MACPRI Chief Advisor, Kofi Aboagye Akrofi Sankofa Enstooled Friday November 11, 2011 at Ujima House (YPF) Toronto, Canada

MACPRI News! November 13, 2011
Message from MACPRI Chief

On Friday November 11, 2011 at approximately 8:30 pm, Brother Sankofa, Kofi Aboagye Akrofi Sankofa, officially and traditionally accepted the responsibility to become the third member of the MACPRI Traditional Council based in Toronto, Canada. While Brother Sankofa's work with MACPRI will not change his title has; from Associate Chief he has been enstooled as MACPRI Chief Advisor (Akwamuhene in the Akan language). The position of Chief assistant/advisor in a traditional council usually goes to an old man - an Elder, but Sankofa's commitment to our community, particularly in the planning of the recent Oware Tournament at the Africentric Alternative School and his tireless work generally, has earned him a title befitting of an ancient African Warrior returned.

MACPRI is the Chief Stills photographer of Akwantu: The Journey, a documentary film on the legendary Maroons of Jamaica by Roy T. Anderson. For more information about MACPRI and our projects visit: www.macpri.com, www.owarecanada.com and www.wix.com/macpri/african-art.

MACPRI Oware Day 2011: "Brother Oji's Finest Hour"

4 days to go...

before the MACPRI Toronto International Oware Tournament and Family Fun Day in partnership with the Africentric Alternative School in Toronto, Canada. Our principle sponsor is Evans Electrical Services.

Once again Adisa S. Oji (aka Brother Oji), the visionary behind the African Image Revolution will step out from the backstage of the Toronto community with another one of his landmark historic events which answers the Honorable Marcus Garvey's question. "Can we do it?"

The Oware Family Fun Day is an event intended to bring the Toronto African Canadian Community and friends together in a unique way with great possibilities. If you have never had the opportunity to see Brother Oji's leadership style manifested, this coming Saturday at the Africentric Alternative School will be a wonderful opportunity.

While registration for the Oware Tournament is officially closed, the day is packed with many great activities for the whole family to participate in. Please see the Inside Toronto link below for more details and if you have a Share Newspaper, event details can be found on the In Focus page.

Players who have registered for tournament and want to ensure that they will be able play, must arrive at the school at 10:00 AM. You will not be able to play if you arrive late and a refund will will be provide. This tournament will truly be an inter-generational extravagance as we will have participants ranging in age from 12 years to 80 years old sitting and playing together. There will also be an Open Oware Session for those interested who are not in the tournament.

There will be a special Oware Day Commemorative Program Booklet available: everyone will get a free copy made possible by our advertisers. Additional copies will be $2.00 each with proceeds in aid of the transition rites ceremony for Mama Apana, the old lady from Zobisi Village, Bolgatanga, Ghana West Africa. She died at approximately 120 years old. Mama Apana is the signature image from the 2007 "Mother God" photo-exhibition celebrating MACPRI's 20th Anniversary of the African Image Revolution.

The Creator and our beloved Ancestors be praised!
See you Saturday

Respectfully,
I AM Brother Oji


______________________________

For Media
The following representatives will be available for interviews October 29th at Oware Family Fun Day.

Thando Hyman-Aman, Principal of the Africentric Alternative School

Andrew Martin, MACPRI Deputy Chief

Kofi Sankofa, Oware Family Fun Day Coordinator


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INTERNATIONAL ALL AFRICAN INVENTORS MUSEUM WILL LAUNCH OWARE FEATURE OCT 29

PRESS RELEASE

Toronto (October 11, 2011) MACPRI Toronto International Oware Tournament and Free Family Fun Day in partnership with the Africentric Alternative School will take place Saturday October 29^th, 2011 from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM at 1430 Sheppard Ave. West (near Keele St.).

This free event open to the public will be of significant benefit to the community as there will be a number of exciting activities for children, youth and adults to participate in throughout the day in addition to the tournament. These activities include: Performance and presentations by local artists and motivational speakers, Storytelling, Arts and Crafts, African Martial Arts Demonstration, Drumming Lessons, Jewellery Making, Head Wrapping Workshop and an African Market Place.

Visions in Green, the International All African Inventors Museum (IAAIM) are proud sponsoring partners of the MACPRI Toronto International Oware Tournament and will launch a special exhibit on the history of Oware one of Africa’s and the world oldest (mathematical) board games.

Anyone 12 years and older interested in playing in the tournament can register for a fee of $10.00. An official tournament T-shirt can be purchased at the time of registration for an additional $15.00. Our initial goal was to register 256 players and award a grand prize of $1000.00. We are now realistically looking at 64 players sitting for the tournament and the winner will receive $500.00 cash. Prizes will be awarded to players who finish 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th place as well. Small gifts courtesy of MACPRI and our principle sponsor Evans Electrical Services will also be awarded to everyone who participates in the tournament. Donations will also be accepted in support of programming at the Africentric Alternative School.

What is Oware? Oware is a counting game and a fabulous tool for teaching math skills in a fun and exciting way. Oware is living African history and a unique way to incorporate an enriching aspect of African culture in our daily lives.

Based on observations of children, young people and adults who have been introduced to the game over the past 6 years, playing Oware aids in the development of self esteem among all children and adults alike, but in particular the children from whose countries the pit and pebbles games such as Oware originate.

- 30 -

For more information and to register please contact Adisa S. Oji, founder of Oware Canada, by email at owarecanada@gmail.com or call 647-991-1753

Visit our website www.owarecanada.com

OWARE TOURNAMENT AND FAMILY DAY AT TORONTO'S AFRICENTRIC ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL... ONE MONTH TO GO.

PRESS RELEASE

September 29, 2011
One Month to Go…

MACPRI Toronto International Oware Tournament and Free Family Fun Day in partnership with the Africentric Alternative School will take place Saturday October 29^th, 2011 from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM at 1430 Sheppard Ave. West (near Keele St.).

This free event open to the public will be of significant benefit to the community as there will be a number of exciting activities for children, youth and adults to participate in thorough out the day in addition to the tournament. These activities include:

This Free open to the public event ...

· Performance and presentations by local artists and motivational

speakers

· International All African Inventors Museum

· Storytelling

· Arts and Crafts

· African Martial Arts Demonstration

· Drumming Lessons

· Jewellery Making

· Head Wrapping Workshop

· African Market Place

· And donations will be accepted in support of programming at the

Africentric Alternative School

Anyone 12 years and older interested in playing in the tournament can register for a fee of $10.00. An official tournament T-shirt can be purchased at the time of registration for an additional $15.00. Our initial goal was to register 256 players and award a grand prize of $1000.00. We are now realistically looking at 64 players sitting for the tournament and the winner will receive $500.00 cash. Prizes will be awarded to players who finish 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th place as well. Small gifts courtesy of MACPRI and our principle sponsor Evans Electrical Services will also be awarded to everyone who participates in the tournament.

What is Oware?

Oware is a counting game and a fabulous tool for teaching math skills in a fun and exciting way. Oware is living African history and a unique way to incorporate an enriching aspect of African culture in our daily lives.

Based on observations of children, young people and adults who have been introduced to the game over the past 6 years, playing Oware aids in the development of self esteem among all children and adults alike, but in particular the children from whose countries the pit and pebbles games such as Oware originate.

For more information you can contact Adisa S. Oji, founder of Oware Canada, by email at owarecanada@gmail.com or call 647-991-1753. You can also visit our website www.owarecanada.com.

			The Toronto International Oware Tournament The Africentric Alternative School, 1430 Shepherd Av, West, Toronto, Canada, 29 October 2011 The Toronto International Oware Tournament is a FREE family fun activity day and tournament participants pay to register for the opportunity to win the grand prize of $1000.00. We are seeking 256 participants. With a minimum 128 participants MACPRI will honor the $1000 grand prize. A $500 grand prize will be presented if we are only able to secure 64 participants. Participants must be 12 years or older on October 29th, 2011. Everyone participating in the tournament will receive a prize made possible by owarecanada.com and Evans Electrical Services. In addition there will be an African Market Place where guests can purchase beautiful African Art and other Africentric products for the gift giving season. Part proceeds in support of programming at the Africentric School. NaN
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OWARE CANADA MESSAGE TO CBC Metro Morning September 21, 2011

Good morning,

I am presently working on a exciting new initiative called Oware: Africa in the Classroom. Oware is an ancient African board game from the "pit and pebbles" class with some 300 different versions played around the world and originating in Africa. Playing Oware is a fun and exciting way to introduce Africa in the classroom. MACPRI is looking to take Oware Canada to the National level with the staging of the first ever International Oware Tournament in Toronto scheduled to take place at the Africentric Alternative School on October 29, 2011. I am really interested in continuing a great history with CBC Metro Morning. I have been interviewed by both the program's previous hosts and both interviews were well received by your audience. Peter Gzowski and Andy Barrie's interviews both achieved the status of interview of the day and Mr. Gzowski's interview of the week. Who am I? I am Adisa Oji (feel free to google), I am the former UofT student who led the successful challenge that closed down the controversial "Into the Heart of Africa" exhibit at the ROM in 1990. In a recent conversation with Dan Rahimi (Vice President), I have reconciled unofficially with the ROM.

I look forward to your reply.

Adisa S. Oji
aka Brother Oji

OWARE TOURNAMENT SUPPORT GROWS!

Dear friends of MACPRI,

interest in the Toronto International Oware Tournament, Family Day and African Market Place is steadily growing. The Harriett Tubman Community Organization has already signed on bring 20 or more members. Visions in Green has agreed to set up the All African Inventors Museum.

I am also pleased to announce that ACHA, the African Canadian Heritage Association has offered to move their entire Saturday program to the Africentric School for this historic day. Please see message below from Louis March, ACHA Communications for more details. Other activities at the Oware Tournament Family Day include: Workshops on African martial Arts, Jewelery Making, Head Wrapping, Drumming, Storytelling...and more. There will also be performances from the children and adults and a brief and inspiring presentation by MACPRI founder on the Importance of Entrepreneurship in the Development of the African Canadian Community.

The community is encouraged to support the vendors at the event. Considered purchasing your gifts for the gift giving season at our African Market Place.

The Oware Day will be very packed, fun and exciting for all. Food and drinks will be on sale throughout the day. This is a free admission family event, where tournament participants pay to register. Donations will be accepted in support of the Africentric Alternative School.

If you can support this event in any way: funds, time you name it, Call me at 647-991-1753 or bounce me back an email.
Special thanks as always to Evans Electrical Services, our principle sponsor.

Bless You,

Brother Oji

OWARE SOCIETY, ENGLAND ENDORSES TORONTO INTERNATIONAL OWARE TOURNAMENT

TORONTO INTERNATIONAL OWARE TOURNAMENT

Toronto, Ontario, August 29, 2011: Just two months to go before the staging of the first International Oware Tournament to be held in Canada.

MACPRI is proud to announce that the England based Oware Society (www.oware.org) which promotes Oware world wide has endorsed the Toronto International Oware Tournament.

MACPRI in partnership with the Africentric Alternative School will present the 1st Toronto International Oware Tournament Saturday October 29th, 2011 from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM at 1430 Shepherd Ave. West. The Toronto International Oware Tournament is a FREE ADMISSION FAMILY EVENT with fun children’s activities, performances, storytelling and an African Market Place.

Players can register at a fee of $10.00 each or $25.00 each (includes official tournament t-shirt). Players pay to register for the opportunity to win our grand prize of $1000.00.

We are seeking 256 players. With a minimum 128 players, MACPRI will honour the $1000 grand prize. A $500 grand prize will be presented if we are only able to secure 64 players. Players must be 12 years or older on October 29th, 2011. Everyone participating in the tournament will receive a prize made possible by owarecanada.com and Evans Electrical Services.

In addition to coming out and cheering for friends and family members in the tournament, the community will have an opportunity to shop at our all day African Market Place and participate in various fun activities designed for all ages. MACPRI “made in Africa” art will be a special feature in the Market Place.

For more information about Oware and the Oware (Abapa) tournament games rules visit www.owarecanada.com.

Businesses and community organizations interested in increasing brand awareness, services and exposure through sponsorship of the Oware tournament can contact Naza Hasebenebi at 647-207-7395 or email owarecanada@gmail.com. For other inquires please call Adisa S. Oji, MACPRI chief and Oware Canada Director at 647-991-1753.

OWARE FAMILY FUN DAY ACTIVITIES FOR ALL SO FAR INCLUDE

Capoeira African Martial Demonstrations, International All African Inventors Museum, Jewellery Making, Drumming Workshops, Storytelling Circles, Head Wrapping Workshops, Afrobics, performance by community artists and more to come,…

Gmail - PRESS RELEASE: OWARE TOURNAMENT IN 2 MONTHS - macpri@gmail.com

Gmail - PRESS RELEASE: OWARE TOURNAMENT IN 2 MONTHS - macpri@gmail.com

For Immediate Release:

July 13, 2011

TD IRIE MUSIC FESTIVAL
July 29, 30, 31 & August 1 2011
www.iriemusicfestival.com
FREE! THE FEELING IS IRIE!

IRIE KIDS’ ZONE PROGRAMMING ANNOUNCED

Saturday July 30^th- August 1^st at Queen’s Park North

The annual TD IRIE MUSIC FESTIVAL presents IRIE KIDS’ ZONE at Queen’s Park North on Saturday, July 30^th from 4 p.m to 8 p.m., Sunday July 31^st from 1 p.m to 8 p.m. and Monday August 1^st from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. The IRIE KIDS’ Zone hosts storytellers, the TD mural wall, MACPRI Oware Challenge, face painting, inflatables and more! Kids of all ages are welcome to participate!

The MACPRI Oware Challenge returns to the Irie Music Festival for the third consecutive year. Oware is one of the famous original African board games enjoyed by adults and children alike around the world, and is now very popular in Toronto. Join MACPRI and Oware Canada at Irie Fest - learn to play Oware, share your skills and teach others. Participate in our mini tournament on Monday August 1^st and win prizes courtesy of www.owarecanada.com. MACPRI will also be taking registration for Canada's First International Oware Tournament to be held at the Africentric Alternative School in Toronto on Saturday, October 29^th 2011.

The TD mural wall is a collaborative adventure for all ages to share their creative expressions. Active and fun, the mural showcases the talent of children of all ages. Join in - grown-ups are welcome - or watch as the wall fills with creative, colourful, original works of art!

PUBLIC INFORMATION: 905-799-1630

The TD IRIE Music Festival is a free event that celebrates music, dance, art, food and culture, providing an opportunity to promote a greater
understanding between diverse cultures and traditions of Toronto - the
world's most culturally diverse city.

Please add this information to your listings. We are presently confirming interviews. For further information please go to www.iriemusicfestival.com

MEDIA INFORMATION
Planet3 Communications: Sacha Miller/ Piera Savage/ Joanne Smale
E: info@planet3com.net T: 647-346-4101

Oware - Mancala World

Oware - Mancala World

MACPRI News!!!

July 2011-07-21

The African Image Revolution: One for the History books

“I am prepared to reconcile with the ROM, but this doesn’t mean I won’t be critical of the institution’s actions where necessary,” said Brother Oji in a recent self inspired private visit. Yesterday Oji went to the ROM to see Dan Rahimi, Vice President of Gallery Development to discuss future possibilities.

The African community’s historical challenge of the ROM in 1989 – 1990 closed down the controversial “Into the Heart of Africa” exhibit and landed Oji in the courtroom and jail along with other members of the Toronto African community. Since then Rahimi has been the only ROM official to gain some level of respect from the leaders of the “Coalition for the Truth about Africa (CFTA)” that formed to close down the exhibition. His honesty and forthrightness in our 2003 CBC interview with Andy Barrie is with me to this day.

“The challenge of the ROM’s Into the Heart of Africa exhibit,” said Rahimi, “is the single most significant event that politicized museums around the world forever and museums will now think twice when mounting exhibits on any community.”

As a result of the CFTA challenge of the ROM, a community consultation process was put in place, a number of doctorial thesis have been written, a documentary film was made, more Africans are telling their own story and CFTA members have moved on to do great things in our communities in various countries around the world. This story is yet to be told.

More than 20 years since this historic action, Oji paid a visit to the ROM accompany by a friend (Kwame) and met with Rahimi who has expressed interest in doing some work with the Africentric Alternative School. This will give the ROM an opportunity to continue to make positive changes inclusive of all the communities their art represents.

Adisa S. Oji

MACPRI

Toronto, Canada

Toronto International Oware Tournament Date Set: October 29th 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TORONTO INTERNATIONAL OWARE TOURNAMENT

Toronto, Ontario, June 16th, 2011: MACPRI in partnership with the Africentric Alternative School presents the 1ST International Oware Tournament scheduled for Saturday October 29th, 2011 from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM at 1430 Shepherd Ave. West. The Toronto International Oware Tournament is a FREE ADMISSION FAMILY EVENT with fun children’s activities, performances, storytelling and a African Market Place.

Tournament registrants should be a minimum of 12 years old on or before October 29th, 2011. A maximum of 256 players can register at a fee of $10.00 each or $25.00 each (includes official tournament t-shirt) for a chance to win the GRAND PRIZE of $1000.00. For registration details, please call 647-991-1753 or email owarecanada@gmail.com.

For Oware (Abapa) tournament games rules visit www.owarecanada.com.
Businesses and community organizations interested in increasing brand awareness, services and exposure through sponsorship can contact Naza Hasebenebi at 647- 207-7395 or email forthepeoplecanada@yahoo.ca.

What is Oware?
Oware belongs to the “pit and pebbles” classification of games with it origin in Africa. There are approximately 300 games in this class, with Ghana’s Oware being one of the most popular internationally. There are versions of the games in all 54 African countries. The Philippines, Indonesia, India, Germany and the Eastern Caribbean also have their own versions of the game. Some elders from Antigua have argued that the game may have migrated during the middle passage in the memories of the Africans.

Oware puts Africa on the Canadian landscape, in our homes, in our classrooms and therefore in our hearts and minds. Oware continues to be an important part of African tradition on and off the continent and playing Oware keeps that tradition alive.

Oware Canada and the Oware “Africa in the Classroom” campaign provides a window of opportunity through a simple, but intriguing game for Canadians of all backgrounds to develop innovative ways of social engagement. Oware and the games of Africa are excellent but underutilized educational resources. MACPRI Oware Canada is proud to be at the forefront of the Oware “Africa in the Classroom” campaign and our tournament serves the purpose of exposing this great social engagement and learning tool to a broader audience. Please post in your community listing and we look forward to your support.

MACPRI Chief, Adisa S. Oji will be on site Saturday June 18th, from 10:00 AM – 6:00PM at the 30th Annual Driftwood Community Festival to officially launch tournament details at 4401 Jane St. Interested participants can register for the tournament at the MACPRI table.
The Festival will also be broadcast live on CHRY 105.5 FM. Please follow the link below for 2010 interviews http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJo663ajubg.

Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival: FIGURE & GROUND, MAY 1 - 31 / 2011African Image Revolution

Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival: FIGURE & GROUND, MAY 1 - 31 / 2011African Image Revolution