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COTTON PICKERS BALL

An American Ancestral Celebration
insert_invitation Fri, Oct 18, 2013 6:00 PM (CDT)
location_on Mississippi Valley State University, Itta Bena, Mississippi
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Mississippi Valley State University
14000 HWY 82 West
Itta Bena, Mississippi 38941

Khafre, Inc in conjunction with Mississippi Valley State University present the 2nd Annual “Cotton Pickers Ball” on MVSU's campus, October 18, 2013, at 6pm. The event begins with an ancestral pray circle and candle light vigil on the lake just in front of the Harrison Auditorium and Gymnasium complex. The participants will proceed to the Royal Room for the second annual Cotton Pickers Ball. This event is a good old fashion “black-tie” affair (overalls or period piece costumes are cool too).? Blues and Gospel music will be performed by Mississippi Delta legends Otis Clay, Marshall Thompson (lead singer of Chi Lites) and Syl Johnson. Field hollers will be the ambient sounds of the two-day event that also features local storyteller Helen Sims in tribute to “the Spirit of Fannie Lou.”? Monument developer Ed Dwight will present during this historical occasion. Artists Robert Ketchens and William Burton, Jr, from St Louis will display their recent work on Cotton Pickin and Sharecropping in the American South. And an elaborate selection of gourmet appetizers and "field food" will be served and a silent auction of art by students and artisans from around the Delta will be on hand in support of the Cotton Pickers of America Monument and Sharecroppers Interpretive Center project, in Bolivar County, Mississippi.

 

For more information, contact: 

C.Sade Turnipseed, MS/MBA, PhD (abd) 

662.347.8198

sade@khafreinc.org

www.cottonpickers.us

www.khafreinc.org

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The 2nd Annual Sweat Equity Investment in the

Cotton Kingdom Symposium becomes an Institution at MVSU

 

Indianola, MS (September 17, 2013)Khafre, Inc has forged ahead with its collaborative partnership with Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) to organize once again America’s premier interdisciplinary professional meeting on cotton and sharecropping and their cultural significance to the economic development of America. The partnership with MVSU has substantiated the viability of the “Sweat Equity Investment in the Cotton Kingdom Symposium” (the Symposium), as well as the first ever “Cotton Pickers Ball,” whereby guests are asked to come in the appropriate attire, such as “overalls and straw hats.” This year’s events are scheduled to take place on October 17 - 18, 2013, on the MVSU campus, located at 14000 HWY 82, West Itta Bena, Mississippi.

 

The Symposium will take place Thursday October 17, 2013, beginning at 9:00am. The stimulating discussions and historical presentations will reflect leading-edge research, innovative practices, and foundational values. Confirmed participants thus far include: monument developer Ed Dwight, reflective writings by national spokesman Clifton Taulbert, and Maya Angelou; internationally acclaimed Attorney Jaribu Hill from the Mississippi Workers’ Center for Human Rights organization; and, former MVSU provost, Mississippi Blues Foundation Board Member Dr Joseph Martin Stevenson, Blues Scholar Scott Barretta, retired teacher and authentic cotton picker Mr. Monroe Golden, and Winterville Mounds Museum Director Dr. Mark Howell and many others. In addition two noted scholars from Mali, Dr. Alpha Diallo and the Assistant General Director from Mali’s Cotton Manufacturing and Distribution will present via Skype.

 

On the following day, Friday October 18, 2013 an American Ancestral Celebration including a pouring of libation will take place on the MVSU campus beginning at 6pm. The Celebration will commence at the pond in front of the Harrison Auditorium (and gymnasium). As part of the Celebration, Khafre, Inc plans to erect a permanent marker on the site in honor of cotton pickers from the Mississippi Delta, and in commemoration of the significance of this historical occasion.

 

Immediately following the Celebration the event will culminate into a good-old-fashion “Cotton Pickers Ball.” At this “black-tie” affair overalls and or period piece costumes and other “cotton pickin’ attire” are encouraged and expected. Blues and Gospel music will be performed by Mississippi Delta legends, Otis Clay, Marshall Thompson (lead singer of Chi Lites) and Syl Johnson. Field hollers will be the ambient sounds of the two-day event that also features local storyteller Helen Sims in tribute to “the Spirit of Fannie Lou.”

 

KHAFRE, Inc. is a not for profit 501(c)(3) organization. To realize its’ critically important and intentionally bold vision, KHAFRE, Inc. will build monuments and memorials, offer educational programs, health and history workshops. Khafre, Inc also provides resources to the formal and informal educators in the Delta, engage in community outreach, and operate as a repository and distributor of information on the beauty and talent of and within the Mississippi Delta, all for the overarching purpose of improving the quality of life of her sons and daughters. 

 

Mississippi Valley State University, as a Carnegie Classified Master's University, provides comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs in education, the arts and sciences, and professional studies. The University is driven by its commitment to excellence in teaching, learning, service, and research--a commitment resulting in a learner-centered environment that prepares critical thinkers, exceptional communicators, and service-oriented, engaged, and productive citizens. MVSU is fundamentally committed to positively affecting the quality of life and creating extraordinary educational opportunities for the Mississippi Delta and beyond. 

 

"Khafre, Inc.’s   partnership   with   “The   Valley” validates   the   notion   that   a   tribute   and   monument to sharecroppers and cotton pickers are not just timely, but significant on many levels. Honoring the legacy of  “grandmamma-nem” in an university setting gives artistic and academic license to the pursuit of gaining more scholarship and international acceptance, of the contributions and sweat equity of people who picked cotton in America” said Linda Rule, Special Events Director of Khafre, Inc.

 

The 2nd Annual Cotton Pickers Ball is an American Ancestral Celebration and fund-raising effort to develop the Cotton Pickers of America Monument complex, in the Mississippi Delta. Advance tickets for $25.00 are available at MVSU’s cashier’s office and online at: https://www.ticketriver.com/event/7648. Student tickets for $5 will be available at the door, with picture student ID (only). Corporate Sponsors are very much welcomed...let us make history together!

It is time!

 

For more information, please contact:

Symposium--C.Sade Turnipseed 662.347.8198, sade@khafreinc.org

Cotton Pickers Ball--Linda Rule 662.635.3311, Linda@khafreinc.org

www.khafreinc.org ~ www.cottonpickers.us

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Location

Map of Mississippi Valley State University
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location_on
Mississippi Valley State University
14000 HWY 82 West
Itta Bena, Mississippi 38941