Welcome to Kenté Cultural Center
Shaping minds and nurturing self-esteem through culture, history and the arts . . .
Located in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Kente' serves as the area’s only African American Cultural Center. Our activities are focused on enabling the individual to tap their hidden power and creativity through a better understanding of culture, history and the arts. We invite you to become a participant and partake in the Kente' experience!
Our History – An Introduction
Kenté was formed in 1997 by a group of New London County African American business and community leaders who recognized the lack of cultural activities for people of color and specifically for children.
After much thought and many roundtable discussions, Kenté Enterprise was conceived. Space for the project was donated by a local businessman and additional volunteers were found to develop the concept of the "Cultural Center."
There are two separate entities to Kenté: there is Kenté Enterprise, which is the business side, and there is the Kenté Cultural Center, which handles the more creative and programmatic functions. Together these two halves, Kenté Enterprise and Kenté Cultural Center, form the whole concept of Kenté.
Our Mission
To promote the contributions and importance of African American culture and history to society as a whole. Using culture and the arts as a tool, Kenté strives to illustrate how perseverance and imagination can help unlock the doors of oppression and hopelessness. We aim to create a place where young people are encouraged to define themselves on their own terms, utilizing the arts as a means of self-expression. Kente's intent is to build a strong allegiance to our community by establishing a haven where young minds can grow and be nourished toward a positive expression of self.
Kenté News
Kid's Corner
Mella Cornish Scholarship Applications
Available at Kente
Due Date June 1, 2009
Applicatants must be a member of Kente
and have participated in a program within the last two years.
Call Kente (860) 444-1955 for more information.
BIG SALE!!!!!!
Paul Goodnight Kente' 10th Anniversary Print Art Sale
Final Opportunity for Purchase!!
Call today to purchase your signed and numbered
print of the comissioned art. Only a limited number are
still available. Kente is offering a sale price of $175 for the
18" X 24" giclee' print.
Tee shirts ($10), posters ($5) and tote bags($10) are also on sale.
Call Kente' today - - don't wait!!
860-444-1955
Kente' Wish LIst
Art Supplies
Paint
Brushes
Construction Paper
Glue
Crayons/Colored Pencils
Monetary Donations
Our Strategy
To provide meaningful activities that foster creative thinking, and build self-esteem
through the mobilization of available resources, administration of grants,
and the use of private funds.
To provide programs and activities for people of all ages, with a special emphasis for young people ages 8-15. The Kenté Board of Directors understands the necessity of offering family-oriented programs that include interactive components to strengthen family bonds.
Our Activities Include:
- Field trips to museums and art galleries
- Music, art, and dance lessons
- Creative writing workshops
- "Freedom Trail Tours"
- History Study Groups
- Book Talks
- Reading & Educational Programs
- Environmental & Science Programs
- Cultural Celebrations