By AFRO Staff
Ghanaians and members of the African Diaspora worldwide recently celebrated the African country’s 68th Day of Independence. In Baltimore, the Teaching Artist Institute, which frequently hosts trips to Africa, hosted an event at the Sankofa Children’s Museum, located in the 1300 block of Pimlico Road.
The program featured African dancers, food and a community awards recognition program. Attendees were able to experience the wonders of Ghana, known for its color, energy and flavor.
Ghana gained its independence from the United Kingdom on March 6, 1957 and has a capital city named Accra. The country is bordered by Burkina Faso to the north, the Ivory Coast, or Cote d’Ivoire, to the west, and Togo to the east. The country has a population of roughly 35 million people.
Zaakira Muhammad and Nkosi T’Shaka AFRO Photos / James Fields 
Patti Smith serves as the outreach and strategic partnership director of Sankofa. AFRO Photos / James Fields 
Jade Abner-Gilmore is a dancer with the Peabody Institute. AFRO Photos / James Fields 
Haki Ammi, president of the Teaching Artist Institute, presents an award with Dr. Debra Brooks to Ester Armstrong and Jenelle Penny (left). AFRO Photos / James Fields 
Diedre Dawkins, dance director for Connexions Community Based Arts School, addresses the crowd. AFRO Photos / James Fields 
Dancers Erian Jackson (front, left); Jamia King; Paige Coombs; Twaniya Roberson (back, left); Antion Sprye and Niyana Faidley represent Connexions Community Based Arts School at the celebration. AFRO Photos / James Fields 
Drummers Marquese Wilson; Jermaine Gibbs; Drum Instructor Baba Themba; Devon Farmer; Travonte Anderson and Corey Barnett prepare to perform for those in attendance. AFRO Photos / James Fields 
Bernice Mireku-North, Esq., of the Ways and Means Committee for the Maryland House Of Delegates, speaks. AFRO Photos / James Fields 
Many gather in Baltimore to celebrate the 68th year of independence for the country of Ghana in West Africa. AFRO Photos / James Fields 
Guests enjoy the Ghana Day of Celebration, hosted by the Teaching Artist Institute. AFRO Photos / James Fields 
Shown here, traditional healer, Nana Akua N. Zenzele. AFRO Photos / James Fields 
Del. Malcolm Ruff (D) represents the 41st District as a member of the Maryland State House of Delegates. He can often be found in the community. AFRO Photos / James Fields 
Del. Malcolm Ruff (left), presents NKosi T’Shaka, Nana Akua N. Zenzele and Haki Ammi with citations AFRO Photos / James Fields 
Artist Olufunmike Butterfly Woods makes an appearance. AFRO Photos / James Fields 
Haki Ammi, president of the Teaching Artist Institute (TAI), encourages all to explore the culture and history of Ghana and other African countries through TAI programming and tours. AFRO Photos / James Fields 
Ester “Mama Kiki” Armstrong, founder of the Sankofa Children’s Museum of African Culture, speaks to those gathered for celebration of Ghanaian independence. AFRO Photos / James Fields 
Shown here, Nana Akua N. Zenzele, a traditional healer. AFRO Photos / James Fields 
Ken Ashianor sports the Ghanaian flag at the celebration. AFRO Photos / James Fields 
Paige Coombs, of Connexions Community Based Arts School, takes part in the festivities. AFRO Photos / James Fields