Page 20 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • June 16, 2010 Ridgewood Library takes ‘Journey to Africa’ by John Koster “We want everybody to understand that African people are not empty-headed or empty-handed,” said Atiba Kwabena, an African musician and storyteller who traces his family roots to Sierra Leone and Senegal. “The more we learn about Africa, the more we learn about ourselves.” Kwabena and Mickey Davidson, a dancer, singer, and storyteller, made good on the program’s title, “Journey to Africa,” as they drew their audience right in to the cultures of many nations and tribes with a call-and-response style that had the audience singing a few African tunes. Most people in the predominantly mature Ridgewood area audience were probably relieved that they weren’t asked to emulate Davidson’s athletically graceful dance steps, though a couple of the teenagers in the audience of European-American, Asian-American, Asian-Indian-Americans and African-Americans tried out some of the moves while sitting down. To Davidson, the audience looked like a rainbow of humanity – and she and Kwabena were delighted to share her knowledge of one band of that human rainbow. “You make us both feel very welcome – we’re a community,” Davidson said as the (continued on page 23) NEED MULCH? Hardwood • Hemlock Cedar • Oak Colored: Black, Brown, Red Top Soil • Compost Decorative Stone Installation • Free Estimates Wholesale and Retail Mickey Davidson and Atiba Kwabena RVH MULCH SUPPLY WYCKOFF, NJ 201-304-5055 �������������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������ 5-19-10 Pat/Janine RHVMulchColor3x3(5-19-10) 3 x 3” Rev1 FAMOUS BRANDS, HUGE SELECTION, CURRENT STYLES, EXTRA-WIDE WIDTHS, HARD-TO-FIND SIZES AT RECESSION BUSTIN’ ����������� ��������������������������� ��������������������������� ������������������� ������������������������������ ������������������������������ ������������������ �������������������� SAVINGS of 20% to 70% Off ON THE LATEST COLLECTION IN DRESS, CASUALS, SANDALS AND ATHLETIC SHOES FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY. marty’s coupon ��������� $ ANY PURCHASE OF $29 OR MORE With This Coupon • Limit One Coupon Per Customer Exp. 7/16/10 5 Off $ ANY PURCHASE OF $50 OR MORE With This Coupon • Limit One Coupon Per Customer Exp. 7/16/10 10 Off marty’s coupon ����������������������� ����������������������� ������������������������������ ��������������� ������ ���� ��������� ��������� �������� ���������� Midland Park Shopping Center Godwin Ave. & Goffle Rd. ��������������� ������������������ (201) 857-2433 Shop online MARTYSHOES.COM We honor major credit/debit cards. Not responsible for typographic errors. �����������Hair Care FREE shipping on all orders over $29 �������� FOR THE STORE NEAREST YOU, Call 1-888-6-MARTYS (888-662-7897) ����������������������������������� �������������� �������������������������