Martin Luther King, Jr. Day will be observed on Monday, January 21. Tanya Chimwemwe Phiri, a citizen of Gaborone, Botswana, will be in Nashville to speak at St. Luke Church, 2008 Ed Temple Blvd. from 2-4 pm.
‘Life in Botswana’ will be the subject of discussion along with information about travel tours to a variety of destinations in Africa. Phiri, a graduate of the University of Botswana, said it will be most refreshing to hear from a native who still resides in Africa and learn of some myths v. truths about life in Africa.
Phiri will be joined by Nashville resident, Rossi Turner, best known for his arts career. Turner has travelled to 41 countries around the world and visited Africa on several occasions.
“I met Rossi in South Africa and we have been talking about doing something together,” said Phiri. “I understand from Rossi that slavery began in 1619 in the U.S. So 2019 is the 400th year anniversary of the beginning of slavery in America.”
In an effort to observe, teach and make others aware of life in Africa, Rossi and Tanya have formed a business alliance to carry out tours of Africa.
“Yes, Wakanda forever! Come to Africa now. We will also have a talk back to include an exchange program. I have worked with NGO’s (Non Governmental Organizations, i.e., Peace Corp). It’s time to bring what I know to the people,” said Turner.
Tanya’s trip to Nashville consisted of a flight from Gaborone, Botswana to Johannesburg, South Africa to Doha, UAE to New York and then to Nashville to share her information.
“She hopes you will travel a few miles to share a conversation,” said Turner.
While this event is free and open to the public, donations will be accepted. Supporters can also help Tanya. She will have original clouting and crafts available for sale truly straight out of Africa.
Tanya and Rossi will also share information regarding the tours of Africa. A summer tour schedule to Ghana, South Africa and Botswana will be coming up soon.
This presentation is provided by the African American Cultural Alliance (AACA) in association with Recovering A Key, (RAK) International, LLC.
This event is free and open to the public with a reception to follow.
For more information call 615-364-1993.
