Music. Art. Community.

PIECES OF PEACE is presented by House of Umoja & The City Root

Location: Ultra Silk Gallery  3808 LANCASTER AVE, PHILADELPHIA

Date/Time: Saturday, February 24th from 6pm to 10pm

Join The City Root and the historic House of Umoja for an unforgettable evening at the Ultra Silk Gallery in the heart of Lancaster Avenue! Immerse yourself in the vibrancy of artivism, music, community, and good vibes. PIECES OF PEACE is back with a bang, promising a unique experience that will leave you inspired, uplifted, and determined to be the change you seek.

A live musical experience will accentuate the evening. DASH program member from Philadelphia Girls School, Amber Fulton will open with a melodic and poignant acoustic set. Hip-Hopnotic soulful headliners, PURPLE PHIRE will close out the evening.

Discover a curated collection of breathtaking historic Black art, each piece telling its own captivating story through Ultra Silk’s Hue’s of History exhibition. Let your imagination and wisdom collide as the Philadelphia Million Fathers March brings its #RealDadsRead movement discussion to the forefront and we discuss why reading is imperative for children’s education. We’ll be breaking through that narrative with House of Umoja’s READING IS RESISTANCE initiative that includes a multi-sensory exploration of Umoja Magazine's diverse lived journeys to peace.

All of this topped with Philadelphia's unique Pepper Pot Stew and homemade cornbread!!!

Only $10 in advance ($15 though at the door) — limited seating available.

You are the missing peace!!! Don't miss out on an evening you won't soon forget! Discover and network while supporting local artists, businesses, and a culture of peace. Get your tix today • PIECES OF PEACE Vol. 2 at Ultra Silk Gallery on 38th and Lancaster, 6PM — 10PM, Saturday, February 24, 2024.

“READING IS RESISTANCE”

PHILADELPHIA MILLION FATHERS MARCH CHAPTER

PURPLE PHIRE headlines the evening

Anthony Bannister-Fattah and Remonne Duncombe. The Philadelphia & Bahamas connection between the two of them brings forth a raw and valuable level of storytelling into the groove of wherever they choose to let loose. And PURPLE PHIRE does it all through the ever blossoming roots of rap. We’re talking hip-hop, pop, soul, r&b and rock n’ roll in one breath without breaking a sweat. All through the intensity and integrity of a real MC’s raps.

And they do it in one breath without breaking a sweat.

AMBER FULTON — STUDENT IN THE DASH PROGRAM — Philly Girls School

AMBER FULTON

STUDENT IN THE DASH PROGRAM — Attends Philly Girls School

DASH’s Amber Fulton will also perform, opening the musical portion of the evening. Amber is a guitarist and singer/songwriter who attends Philadelphia Girls School. Her acoustic guitar skills and melodic, inspired songwriting is the perfect fit for this evening. The City Root and House of Umoja are both committed to providing impactful resources to the youth and we’re proud to give Ms. Fulton a stage in this particular instance.

Featured Art @ Ultra Silk Gallery

Ultra Silk Gallery Presents: "Hues of History: Celebrating Black Art Through the Ages"

Join us at Ultra Silk Gallery for a thought-provoking exploration into the tapestry of African American art, as we proudly showcase an exclusive exhibition during Black History Month. "Hues of History" brings together an exceptional collection of framed prints and original artwork from some of the most influential artists who have left an indelible mark on both the art world and the cultural narrative of the African American community.

This exhibition unfolds an insightful representation featuring the works of iconic artists such as Cal Massey, Ellis Wilson, Tony Lavall, and more. Each artist's unique contribution has not only enriched the art scene but has also played a crucial role in shaping the narrative of African American history. From the vibrant jazz-infused scenes of Andrew Turner to the whimsical portrayals of everyday joy by Annie Lee, these artists have become pillars of inspiration, reflecting the resilience, beauty, and diversity within the African American experience.

Masterpieces transcend the canvas, encapsulating moments of struggle, celebration, and triumph. Witness the narrative unfold through Paul Goodnight's emotionally charged depictions, Larry Poncho Brown's celebration of cultural pride, and the dynamic scenes of everyday life captured by Frank Morrison. The exhibition explores themes of identity, family, and community, creating a visual that mirrors the complexity and richness of African American history.

The success of these artists is not just a personal triumph but a victory for the entire African American community. From Romare Bearden's groundbreaking collages that became synonymous with the Harlem Renaissance to Jonathan Pinkett's commitment to using art as a catalyst for social change, each artist has paved the way for future generations, leaving an enduring legacy that extends beyond the canvas.

Meet fellow art enthusiasts, engage with the stories behind the artworks, and perhaps, find the perfect piece to add to your collection.This exhibition not only invites you to view but encourages you to become a custodian of these stories. Owning a piece from "Hues of History" means becoming a part of the ongoing narrative, contributing to the preservation and celebration of African American history. Let these masterpieces resonate with you, becoming a source of inspiration, reflection, and pride.

House of Umoja

The House of Umoja began operating in Philadelphia during the 1970’s as a unique grassroots program initiated by community residents David and Falaka Fattah (National Center for Neighborhood Enterprise, 1999; see also Woodson, 1981, 1986, 1998). Using their own resources and their home as a base of operations, they created this family-centered community institution that effectively mediated gang conflicts and came to serve as a source of counsel and individual development for neighborhood gang and nongang youth. The family model “provides a sense of belonging, identity, and self-worth that was previously sought through gang membership” (National Center for Neighborhood Enterprise, 1999:59). Through reparenting  and providing role models, the House of Umoja has “successfully transformed more than five hundred frightened, frustrated, and alienated young minority males into self-assured, competent, concerned, and productive citizens” (National Center for Neighborhood Enterprise, 1999:16).

The National Center for Neighborhood Enterprise (NCNE) has identified eight characteristics associated with the House of Umoja’s success (National Center for Neighborhood Enterprise, 1999):
◆ A family-centered organization that acts as youth’s primary human support system and is based on a participatory model of decision making.
◆ A process of socialization in which at-risk youth develop strong, healthy identities and may even earn the name Fattah, after the House of Umoja’s initiators.
◆ The Adella, a mechanism for conflict resolution and problem solving that requires full participation of all members. ◆ Individual learning to organize personal time and space.
◆ An emphasis on the importance of work and a redefinition of the meaning of work associated with virtue.
◆ An emphasis on service to others. 
◆ A spiritual or ideological context expressed in common familial rituals.
​◆ Leadership training and development.