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BLACK HISTORY MONTH During the month of February each year, we remember our ancestors and the sacrifice they made to give us a chance to enjoy the freedom and liberty in current times. It is a celebration of the history before and after slavery to corporate America, past to present and SHINA Inc. prides itself in bridging the gap whatever it maybe. For this year, we looked at poetic conversation, dance, khanga elegance, and cultural awareness.POETIC CONVERSATION
Poetic Conversation (Called Ngonjera in Swahili. Defined as rap/poem ) The history before and after, slavery to corporate America, past to present—Bridging the Gap DANCE
We dance to express happiness, joy, sometimes sadness for health reasons and simply a self healing process of expressing the inner self. In African culture, our ancestors danced to pass the history from one generation to another. To empower ourselves culturally, we have to elevate each other first. For those of us who have made our home in the United States, charity begins here. For SHINA to continue our works and fulfill our mission we need and ask for your support. We hereby express our cultural messages through Dance KHANGA ELEGANCE The khanga is a soft rectangle piece of colorful cotton cloth, mainly found in East Africa. This is different from the kitenge, which is a more formal rectangle piece of cotton cloth found all over Africa and Asia. The main difference between khanga and kitenge is the message found on the khanga and the grammage of the cotton-fabric/threadcount.
You should see the combination of modern khanga dressing. This is the best of woman's creativity at work in this century. We no longer depend on machinery to do the decorations, rather the combination of different pieces and colors to come up with dresses for all seasons, activities and occasions. The latest talent and skills of designing in East Africa has become the main economic source of finance for women who in turn pay for school fees, medical bills etc. To empower each other we must educate and find a market where both societies can benefit (African immigrants and the descendants of Africa in America). As Dr. Pritchard II (Founder of Black History Month Celebration) said, “You are not free without the greens— money ” CULTURE AWARENESS THE MYTH OF THE WRAP - Head Wrap
The head wrap has for years and years been an item inseparable from the African woman’s head. Like the khanga, the head wrap is a piece of square or rectangle cotton material. There are various ways it can be folded or molded and tied atop the head. Each part of Africa has it’s own style of wearing the head wrap, some areas more flamboyant than others. One can therefore tell at a glance from which region of Africa the wearer or the head wrap itself originates from. Why a head wrap?? - The head wrap has many uses. The most primary one is protection of the head from the sun’s glare, wind, dust and cold. The color/s of the wrap can also signify special events like funeral /mourning (black or other very dark colors in some areas white), weddings (white or very bright colors). In other areas, the head wrap is a part of the traditional and/or religious custom. In all regions however, the head wrap has always been a piece of décor for the African women. The more complicated the wrap style the fancier it is. Khanga Wrapping
The Bantu Culture The Bantu people are a people who migrated from the north of Africa and settled in eastern and central Africa all the way to South Africa. The Bantu brought with them a culture distinct from the local cultures but one which in time fused with the local cultures and set forth diverse economic, cultural, social and religious cultures, everywhere they settled. Here we show the Bantu culture fashion of the men and women in East Africa. The man is wearing a long white garment (usually white) with long sleeves known as the kanzu. The woman is wearing a loose-fitting black garment known as the bai bui in Swahili. It is always black and has a head piece attached to cover the head. Building a sound, powerful, skilled and knowledgeable society.....
Cultural enrichment has been designed to cater for various needs of today’s Youth. Understanding the physiological/psychological changes and being able to adapt to the changing social environment is vital in building positive personal development. Culture Adjustment is a key to cultural development. Our host country offers a potpouri of cultures; understanding them, their pros and cons, and assistance in adjusting comfortably to give one a niche in society without losing one’s identity and values. This will encourage positive productivity and prosperity in the new environment Style and Etiquette: Image and talent development skills are emphasized, encouraged, nurtured and promoted by effectively utilizing SHINA’s network. Networking: social, professional and business strategies are explained/established.
Knowledge is POWER
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While viewed as a primitive way of dressing in the Western eyes, in East Africa it is the woman's best friend - from the Bedroom to the Boardroom. It provides dignity and elegance and leaves some imagination to the audience and the beholder. The message on a khanga provides a way of expression without being confrontational. This is a peaceful way in the community to solve some issues, celebrate some events or simply self expression and advocacy of values, culture and social awareness. 
Modesty is one among a woman’s attributes and the head wrap symbolizes the woman’s genteel spirit. A woman’s hair is her crown and glory.
Khanga wrapping is the way a khanga is draped/tied on the body to produce different style garments. The wrapping of a piece of khanga around the lower body and another piece to cover the top part of the body is something most African women can do. But for more artistic and elaborate designs/styles of wrapping, one sometimes needs to seek the assistance of a designer, and especially during special occasions.
SHINA Inc. empowers the community with knowledge and skills that will benefit them socially, culturally and economically. We aim to promote a community where everybody can be comfortable with each other.