MENTORSHIP YIELDS! El Anatsui Leads New Class Of Rolex Mentors
Every two years since 2002, Rolex - the Swiss luxury watchmaker has paired artists and protégés in an exclusive programme called The Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative.
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
MENTORSHIP
an enriching dialogue between artists of different generations, cultures and disciplines - ROLEX
Photo: El Anatsui & Bronwyn Katz at his Tema, Ghana Studio. By Tomas Bertelsen/Rolex
Every two years since 2002, Rolex - the Swiss luxury watchmaker has paired artists and protégés in an exclusive programme called The Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative.
The programme seeks out gifted young artists from all over the world and brings them together with artistic masters for a six-week period, to build a one-to-one mentoring relationship where the protégé is granted access to a master at work, or sometimes collaborate on a work.
"The programme has evolved into an enriching dialogue between artists of different generations, cultures and disciplines"
- ROLEX
Past pairings in dance, film, literature, music, theatre, visual arts, architecture and an open category covering interdisciplinary pursuits, have brought together the likes of filmmaker Spike Lee with Kyle Bell, and Architect David Adjaye with Mariam Kamara. Read their stories below.
The new 2022 class, announced on September 9th at The Brooklyn Academy of Music NY, includes renowned Ghanaian sculptor and visual artist El Anatsui, who has had mentorship at the core of his over 6-decade career, guiding Bronwyn Katz - a South African sculptor and visual artist. Anatsui is joined by other notable names like the American jazz singer Dianne Reeves, Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhangke, British writer Bernardine Evaristo and the French architect Anne Lacaton.
supporting individual excellence
PHOTO: ROLEX
Rolex’s vision to revitalize mentorship in the arts and support individual excellence, reflects not only in their selection of both Master and Protégés, but in also the past and future yields of this programme.
Have you given any thought to mentorship lately? The notion of imparting and sponging knowledge is powerful in of itself. Giver or receiver, it can be a life-changing experience.
Past Mentor and Protégé Parings
Film: Spike Lee & Kyle Bell - Rolex Mentor and Protégé Relating to the experience of Native Americans in his country, Spike Lee chose to mentor Kyle Bell...
Architecture: David Adjaye & Mariam Kamara A visit to Mariam Kamara’s native Niger was the turning point in the relationship between her and...
Visual Arts: Artists in wonderland Year after year, Anish Kapoor, one of the world’s most famous living artists, astonishes the international...
Open Category: Lin-Manuel Miranda & Agustina San Martín Lin-Manuel Miranda and his protégée Agustina San Martín met while he was making his film directorial debut...
Music: Zakir Hussain & Marcus Gilmore “I see him as a bit of a sage. He’s like a kind of Yoda, he really is,” says Marcus Gilmore talking of his ...
Dance: Crystal Pite & Khoudia Touré “If I had to find one word to sum up the last two years, it would be ‘transformation’,” says Khoudia ...
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TEDx OKENE 2022: IT'S 2 DAYS TO GO!
Among the impressive lineup of speakers are Dr Tom Adaba OON of the Tom Adaba Legacy Project, teen speaker Ohinoyi Ohikere, Ms. Salamatu Yunusa, a first-class graduate of Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of East London, and Rev. Fr. George Ehusani of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation.
Rosemary Onubaiye | Africa-Related
“We want a changed mindset, one geared towards positivity.”
It's 2 days to go!
Don't miss #TEDxOkene 2022 this Saturday in Okene and online on Saturday September 3, 2022.
Among the impressive lineup of speakers are Dr Tom Adaba OON of the Tom Adaba Legacy Project, teen speaker Ohinoyi Ohikere, Ms Salamatu Yunusa, a first-class graduate of Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of East London, and Rev. Fr. George Ehusani of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation.
This year, the organisers are working towards a ‘changed mindset’ in individuals and communities. By pairing young mentees with inspiring mentors, they hope to better keep track of projects in development .
The event will be graced by the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, HRM. Alh. (Dr.) Ado Ibrahim, alongside royal fathers and mothers. Past speakers like Hamza Lawal of Connected Development CODE, will be back as a guest
Check out more scenes from TEDXOkene 2021
MEET THE 2022 SPEAKERS
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LUX TERRA TRAINING: An Interfaith Approach To Transforming Nigeria
Lux Terra Foundation played host to 50 administrative and academic staff of the Academy, for a two-day training program on skill acquisition, mechanisms and strategies for Intensifying the Campaign for Integrity among Secondary School students.
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
“What we want to do is to try and see if we can get more voices involved, in countering corruption.”
Rev. Fr. George Ehusani, E.D LTLF hosts The International Islamic Academy, Madalla
In an era of religious intolerance and heightened sensitivities, it is always refreshing to witness collaborations across creeds. Such was the case on August 29-30, 2022, when Abuja-based Lux Terra Leadership Foundation headed by Rev. Fr. George Ehusani, hosted a training program for staff of International Islamic Academy, Madalla, Niger State.
The Foundation’s Apo location played host to 50 administrative and academic staff of the Academy, for a two-day training program on skills acquisition, mechanisms and strategies for intensifying the Campaign for Integrity among Secondary School students, and more.
The Islamic Academy is one of the four Secondary Schools across the North Central zone of Nigeria that Lux Terra is accompanying very closely in its MacArthur supported Integrity Campaign in the country.
Other elements of this ongoing Lux Terra integrity campaign project include the close accompanying of an Islamic religious community in Niger State, and a Christian religious community in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
Lear more about the Integrity Campaign and other training programs at Lux Terra
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U.S Supports UN Permanent Forum on International Day for People of African Descent
August 31 marks the 2nd anniversary of the International Day for People of African Descent, a day created by the United Nations to celebrate the achievements of people of African descent worldwide.
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
“It is essential that we continue to speak up – loudly and without fail – against any notion of racial superiority and that we work tirelessly to free all societies from the blight of racism.”
— UN Secretary-General António Guterres
2014-2024
How much progress has been made in the UN’s International Decade, aimed at advancing social justice, eradicating racism and promoting human rights for people of African descent?
August 31 marks the 2nd anniversary of the International Day for People of African Descent, a day created by the United Nations to celebrate the achievements of people of African descent worldwide.
A panel of experts came together to examine The Critical Role of Racial Equity and Justice in U.S. Foreign Policy and to highlight their works in the last year to protect and advance human rights, to combat systemic racism, discrimination and xenophobia around the world as well as the work of the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent.
The briefers include the U.S. Representative to the United Nations Amb. Linda Thomas- Greenfield , The Honorable Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Special Representative for Racial Justice and Equity Desiree Cormier Smith and Justin Hansford, Howard University Law Professor.
All speakers touched on US efforts around the world in highlighting the indispensable contributions of Africans and people of African descent in multiple facets of society, while calling for people worldwide to continue to stand united inspite of the profound injustices and systemic discrimination they may confront today.
“Honoring this day means not shrinking away from our painful past or our current responsibilities.”
- Amb. Linda Thomas- Greenfield U.S. Representative to the UN
These U.S efforts in the last year include support for the UN Permanent Forum for people of African descent, partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), which led to the creation of the Thurgood Marshall Centre at Howard University Washington D.C, as well as various country programs in Mali, Columbia , Mauritania and Brazil.
“We need voices”
- Gregory W. Meeks, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Cmtee
The 193-member UN body unanimously adopted a resolution establishing this office, presided over by a 10-member advisory body, who have set targeted goals by 2024.
Some of the key questions that arose include placements of key policy makers of African descent around the world and collaborative platforms for advancement? All these, as we look ahead to the second U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in December
See press briefing transcript here
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HIGHLIGHTS: CHALE WOTE & HOMOWO FESTIVALS
See images of the colorful display of Culture and Talent at annual Chale Wote and Homowo Festivals in Accra Ghana
By Africa-Related New York
Photos: Beatrice Arthur
TWO FESTIVALS SIDE BY SIDE
The Chale Wote Street Art Festival also known as Chale Wote is an alternative platform that brings art, music, dance and performance out into the streets. The festival targets exchanges between scores of local and international artists and patrons by creating and appreciating art together. Wikipedia
Homowo is a harvest festival celebrated by the Ga people of Ghana in the Greater Accra Region. The festival starts in the month of August with the planting of crops before the rainy season starts. During the festival, they perform a dance called Kpanlogo. Wikipedia
Photos by @annabetya
Get to know more about the historic location of Jamestown Accra, and plan your next visit.
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2022 GLOBAL CITIZEN FESTIVAL: ACT NOW!
The Lineup for the 2022 Global Citizen Festival has been announced. It will take place in New York and Accra Ghana on September 24, 2022
Words: Oyiza Adaba
Africa-Related New York
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ACT NOW!
Listen to the Message in the Music…World Leaders Told
Advocacy is at the core of the 2022 Global Citizens Festival. Bearing that message to world leaders, corporations and citizens, is an impressive lineup of performers across different musical genres. The message is this:
Amply voices of Girls
Tackle Global Food Crisis
Address Financial Imbalance of Climate Change
Provide Debt Relief
It is a call that would be heard from the historic Black Star Square in Accra, Ghana to Central Park New York, where performances would run concurrently on September 24, 2022.
The U.S lineup include Metallica, Mariah Carey, Jonas Brothers, while Usher, SZA, Stormzy, Gyakie, H.E.R., Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, and TEMS will perform in Ghana, to celebrate the country’s 65th independence anniversary and the 20th anniversary of the African Union.
Learn more about the upcoming festival and how you can get involved.
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COMMUNITY PILLARS: Rosemary Onubaiye Is A Respected Voice
This mother of three from Okene, Nigeria wears several hats, and functions in the following capacities: Country Director with Ita’i - Our Cloth; Community Voice/Leader at Tom Adaba Legacy and Media Representative at Africa-Related Inc.
Mrs. Rosemary Onubaiye - A Community Voice from Okene, Nigeria. (Photo by David Araga/Africa-Related)
This mother of three from Okene, Nigeria wears several hats, and functions in the following capacities: Country Director with Ita’i - Our Cloth; Community Voice/Leader at Tom Adaba Legacy and Media Representative at Africa-Related Inc.
ROSEMARY ONUBAIYE holds a B.Sc. in Public Administration from the University of Abuja. After graduating in 2015, she pursued her passion for broadcasting with her first official media job with Africa-Related Inc. as an Administrative Assistant. She has continued to hone her production, presenting and writing crafts while working on multiple productions including'OHUEJE OHINOYI 2018/19' AND 'ITINOCHI' - an upcoming documentary film on the intriguing journey of the Ebira Cloth.
As an Indigenous Ebira woman from Okene, Rosemary is the Country Head for Ita’i Our Cloth, a grassroots initiative which developed into an apparel/home brand company that not only promotes weaving as a cultural heritage, but also empowers women and the develops the community.
The mother-of-three girls is a muti-tasking, creative who loves to read and is open to learn new skills.
PRODUCTION SAMPLES
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Community Pillars Of The South Bronx: Rev John & Pastor Felicia Udo-Okon
The Nigerian-born hosts, Rev. John and Rev. Felicia Udo-Okon have been serving the spiritual, physical and social needs of the underserved South Bronx community for over 20 years through their ministry Word of Life International. They conduct food pantry, social and medical outreach programs.
By Oyiza Adaba, New York
“Feeding Souls & Bodies” - Rev. John & Felicia Udo-Okon of Word of Life International in front of their South Bronx location in New York. (Photo by Africa-Related)
The Nigerian-born hosts, Rev. John and Rev. Felicia Udo-Okon have been serving the spiritual, physical and social needs of the underserved South Bronx community for over 20 years through their ministry Word of Life International. They conduct food pantry, social and medical outreach programs.
REV. JOHN UDO-OKON
Rev. (Dr.) John Udo-Okon is the Senior Pastor at Word Of Life Christian Fellowship International, Inc. , Bronx, New York and the Executive Director, Word Of Life International, Inc., a community outreach and development corporation based in the South Bronx of New York City. Rev. Udo-Okon together with his wife, Rev. Felicia Udo-Okon has devotedly worked with his congregation to fight hunger and poverty in New York City. Thousands of New Yorkers are served monthly at their program. He is an Executive Fellow, Class of 2007-2008 of the Nonprofit Leadership Development Institute of the United Way of New York City. In 2008, he completed Executive Leadership Certificate program at Support Center For Nonprofit Management, New York, New York. In 2010, Rev. Udo-Okon also completed the Mentoring Supervision Training with Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City. His organization, Word Of Life International, Inc. has become a beacon of hope in the Bronx continually finding ways to provide meaningful services that sustain lives and support independent and productive living.
REV. FELICIA UDO-OKON
Rev. (Mrs.) Felicia Udo-Okon serves as Co-pastor, Word Of Life Christian Fellowship International, Inc. and the Director Of Food and Fitness Program, Word Of Life International, Inc. For over 20 years, she has worked alongside her husband, Rev. (Dr.) John Udo-Okon in both the formation and development of the two organizations. Word of Life International, Inc. serves an average of 8,000 household members every month.
Rev. (Mrs.) Udo-Okon has contributed immensely and in various capacities to the mission and development of Word Of Life International Inc. She has consistently proved to be an enthusiastic worker and team leader who has initiated and participated in a number of initiatives that have greatly impacted the lives of our clients and community residents. The mission of Word Of Life International, Inc. is to provide short and long term support that enhances self-sufficiency to poor and low-income families especially women, children, veterans, the elderly, immigrants, and the unemployed in the South Bronx and its surrounding neighborhoods. Its program services include among others: Community Food Pantry, senior wellness program, fitness program, health outreach, nutrition training, benefit enrollment/ referrals, and youth development programs.
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WATCH INTERVIEW WITH REV. JOHN & FELICIA UDO-OKON
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Word Of Life Welcomes New York City Council Member Ritchie Torres
The youngest New York City Council member representing The Bronx recently visited The Word Of Life Christian Fellowship International. His mission was to connect to the community through the church, food pantry and social services
By Oyiza Adaba, New York
Council Member Ritchie Torres handing our food at Word of Life Int’l in the South Bronx. (Photo by Africa-Related)
The youngest New York City Council member representing The Bronx recently visited The Word Of Life Christian Fellowship International. His mission was to connect to the community through the church, food pantry and social services provided by the founders Rev John and Felicia Udo-Okon. During his visit, Torres distributed food produce provided by Fresh Direct, and spoke intermittently to the long tine of S. Bronx residents who gathered to meet him.
The Nigerian-born hosts, Rev. John and Rev. Felicia Udo-Okon have been serving the spiritual, physical and social needs of the community for over 20 years through their ministry, food pantry, social and medical outreach programs.
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South Bronx Food Pantry Becomes CitiBike's 1000th Location
The popular New York City transportation and leisure bike lending system rode into Word of Life with a small and socially distant fanfare and new graffiti mural unveiled by Bronx-based award-winning artist/muralist Andre Trenie
By Oyiza Adaba, New York
Citibike 1000th Location Opening Ceremony at Word of Life Int’l in the south Bronx. (Photo by Africa_Related)
The Word Of Life International founded by Rev. John & Felicia Udo-Okon put up a colorful welcoming to the South Bronx for Citi Bike, marking its 1000th site opening across the city. The popular New York City transportation and leisure bike lending system rode into Word of Life with a small and socially distant fanfare and new graffiti mural unveiled by Bronx-based award-winning artist and muralist Andre Trenier.
The bright and beautiful yellow, blue and green mural covering the entire building front is of the artist's wife riding a citibike.
Local City Council members, media and officials from Citibike were represented and spoke glowingly of the Ministry's immense contribution to the South Bronx community and beyond.
The Nigerian-born hosts, Rev. John and Rev. Felicia Udo-Okon have been serving the spiritual, physical and social needs of the community for over 20 years through their ministry, food pantry, social and medical outreach programs.
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Opening: Builders Hub Community Learning & Resource Centre
Builders Hub Foundation founded by Barrister Natasha Akpoti commissioned the first learning centre to serve schools in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
OYIZA ADABA | AFRICA-RELATED NIGERIA
Okehi L.G.A, Kogi State, Nigeria
Photos by Africa-Related
Barr. Natasha Akpoti of Builders Hub Foundation surrounded by the school children who benefited from the program. (Africa-Related)
Builders Hub Foundation, founded by Barrister Natasha Akpoti commissioned the first learning centre to serve schools in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The mission is to promote literacy through tutoring, workshops, skills development and ICT in these underserved communities. Additional support came from The Dangote Foundation, National Inland Waterways Authority and Lantern Books. Donations continue to pour in.
The Centre is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Jimoh Akpoti, whose selfless service still impacts the people today.
PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS
Oyiza Adaba is a journalist with Africa-Related
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Nubuke Foundation 10th Anniversary - A Conversation with El Anatsui
Ghanaian cultural oasis, The Nubuke Foundation recently celebrated its 10th year anniversary with an exhibition by various local and international artists, and a conversation with world renowned artist El Anatsui that was moderated by art critic and curator N'Goné Fall.
By Oyiza Adaba. Accra, Ghana
N'Goné Fall , independent curator and art critic moderates conversation with globally acclaimed sculptor El Anatsui on his life journey from 1974-2016.
Ghanaian cultural oasis, The Nubuke Foundation recently celebrated its 10th year anniversary with an exhibition by various local and international artists, and a conversation with world renowned artist El Anatsui that was moderated by art critic and curator N'Goné Fall.
The conversation dwelt on the artist’s early works from 1974-2016. The rich audience consisted of respected names from the Ghanaian art scene, who got a rare chance to interact with Anatsui with a Q&A session. The children also unveiled an art piece made in honour of the highly revered artist. Congratulations to the NUBUKE Foundation.
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