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Alkebu-lan Cultural Center

A Trip to Egypt Inspired this Hub of Creativity

Travel exposes one to other cultures, different customs and new ideas. It can also be a journey to discover one’s heritage. For Versie Mae Richardson, one of the founders of the Alkebu-lan Cultural Center, a trip to Egypt did all this and more. Traveling with a study group, Richardson explored the ancient landmarks and learned about Egypt’s rich history and art.

The trip increased her awareness of African achievements and cultural pride. “After the study tour, I was more confident in myself and in knowing who I was. I am somebody and everybody should feel that way about themselves,” Richardson said. These insights spurred her to create Alkebu-lan along with Emerson Terry and D. Marie Battle in 1989. Alkebu-lan is the pre-European name for the continent of Africa and also means a temple of learning.

The Center offers a variety of dance and drama classes for youth, tutoring, cultural enrichment activities and an internationally recognized Boys Choir. By encouraging creativity and teaching kids about the achievements of Africans and African-Americans, Richardson helps build their confidence and self-esteem. Appropriately, the Center’s motto is “Know Thyself.”

Alkebu-lan’s dance classes include ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop and African dance techniques. When students perform the African dances, they wear grass skirts and music is played on African drums, which students can also learn to play at the Center. There are 15 different kinds of African drums.

Richardson is dismayed by how African-Americans are portrayed in the media and believes that these negative images are harmful to young African-Americans in turn. “Our young people need to know that they do not have to apologize for being black. They can be proud to be black,” she said.

Children as young as five participate in Alkebu-lan’s programs. Starting at this young age is important, Richardson notes, because this is when children can be influenced and shaped. She holds her students to high standards, and this results in high quality performances. “I expect bigger and better things from my students because I know they can do it.”

Alkebu-lan’s Boys Choir is made up of youth 8 to 18 years old. To join, boys have to pass an audition and commit to working twice a week under the direction of a choral director, vocal coach and a pianist. The Choir performs a classical repertoire, and the boys are taught how to read music. The Choir has toured Europe and performed in Atlanta, Texas, Newark, Detroit and Oakland, and at many community programs.

Alkebu-lan also produces theatrical plays with professional actors and actresses. The plays, such as the musical Dream Girls, are staged at the Center or at Pasadena’s Memorial Park and are performed for the community. If students wish to be involved in the production, they must attend every rehearsal.

Richardson wants her students to know more than just the words to a song or the lines of a play. She helps them understand and express the meaning of the works they perform. This enhances the depth and quality of their performances. In one instance, a drama student was reciting “Still I Rise,” a poem by Maya Angelou. Richardson helped the student see that the poem was about the determination of the African-American people. The girl was awarded a full scholarship to a four-year college because of her performance.

“I was so proud of her.” Richardson smiles as she recalls her student’s achievement.

Other alumni have also enjoyed success. Three former drama students have gone on to perform in The Lion King and others have careers as doctors and lawyers. Often former students return to Richardson to thank her for the influence Alkebu-lan has had on their lives.

To participate in Alkebu-lan’s enrichment programs, there is an application process and a $45 monthly fee. Scholarships are available. Tutoring in math and English and special help with reading are free and available Monday through Thursday for children in grades 3 - 12.

As Richardson states, the Alkebu-lan Cultural Center instills in participants a sense of cultural pride, which is important because “if you know who you are then you can stand up for yourself.”