GREAT MUSICAL LYRICS AND MESSAGES TOUCHING HUMANITY!
UNFORGETTABLE!
"TIMBUKTU" IS 4 YOU!
TAKE THE JOURNEY
"TIMBUKTU-THE HUMAN JOURNEY"
Images of the Motherland Interactive Theater is a much need positive artistic expression show-casing African History, Culture and Artistic contributions to the world!
It has been a blessed to be able to be a part of and contribute my time and talents to the Children of Adam Band, sponsored by IMIT.
I’ve been working with a Children Adam Band since 2019 I was skeptical about getting in the group but once I decide to join it was a wonderful experience a beautiful nonprofit organization that cares about humanity
Such a great non-profiit servicing Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. So thankful for Images of The Motherland!
Sound and rhythm are a universal language. Tones and cadences set a mood, suggest feelings and stimulate the mind, body and spirit. Music carries memories, enhances the present and offers a glimpse into what we might become collectively and individually. The music and words brought into life by The Children of Adam Band manifest all of those experiences.
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The CD 'Bilal' reminded me of my personal awakening to artists such as Pharoah Sanders, Nikki Giovanni, Curtis Mayfield, Miriam Makeba,The Last Poets and Ntozake Shange in the 60s and 70s. 'Bilal' offers images that are rejuvenating, music that's timeless and messages that're inspiring and necessary.
This Is a wonderful band sharing a lot of love and positivity. I loved everything in their performance from their wardrobe to their artistic expression in their music. The performance at the H st Festival was fantastic. Keep up the good work.
Simply Excellent! The programs are informative; and the efforts of this organization are top notch! R. Byrd
I discovered Children of Adam band at the perfect time in my life.
Their music and their message is unlike any other. ❤️
I was inspired by the organization and its purpose, so I reached out to Baba Kenya for help with my Journalism project. Baba Kenya was kind and patient with me throughout the process and inspired me with his responses to my interview questions. I hope new people can discover Images of the Motherland Interactive Theater because they truly deserve so much!
The Children of Adam Band had a lady doing a whirling dance that was stunning. Their music was a combination of old school and exotic. Never heard or saw anything like it. Loved it.
It tells the story of forgotten history that was never told in the history school books. The younger adults would be enchanted of true storytelling of this theatrical performance.
Images of the Motherland brings to audiences biographical material that has previously been ignored. These spectacular, dramatic performances bring diversity to the stage that enrich the lives of all Americans. Black History is American History. I highly recommend Images of the Motherland Interactive Theatre.
Images of the Motherland is a dynamic multi-faceted organization that uses every creative avenue to share and create living histories. Every story, every journey compels audience interaction. The latest creation, PMB Music, Positive Message Bearing Music, is a unique hybrid of world music that's manifested through The Children of Adam Band. The band infuses North African dance in its performances which comes from IMIT's early days. It's exciting to experience such creative diversity that shares these untold stories and reminds us of our universal stae of humanity.
Best group, I’ve heard in years! Congratulations to this group and all of their future performances.
The Children of Adams Band provide great music hoping to reach all people
regardless of their background most of musicians are very experience and
have played outside the country if you listen to this band you will aways
enjoy it!
Wow! The lyrics are meaningful and the music is great. I hope to hear more from this group! My friends and I totally enjoyed their music and the twirling dance by the lead female singer was hypnotizing. I especially enjoyed the horns. We are looking forward to their next performance!
I attended this class many times. This particular class is based on lots of research that goes beyond the usual known history or commonly heard half factual events.
I learned several facts about some of the early history about letters and symbols of many languages.
I enjoyed how the presenter showed and taught about the early history of the evolution of the Quran with gives rise to and interest in deep study of not only the Quran including the history of the early followers of Prophet Muhammad.
Also I found it interesting to learn about more of the real struggles that occurred after his death.
Personally for me I really enjoyed history of how the Quran is preserved and eventually published.
Just when you think you've had enough, you got us coming back for more.
Amazing...CHILDREN OF ADAM BAND!
Just what we needed! A fantastic band like CHILDREN OF ADAM to build bridges among so many people. Kudos! Kudos! Kudos!
Really fantastic stuff! I wish everyone could see and hear this amazing information.
Education is power!
I am and will always be a "repeat attendee". I always enjoy and love your presentations. Keep them coming!
The information was excellent and well articulated. The evidence of artifacts and proofs were appropriately documented. Great stuff!
“Thank you for giving your valuable time and sharing the story of Omar ibn Sayyid with our students. It was an excellent presentation and I appreciate your involvement with our Martin Luther King Day Program. There were many positive comments about the quality of your performance from the students and staff.
“Jazak Allah Khair” for helping our students to gain a more in depth understanding of slavery in this country (through the story of Omar ibn Sayyid) and its significance in the historical development of the Civil Rights Movement.”
Saffiya Turan
High School Division Head
Noor-Ul-Iman School
This organization is exemplary! They're passionate about the quality of programs.
The information is essential to our youth! Amazing! Everyone needs to know this history.
I have attended all these programs throughout the years. They're enlightening, informative
and much needed in this community. Great job!
I love it! This is something everyone should see. Extremely needed programs!
Highly appreciated! I hope that you'll continue bringing these programs!
I appreciated being really welcomed into the community. I had a great opportunity to learn about the culture and religion of Islam.
I had a wonderful time. Very welcoming. We learned a lot about the history of Islam. Highly recommended for everyone.
The performance was equal of consummate to the depth of the content that was presented in the play. I love Islamic Heritage Month rpograms.
I really enjoyed my experiences at Masjidullah for Islamic Heritage Month. The programming was very enriching, educational, and diverse.
A very educational program. Great mix of good people. I drive by every day, and never knew the wondrous experience that lay within this venue.
Very informative! I am very thankful that I am able to be here to experience this. May Allah continue to bless you to present these programs to the community.
I think the movies are very informative. Clarity regarding misconceptions. Great opportunity to share this with others of all Faiths!
It's always a pleasure to come to this mosque. They have great programs and are very informative. I wish more people would attend and participate.
Wow! What a great month of activities. I have already attended weekend #1 and I am thoroughly impressed. I am looking forward to the rest of the month. Keep up the good work.
Beautiful Program with much insightful information that is educational and uplifting. I am grateful to have yet another year to witness this program once again.
Wonderfull educational program
you should have been here , we hope to see more people for the Islamic heritage month .
Very informative and loved .
The Sequicentennial event at Masjidullah Inc. in Philadelphia was informative and entertaining. I'm a Christian and felt very welcome. My only complaint is the food was pricey for beans and rice. Additionally each registered adult was supposed to receive 'Prince among slaves' however they only had two as prizes. I looked forward to taking this home to show my Muslim grandchildren.
I loved the month long activities. I would love to see a repeat. This was a very enriching experience!
The month long activities were outstanding. Young and old found common ground. Misinformation was corrected. The opportunity to engage with each other, priceless.
My experience has been outstanding! The information presented is without question educational and insightful. The fact they are presented at relatively no cost to the viewer is almost unbelievable.
Images of the Motherland provides edutainment that can not be viewed anywhere else in the world. Informing communities about the positive contributions from Muslims deconstructs the negative stereotypes associated with Islam. In doing so prejudice can be quelled and bridges built to ensure a peaceful and harmonious society that includes all members.
I attended a program of theirs quite by chance, as they held an event in the same facility where I attended another program. However, as I sat down to listen, I was intrigued by the subject and the expertise of the presenter. I wanted a DVD or CD of the program so bad, but unfortunately it was not being recorded. I have been a fan ever since.
I believe there is a need and an appetite for the kinds of programming they offer and I believe the management skill and experience of the director and staff make this organization exceptional.
I'm hoping to see full-funding & support for this revealing, engaging, enjoyable, interactive cultural learning experience - w/ actors & audience. Great venue, set designs & supplementary educational books & materials.
i learned more about my culture from the interactive theater than i have ever learned in my life and i'm 46 years of age. great job, looking forward to more!!
This production is a flume ride through the imagination of one of the most creative minds today, the powerful delivery will curl your toes. Also, be ready to crave some sand beneath your feet. This is trully worthy of a screenplay someday and has the elements of a powerful cast that can deliver the impact that will keep you on the edge of your seat! The life and times of Omar Ibn Sayyid is possibly one of the greatest untold stories of today!
I have seen the performance of The Life and Times of Omar Ibn Sayyid on four different occasions. Each performance was unique and very special. I never felt like I had already seen the production. I was captivated each time. I have seen the performance of Muhammad Ali ibn Sayyid -292 United States Colored Troops only once and thoroughly enjoyed it also. I would see both of these performance again if given the opportunity.
THE LIFE & TIMES OF OMAR IBN SAYYID IS AN EXCELLENT THEATRICAL DEPICTION - A MUST SEE FOR ALL!
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“Muhammad Ali ibn Sayyid-292 United States Colored Troops” & “The Life & Times of Omar ibn Sayyid”
Survival is itself a condition that runs throughout the human race; it is not something a particular race, ethnicity or culture, for example, can solely lay claim too. But what can be laid claim too are the experiences Muhammad Ali ibn Sayyid and Omar ibn Sayyid underwent. A veiled history exists and we need such performances to acknowledge people who are more than "other". And in doing so, the performances leave you with a sense of empowerment as the audience experiences who these men were before and during slavery.
Tanya Andrious
Images of the Motherland Interactive Theater is exactly what the African American Community in particular, and the nation in general needs. Images of the Motherland Interactive Theater is educational, entertaining and significant. The productions are highly professional and produced with great care to detail. The productions reach persons of all ages, educational and racial backgrounds. Every community should be blessed to have such a wonderful theater experience to take advantage of.
Pastor, Nathaniel J. Gadsden
Imani African Christian Church
Harrisburg, PA
The very first time I heard of Images of The Motherland I was intrigued. As an older African American and a child of the Sixties, African American history has been crucial in formalizing my world view. These performances are factual, informative and extremely interesting. I watched the younger people in the audience, to get a sense of the impact of Mr. Kenya's portrayal of Omar Ibn Sayyid would have on them. The children appeared fascinated by the dramatic acting of Mr. Kenya, and at the conclusion asked some very good questions. As a Social Worker in the Philadelphia area I understand how impressionable young minds are. In today's climate of rapid fire news (if it bleeds it leads mentality), sit-coms and sports dominated entertainment our children are left lacking true intellectual stimulation. I commend Mr. Kenya for his vision! Thank you.
Roland Sharpe
The performances portraying the lives of Umar Ibn Sayyid and Muhammad Ibn Sayyid give an entirely new perspective on the struggles faced by people who strived to maintain their identities through ensalvement and hope to those who continue to struggle to this day. A great lesson is despite their circumstances, they fought to maintain their Islamic and African identities - a struggle many of us face everyday in our lives. These individuals who wrote their own autobiographies, through faith and education made a mark on society during their lifetime and continue to inspire us to this day. The performances are very emotional and captivating.
Aliou Sylla
I didn't know what to expect. Outstanding both performances! Very well done. Held my attention throughout. I had to leave before Mr Kenya act finished but my son and his 7 year old daughter stayed. She said she really enjoyed the show. Look forward take my other grandchildren when the opportunity arises again. Keep up the good work.
The performances given were riveting and left me in awe! This is a must see for everyone to learn a very important part of American history as well as black and other cultures that were involved in the slave trade. You walk away from this show with a sense of self awareness and a feeling that there is always something to learn and through the grace of G-D , man's willingness to not only survive, but to overcome the many obstacles we face everyday.
Wali Bilal
As a high school teacher in sn urban school system, i found the performance very useful for my students. They needed to connect with their history in a meaningful way. The live re-enactments enable them to engage in the experiences and relate to the struggles of peoples of color. They were able to see themselves in the performance. I hope this interactive theater can become a part of the urban educational curriculum.
Images of the Motherland provided riveting performances that bring history to life in powerful ways. On June 21, 2014 I attended a performance by one of the case members who vividly, passionately portrayed the experiences of a young man from Africa who was captured at age 16 by slavers who sent him not to America, but to the Middle East. It was fascinating to follow the story of this young man as he fought to hold onto his sense of his identity and proud heritages amidst the vicissitudes of his many years in bondage.
I was Blessed and pleased to be in attendance at Saturday, February 22, 2014. performances. These performances were spiritual, educational and inspiritational. The portrayals were heartfelt and put you in the time and space of the actual events. The team that was assembled for the performances acted out their parts with much knowledge, passion and ownership in their roles. The performers and performances appealed to audiences of a variety of religious, racial, cultural and age groups.
The quiz, question and answer portions added more understanding and clarity. Additionally, it offered opportunities for audience interaction and participation. I was very pleased to see the enthusiasm from the children. Their attentiveness and knowledge they gained proved worthy in this segment of the program.
The artifacts were awesome and brought about an another feeling of authenticity.
I'm very interest in sponsoring this performances to an audience as well.
Shukran (Thank You),
PS: Continue with the funding. This is an excellent approach to to educationing and bring people together.
Congrats to the performers!
On Saturday, February 22,2014... I had the pleasure attending the African American History collaborative program held in Philadelphia . The mini exhibit was informative...and it was nice to see the artifacts. The dramatic presentation was very realistic, precise, and information. A little long in terms of being able to hold the attention of younger children in attendance who did not fully understand what was going on. However, the question and answer session allowed a dialogue free from criticism...and even more enlightenment. I arrived "early" and was not aware that out of respect for the Mosque that this would Aldo coincide with new day prayer...thus delaying the 12 noon start. I was not able to stay the full 8 hours....I'm uncertain if the remainder of the program/presentation was a little more interactive which would have been beneficial to those with different learning styles. Excellent collaboration...impressive advertising. Perhaps, have a greeter on the door to welcome people and answer questions about the program etc.,
I couldn't stay for the entire performance, but what I saw was most enlightening. Often times slaves that were brought to the Americas were portrayed as ignorant beings, with little to no information about who they were before they were brought from Africa. For it to be a one-man show, I thought the performance was captivating and really painted a vivid picture of this man's life. I felt like I was there! Great job!
i had a most amazing experience on saturday, oct. 5th, when baba kenya completely transformed into omar ibn sayid on stage at the pa state museum. his passion as an artist became that of a man who longed for freedom and home. i was totally convinced that we were given a 1 hour 15 minute glimpse of omar's life. the use of the original languages and cultural behaviors was phenomenal also!...a must see by everyone, would love to see it over and over again.
Many thanks to you and your wife for your presentation and display! Given the uncertainty of audiences for programs that do not require an RSVP, I was pleased with the number of people we were able to get – almost of all of whom stayed for the entire presentation. I appreciate the ways that you connect with the audience by stepping off stage and moving into their space, as well as the playful non-verbal banter you had with the children in the audience. Your physical presence – throwing your whole body into everything that you do, especially when no words were spoken - also lent much to the performance! And as an educator, I appreciated your use of repetition to help certain facts and words stick in people’s minds. Finally - particularly given the political climate in which we live, and what can appear to be the erasure of Islam and Muslims in early black American experiences - I am so pleased that this performance introduces audiences to a real figure who was intelligent, accomplished, a sympathetic figure, and Muslim.
I was extremely pleased with your program. It appealed to the youth and adults alike. Very informative and captivating. Thank you for all of the effort put into creating such a wonderful program.
I was honored to have an opportunity to bring together myself, friends, family and children from the neighborhood to enjoy this informative event. I was amused of the wealth of information and wish I would have planned to stay longer. As soon as I read your flyer, I knew we had to be there. Sadly, In Camden, NJ we don't have programs with African American history that we can share with our children. I honestly believe history and culture is missing from youth and young adults today. I wish we could find a way to promote this program across the bridge. The information was so captive that I'm yearning for more knowledge myself. I enjoyed every moment of it. Please continue to education and inform. Would love to see a program in Camden at one of our historical sites for instance (Historical Society).
My husband and I had the opportunity to experience the extraordinary production of Omar Ibn Sayid and Sojourner Truth at the Historical Theater in German Town, Philadelphia, Pa. The production was riveting! The actors were so passionate in their delivery. We literally transposed into the depictive period. Equally important, was the ambiance of the historical theater and its relativity to the narration. Fascinating! The production presented an interactive educational experience we will never forget. I will recommend this production to others. Thank You.
As Salaam Alaikum
The Emancipation Proclamation Jubilee was a captivating and informative production. I believe that these types of events should be seen often, because it helps build self awareness and esteem in our children, families and our neighborhoods.
As Salaam Alaikum,
I finally got a chance to see the play on Omar and it was great. It also was emotional and it had a lot of history. The history lesson was great and it brought us up to the current times with the history. The 150 years is a lifetime of changes our country has gone through and we are still learning everyday. I look forward to see the on act on July 6 and know this will be a great experience.
I am familiar with Omar Ibn Sayyid but but after viewing the dramatic play I have a new And improve idea of this scholar's story. It was very profound and enlightening. I will love to see it again and I would bring as much people as I can to receive the history of our country. The actor of the program was excellent and illuminating. Thank you and may peace be bestow on you
The production of Emancipation Proclamation Jubilee was a very informative and educational event. My 10 year old daughter enjoyed the program and asked and answered questions. The historian was very knowledgeable. Thanks and much success to all involved
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February of this year (2012) I took my 8 year old daughter to see the production of The Life and Times O Omar Ibn Sayyed. We both enjoyed the production. She learned much which was my goal to introduce her to a past that would hopefully impact her future. For me the production was a reminder of yesterday and how much further we have a a people to progress. Brother Ahmed Kenya is an outstanding artist. I have recommended the production to others to see as well. A friend of mind went to see the production and was so happy that I told her about it. She absolutely loved it! Thank you Images of the Motherland Interactive theater for bringing such a beautiful and educational production to life. rahmah
The Emancipation Proclaimation Jubilee event was good. I especially enjoyed the Frederick Douglas reenactment. The information was great, it supported what I have read about frederick Douglas. I also enjoyed the Black soldiers presentation. This is a powerful event especially for our youth. Look forward to seeing it again next year.
Asante Sana
The Emancipation Proclamation Jubilee the weekend of June 1st and 2nd was superbly presented. All the presenters were simply outstanding. The information presented was informative and insightful into the times and what was going on at the time that the Emancipation Proclamation was being considered.
The reenacters (I consider impersonators) really projected the spirits of the persons they were portraying. I enjoyed them so much, I did not want their presentations to end.
I want to Thank the sponsors for making the Emancipation Proclamation Jubilee possible. The DVD, Prince among Slaves and the Teacher's Guide on the Civil War were very special gifts to attendees. As an Executive Director of a Nonprofit, I will use the DVD. I have been asked to show it on June 22, 2013 to a group discussing African American Culture.
Again, I was truly entertained and informed by attending the Jubilee.
I had the pleasure of experiencing the journey. Ahmed Kenya gets into the character and you can feel the essence of what Ibn Omar Sayyid went through. His performance is worthy of being seen over and over again. There were children in the audience ages ranging from 5 to 13 that were also mesmerized. Thank you Ahmed Kenya!
Ahmed Kenya's performace in "The Life and Times of Omar Ibn Sayyid" is a tour de force as he transforms into a 19th Century slave. His authenticity and attention to both the period and mood of such an agonizing experience can be felt far after the performance. Ahmed Kenya's performace held the audience spellbound as he retraced the steps of a captured and then runaway slave in search of a better existence. I would highly recommend this production to any and every student of American History
with an eye toward understanding the disconnect that prevails concerning this misunderstood and often ignored segment of the "Black Experience." This was truly an englightening experience that opens the door for a more complete examination of the nature and difficulties of the slave's existence in America.
I am a college librarian, and I helped my county's local history museum plan, promote, and present "The Life & Times of Omar Ibn Sayyid." The performance was outstanding as both education and entertainment. Ahmad Kenya did much more than give a voice to the character he portrayed, he also created a genuine human connection between the audience and a "living" personality from the past.
What I feel I love best about Images of the Motherland Interactive Theatre and its Living History Heritage Project, it pushes Americans to take a world view, to view history outside of America and Europe. While, taking this unexpected journey, one realizes the familiarity of the human. Their work is so important as well as extremely entertaining.
This company is fantastic. It's so much more than entertainment, it's a dynamic and interactive learning experience. Everyone, young and old and all colors of the rainbow should experience their performances, Timbuktu exhibit, and not only learn world and American history, but realize our common humanity.
Images of the Motherland Interactive Theater is an extraordinary production company. They have incredible performances, with outstanding singing, dancing and amazing costumes.
THIS IS A MUST SEE FOR THE WORLD. SEE, SHARE AND EXPLODE THIS ACROSS THE UNIVERSE. THIS ORGANIZATION HAS A TREMENDOUS IMPACT ON ALL LIVES.
IMAGES OF THE MOTHERLAND is an "OUTSTANDING" interactive production company. From the costumes, singing, dancing, musicianship, and acting, all are on equal ground when it comes to perfection!
Everyone should see this show. It's storytelling at it's best.
ZUHAIRAH MCGILL
FOUNDER/ PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
FIRST WORLD THEATRE ENSEMBLE
My son and I had an opportunity to see the "The Life and Times of Omar Ibn Sayyid" a short time ago. My son is 7yrs. old, I make this point because it provides context to how riveting the performance was! He was attentive throughout, asking questions, and intrigued by the environment. The play was insightful, with a superb performance by brother Kenya! I was pleasantly surprised with the depth of the performance; appreciative of the effort it takes to keep people engaged without the modern day bells and whistles. You could hear a pen drop throughout the performance. This play could be seen in the Kennedy Center, and I will continue to advocate its excellence to all those I come across. Best, R. Byrd
This is a brief note about how we of Trenton, New Jersey enjoyed the presentation of the "Life & Times of Omar Ibn Sayyid". This program has been presented to the Community of Trenton on two different occaswionsw and on both occasions has been received with great enthusiasm. Ahmad Kenya does a presentation that is filled with such joy and emotion and the response from the audience is one of awe. The presentation and the historical content is something we should all have knowledge of, especially the children. Mr. Kenya's educational workshop "Timbuktu African Artifacts Exhibit & Workshop" that takes place after the performance as well as his artifacts display needs to be seen by all. It is with great pleasue that I express these few words about a performance and a performer that I personally can watch many times over. I pray that this perfomance is seen by many, many more communities in our aa and across the country. Hajji Imam Dr. Abdul-Malik R. Ali, Resident Imam, Masjidut-Taqwa, Trenton, N.J.
I was honored that Brother Kenya asked me to write the Lesson Plans for the Lives of Omar Sayyid, & Prince Ibrahim. I learned so much about these gentlemen, & as a muslim myself I did not know that some slaves retained their faith. I think that Brother Ahmed does such an outstanding job portraying Brother Sayyid. That becomes Omar, not just an actor portraying. I encourage everyone to see this production.It is truly a learning experience
Peace & Greetings! A great and moving performance by Ahmad Kenya, portaying the role of Sayyid Ibn Omar a honorable human being with a remarkable story to share wuth the world and community. This dynamic Interactive voice is a treasure to the human spirit and moves emotions to a transcending level of spirituality!
I am thrilled to have experienced your enactment of “The Life and Times of Omar Ibn Sayyid”. Much more than an oral account or a background narrative this was truly an “experience” that carried your audience to a time, place, circumstance and frame of mind in the second and sometimes first person, making this a deeply vivid and affective journey for the audience. What I also found impressive and facilitating from an educational standpoint was your success in interjecting a running geographical and chronological context to make the presentation most informative, while providing this information unobtrusively. As a professional teacher with an abiding respect for the authentic historical account, and a state department of education mandate to incorporate a pertinent cultural/historical framework into instruction I would recommend this presentation to any seriously interested social, cultural or educational body or institution.
Sincerely,
Haazim Muneer
Science Teacher
Trenton Central High School
The Life & Times of Omar ibn Sayyid was a wonderful show. The cast was very good as was the story. I think in this day and age we need to teach anti-violence as Images of the Motherland does. This is a must see for all ages.
I thoroughly enjoyed the performance on "The Life and Times of Omar Ibn Said," a riveting dramatization and discussion led by Ahmad Kenya of Images of the Motherland. This performance is educational, inspirational, and motivational, and great to use as a supplement to classroom instruction on enslaved Africans in the Americas. Kenya's portrayal of Said, an enslaved African in the United States born around 1765 in Futa Toro, in what today is Senegal, brings this African Muslim spirit to the present in a way that captivates audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Prof. M. Naeem Nash, Director, Africana Studies Program, Essex County College
786...this presentation too be back in TIME. it was almost as real as life. his personification of Omar literally brought him back to life. impeccable. i recommend this to all who wish to journey in time, and learn many valuable lessons about a lost page of our history. Qiyamah Abdallah. www.786sufiwisdom.com
I have proudly known, worked, and associated with Images of the Motherland for almost ten years. As a professional actor, writer, director, I have experienced first-hand all of the long hours and hard work founder and artistic director Ahmed Kenya had put into his productions. The company had produced many original plays such as "Tales of The Dogon", "Songhai", "The Life and Tiimes of Omar ibn Sayiid", and others. The productions are rich with history and education for all cultural backgrounds. Kenya is meticulous with authenticity of costumes, instruments, paintings, down to every detail. The overall theme of all Images of the Motherland is education and authenticity. You would have to see it to be me amazed.
What excites me most about Images of the Motherland Interactive Theater is its commitment to excellence laced with purpose, creativity, and passionate revelation of untold histories that spellbound.
Too often you don't know what you are missing until you are exposed. We need to make a commitment to learn our culture & our history along with learning the culture & history of others. Diversity is paramount. Without it we are doomed as inhabitants of this wonderful Earth. I not only saw "The life & Times of Omar Ibn Sayyid", I was exposed to artifacts & jewels & taught the significance of them. Eventhough I only had short notice to encourage friends & family to see the production. Whoever missed it the first time should be on the lookout for the next production coming from such a great project.
I had the pleasure of witnessing the performance of The Life & Times of Omar ibn Sayyid with brother Ahmed Kenya and was absolutely intrigued from the beginning to the end. The story told of Omar ibn Sayyid was both a learning experience as well as great entertainment. Following his journey from his homeland to this final place of residence was as if you were right there. Brother Kenya had simply transformed into Omar ibn Sayyid and his story was soul stirring. Truly a "masterpiece". - Azizah Muhammad
The Living Heritage Project is a traveling interactive historical experience that takes you to a time and place that acquaints your soul with its historic memory. It is storytelling at its' best for young and old, scholars , rich and poor, domestic and international, for strangers and for friends. You will have to see and hear the presentation (s) to get the full impact; you will be forever changed. This project deserves the highest of awards for carving into the landscape of cultural enlightment in America for everyone who dares to journey !!
Ahmed Kenya and the Living History Heritage Project have performed at our musem America's Islamic Heritage Museum several times, with sold out audiences. His profound and enlightening re-inactments have kept audiences mesmerized. We have thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Kenya projects at our museum for years. And shall continue to invite him to perform. May he have much continued success. We vote yes, yes, yes to giving Mr. Kenya the 2012 award.
The Executive Director of this wonderful organization leaves no stone unturned, when it comes to presenting an educational, and diverse production. This organization's tireless efforts to educate the community about diversity is impressive, and they deserve to be recognized for their efforts, and accomplishments.