-loving, compassionate adults (18 or older) who enjoy working with kids. Volunteers are needed from Aug. 21- 23 in Carnation, Wa. Come help support activities, set up camp and have fun with amazing kids. To learn more, attend an informational session on Tuesday, Feb. 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Providence Hospice of Seattle, 425 Pontius Ave. N in Seattle. To RSVP or for more information, contact Ward Stern at 206-749-7689.
Grief Support Groups
Providence Hospice of Seattle will hold its monthly Mother's Tea, a grief support group for mothers of adult children who have died, on Monday, Feb. 9, from 3–4:30 p.m. in Seattle (South Lake Union). This group meets on the second Monday of each month. For more information (including location), please call 206-749-7704.
A Broken Heart Still Beats, a monthly grief support group for parents who have experienced the death of a child (age 25 or younger), on Monday, Feb. 9, from 6–8 p.m. in Seattle (South Lake Union). This drop-in group meets on the second Monday of each month. For more information (including location), please call 206-749-7704.
A drop-in support group for adults who have experienced the death of a significant person in their lives within the last three months will be held on Saturday, Feb. 14, from 10 – 11:30 a.m. at Providence Hospice of Seattle's office in Seattle's South Lake Union neighborhood (425 Pontius Ave. N, 98109). For more information, please call Grief Support Services at 206-320-4000.
Hip Hop Poetry Reading
Renowned performance poet, author and journalist Mahogany Browne will read her work in a free performance Tuesday, Feb. 3 at UW Tacoma. Tacoma-born poet Robert Lashley will also perform at the event, which begins at 6:30 p.m. in UW Tacoma's William W. Philip Hall.
Browne is best known across the country for her hip-hop poetry performances and workshops focusing on safe sex, women's empowerment and youth mentoring. She has authored two poetry books, recorded several poetry CDs and is the creator of the Hip-Hop Poetry educational program. Browne is also the host at New York's famous Nuyorican Poet's Café, an acclaimed forum for innovative poetry, music, hip-hop and more.
Lashley is a well-known Northwest poet who currently lives in Bellingham, where he has helped develop one of the nation's finest poetry slam scenes. He is the author of two books and a number of essays.
