SGI-USA Presents Festival of African Culture at Friendship Center in Los Angeles, California, USA

On August 13, 2006, a Festival of African Culture took place at the SGI-USA Los Angeles Friendship Center, with more than 1,000 attending. The event's theme, "Rites of Passage," focused on strengthening trust, appreciation, character, socialization and dedication to the community. Participants used dance, poetry, storytelling and dialogue to present the topics. Following the festival, event organizer Stephanie Hayness stated, "The best part of the festival was the harmony between SGI's theme for 2006--The Year of Youth and Dynamic Growth--and the festival's focus. As the saying goes, 'It takes a village to raise a child.' I really feel that the SGI is a village raising capable people."

[Adapted from an article in the November 3, 2006 issue of the World Tribune, SGI-USA]