News Summary
On March 7, Charleston will host a mini summit focused on African culture and heritage, led by the Charleston Library Society. The event will promote women artisans and highlight their contributions to society. Attendees can engage with notable speakers and participate in workshops aimed at supporting entrepreneurship and preserving cultural crafts. The summit is part of a broader celebration, The Waka Waka, and culminates with a gala fundraiser supporting women artisans worldwide.
Charleston Set to Celebrate African Culture with a Women-Led Mini Summit
Mark your calendars, folks! This March 7, the charming city of Charleston will host an exciting mini summit that’s all about embracing and uplifting rich African culture and indigenous arts heritage. The Charleston Library Society (CLS) is taking the lead, with the event scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to noon at their stunning location on 164 King Street.
What’s the Buzz About?
This lively summit is part of a major celebration called The Waka Waka, a catchy phrase that translates to “just do it” in the Cameroonian Fang language. How fitting, right? This celebration is all about recognizing the incredible talents of African women artisans and promoting their businesses and crafts to new heights.
Attendees can expect to hear from incredible women leaders in the field who have made remarkable contributions to their communities. Notable speakers include the president of the Women In Africa Initiative and the gender director of BeadWORKS Kenya. Each of these leaders brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for empowering women, focusing on overcoming barriers and promoting equality in their professions.
Bridging Culture and Heritage
With a strong emphasis on the importance of preserving heritage crafts, the summit will be a platform for discussing how these art forms can help women artisans achieve a sustainable income. These discussions will reveal the intersection of tradition and entrepreneurship, and how women can thrive in the modern world while honoring their roots.
Additionally, participants can explore various workshops and interactions aimed at building networks among artisans and entrepreneurs. It’s a wonderful opportunity to not just learn but also share ideas and insights in a supportive environment.
About the Charleston Library Society
Now, let’s talk a bit about where all the magic will happen! The Charleston Library Society dates back to December 28, 1748, when a group of nineteen gentlemen came together in the city with a mission to collect British volumes. Talk about history! Those gentlemen started with an impressive collection of 5,000 British volumes. Unfortunately, a fire in 1778 destroyed most of it, but the library rose from the ashes like a phoenix and has since grown to include over 3,000 members!
The CLS is not your average library; it boasts a collection filled with treasures ranging from Elizabethan literature to significant letters from American Revolutionaries. You can even peek into their exclusive conservation lab, the Jerrold and Ann Mitchell Conservation Lab, and drop by Dorothy’s Book Bindery where hand bookbinding and papermaking are taught.
Furthermore, with unique historical documents in their collection, including a letter from the infamous Captain John Paul Jones and a rare 1632 Shakespeare Second Folio, it’s a paradise for book lovers and historians alike!
As part of their commitment to progress, CLS is continuously digitizing their treasures, so researchers and enthusiasts can easily access them from anywhere.
Join the Celebration!
And if you think the excitement ends there, think again! Later that evening, don’t miss the annual Waka Waka gala fundraiser at Festival Hall, benefiting the Ibu Movement, which supports women artisans on a global scale. It’s sure to be an unforgettable evening filled with camaraderie and celebration.
With its blend of community and historical preservation, the Charleston Library Society continues to be a vital cultural institution. So, come join the fun, celebrate culture, and support women entrepreneurs at this remarkable event! The magic awaits at CLS this March 7!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Charleston Hosts Women-Led Mini Summit Celebrating African Culture
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: CHS Library Soc Talks Money Laundering
- Wikipedia: Charleston Library Society
- Post and Courier: WACC Presents Amb. Barbara Bodine
- Google Search: Charleston Library Society
- Post and Courier: Waka Charleston Library Society International Women’s Day
- Encyclopedia Britannica: African Culture
- CHSToday: Charleston Museum History 247 Birthday
- Google News: Waka Waka Gala Fundraiser
