Ghana@50: Chicago

Golden Jubilees Celebration-Chicago

.........Governor of Illinois to Grace Occasion, Barak Obama invited
......March 3-10 Ghana Week in Illinois
February 14, 2007: Chicago IL_-- Fifty years ago, on March 6th, 1957, the West African nation, Ghana, won its independence from British colonial rule and became the first African nation to achieve this historic landmark. To celebrate this momentous occasion, the Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago, along with Chicago’s Ghanaian and African American community invites all of Chicago to join them in a week of festivities beginning on March 3rd and culminating in a dinner dance on March 10th2007.
The theme of the celebrations is: “Ghana: 50 years of leadership for Africa and the African Diaspora”
Invited guests include the Governor of the State of Illinois, Rod Blagojevich and other dignitaries.
The joyful week will launch with a concert and cultural show on Saturday, March 3rd, at 6 P.M. at the Walt Disney Magnet School, 4141 N. Marine Drive in Chicago. Renowned Ghanaian cultural artists, and African dance troupes and singers will provide an unforgettable night. Admission to this family event is free.
The following day, March 4th, a nondenominational Thanksgiving Service will bring together people of Christian, Muslim, and other faiths. Prayers and sermons focused on the history of empowerment, peace, and visions for the future will be offered, accompanied with scintillating gospel music that will stir the soul. The service begins at 1 P.M. at the African Community United Methodist Church, 4754 N. Leavitt Avenue in Chicago. This event is free and open to the public.
On Friday, March 9th, a panel of Ghanaian speakers will gather for a symposium to discuss the past, present, and future of Ghana and Africans in the diasporas. Join experts in the fields of health, economics, and education for an informed conversation. Speakers include Dr. John Acquaye-Awah, Founder and Owner of Korle-bu Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois and currently Attending Physician at Michael Rese Hospital.;Dr. Edward Mensah, Associate Professor in Economics, University of Illinois at Chicago and Professor Wilhemina J. Kalu, Phd, Educational Psychology , special Education . The forum will take place from 6.00 p.m-8 p.m. at the McCormick Theological Seminary, 5460 S. University Avenue in Chicago. This event is also free.
Following the symposium, a 2nd Generation Celebration dance, an event for the generation of young adults, will be held. The party at Orly Café (1660 E. 55th Street) is sure to be a night of dancing and celebration to remember! Doors open at 8 P.M. Tickets are only available at the door for $10.
The Grand Finale dinner-dance event caps this week of independence celebrations. The formal event at the Hyatt Regency Crystal Ballroom (151 E. Wacker Drive) starts at 7 P.M. with dinner served at 8 P.M Prayers and libation open this elegant evening, followed by a moving re-enactment of the original independence celebrations in 1957. This production will include a reading of Kwame Nkrumah’s independence speech, rendition of patriotic songs sung fifty years ago, a procession of African queens and kings, and cultural display. Finally, attendees will have opportunity to hit the ballroom dance floor to display their skills into the, early morning hours ending 2.00 a.m. Tickets are $100 flat. Call 773.620.5173 for the hottest tickets in Town.
The State of Illinois, the City of Chicago and the Cook County has declared March 3 to March 10 2007 “Ghana Week” in their respective jurisdictions.
The planning committee of Ghana@50 in Chicago has directed that Ghanaians and friends of Ghana should fly the Ghana Flag in their homes, cars, offices and work places from March 3 to March 10 2007. They should tell their families, friends and co-workers the relevance of Ghana’s independence to the freedom of other African countries and the black race across the globe.
Ghana National Council would like to thank our generous sponsors: Delta airlines, Golden Boy Productions, Council of Ghanaian Churches, and MoneyGram International.