FYI everyone. (Message sent to the African Association web-site)

Thanks to all.

-----Original Message-----
From: Tara L Bunner <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Monday, September 28, 1998 2:32 PM
Subject: Africa fest 98


>I just wanted to drop you a line and let you know how much I enjoyed the
>Africa Fest 98 this summer.  As soon as my husband told me about it I
>knew that I just had to go - I felt that I was led. During the afternoon
>my family and I visited many booths on the square and enjoyed many
>exhibits, but none touched me as much as your program.  On entering the
>center I at once felt at home.
>I am a white woman, but, in researching my family history, I have had
>many signs that some of my family are of African descent.  As I study the
>different cultures, especially the cultures of the Yoruba people and the
>people around there, I feel a kinship.  There is something so familiar to
>me and I almost feel as if some of my ancestors are calling out to me
>through this history.
>My 15 year old daughter, who is very sensitive to spiritual things, also
>felt the spirit in Africa Fest.  We didn't say much to each other as we
>toured your exhibits, but as we walked out the door she turned to me and
>said, "Wasn't that wonderful?" at which point I was so overcome that I
>burst into tears.  So if you hear of a crazy lady that was walking around
>crying outside after seeing such a beautiful exhibit, please know that
>they were tears of happiness at having "come home".
>I also feel that I should tell you that I have a daycare/preschool in my
>home.  This fall I have determined to teach the children about Africa,
>because I feel that the only way prejudice can be overcome is through
>education from a very early age.  My daughters tell me (I have 5 from age
>6 to 19) that they have yet to study anything about Africa in their
>schools.  I am apalled by this.  I want to do something to make it right.
> I plan to talk to our principle and vice principle at the elementary
>school to see what can be done about this.  (I have a wonderful vision of
>requiring an entire year to to be dedicated to the study of African
>studies in the elementary school where each class can learn about a
>different country in Africa and then visit each others' "country
>classrooms".)  If you have any information that can help me further this
>goal or teach children in my preschool, please let me know.  Your
>information will not be wasted.
>Thank you so much, again, for your wonderful Africa Fest 98!
>Sincerely,
>Tara L. Bunner
>
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