Kenté Cultural Center

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.

 

Kente′ Cultural Center Board of Directors

 

Wade A. Hyslop, Jr. (Founder) Pastor
Director

John Potter
Vice President

Merrylyn Weaver (Founder)
Secretary/Treasurer

Trish Burgie-Capps (Founder)

Edwina Carter

William Cornish (Founder)

Elizabeth Duarte

Nancy Elliott

Debbie Evans

Shirley J. Gillis (Founder)

James D. Guillory

Jane Glover (Founder)

Margo Jackson

Bettie McIntyre

 Educational & Cultural Programs

African American History Museum
Amistad Freedom Weekend
Art Gallery Opening
Basketball Hall of Fame
Black Film Festival
Block Party Music Explosion
Chat & Chew
Flock Theatre: African Adventure
Harlem Book Fair
Juneteenth Celebration
Kente′ Reads
Kwanzaa Bazaar
Kwanzaa Celebration
Male 2 Male
Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Mother/Daughter: African Dolls Activity
Mashantucket Pequot Museum
Rock Climbing & Character Building
Sankofa Celebration
Science Epicenter & DNA Learning Center
Tellabration Multicultural Story Telling

Grants Received July 2006 - June 2007

 

Bodenwein Fund

Palmer Fund

21st Century School Grant

Citizens Bank

City of New London

Community Development Block Grant

Connecticut Commission on the Arts

Dime Savings Bank

New London Water Authority

Pfizer, Inc.