Welcome to Kenté Cultural Center
Shaping minds and nurturing self-esteem through culture, history and the arts . . .
Located in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Kente' serves as the area’s only African American Cultural Center. Our activities are focused on enabling the individual to tap their hidden power and creativity through a better understanding of culture, history and the arts. We invite you to become a participant and partake in the Kente' experience!
Our History – An Introduction
Kenté was formed in 1997 by a group of New London County African American business and community leaders who recognized the lack of cultural activities for people of color and specifically for children.
After much thought and many roundtable discussions, Kenté Enterprise was conceived. Space for the project was donated by a local businessman and additional volunteers were found to develop the concept of the "Cultural Center."
There are two separate entities to Kenté: there is Kenté Enterprise, which is the business side, and there is the Kenté Cultural Center, which handles the more creative and programmatic functions. Together these two halves, Kenté Enterprise and Kenté Cultural Center, form the whole concept of Kenté.
Our Mission
To promote the contributions and importance of African American culture and history to society as a whole. Using culture and the arts as a tool, Kenté strives to illustrate how perseverance and imagination can help unlock the doors of oppression and hopelessness. We aim to create a place where young people are encouraged to define themselves on their own terms, utilizing the arts as a means of self-expression. Kente's intent is to build a strong allegiance to our community by establishing a haven where young minds can grow and be nourished toward a positive expression of self.
Kenté News
Kid's Corner
2008 Mella Cornish Scholarship Applications will be available
Feburary 2008
Call Kente for more information
Kente' Cultural Center Congratulates the following recipients of a
Mella Cornish Scholarship
Hope Elliott
Plans to attend college in Vermont
Extended Mella Cornish Scholarship recipients
Edward Davenport
A junior at Johnson & Wales University in
Providence, RI
Morgan Penn
A graduate student at Brown University in
Providence, RI
Each student will receive an award of $500 funded
by the generosity of the Cornish Family and given in loving
memory of Mella Cornish.
Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Art Contest
Theme: "Think about IT! Teen pregnancy will change your life forever!"
To help celebrate National Teen Prgnancy Prevention Day (May 7, 2008) Kente in partnership with Planned Parenthood and New London County Section N.C.N.W. Young Adult Youth Initiative will be holding an art contest for youth ages 12 to 16 living in New London. The 1st prize artist will receive an award of $300 and the 1st runner up will receive an adward of $100 cas, and the winning art piece may be used as step one of the print campaign in poster, informational flyers and post cards to promote New London Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program.
For more informantion please call Kente at 444-1955.
To see pictures of the 10th Anniversary Celebration
click on the 10th Anniversary section on this website!!
Upcoming Special Events . . .
Tereasa Younger Luncheon at Connecticut College
March 29, 2008
Art Sale: Call today to purchase your signed and numbered
print of the entire image of the comissioned art. Only a limited number are
available. Kente is offering a sale price of $300 for the
18" X 24" giclee' print.
Tee shirts, posters and tote bags are also on sale.
Call Kente' today - - don't wait!
Our Strategy
To provide meaningful activities that foster creative thinking, and build self-esteem
through the mobilization of available resources, administration of grants,
and the use of private funds.
To provide programs and activities for people of all ages, with a special emphasis for young people ages 8-15. The Kenté Board of Directors understands the necessity of offering family-oriented programs that include interactive components to strengthen family bonds.
Our Activities Include:
- Field trips to museums and art galleries
- Music, art, and dance lessons
- Creative writing workshops
- "Freedom Trail Tours"
- History Study Groups
- Book Talks
- Reading & Educational Programs
- Environmental & Science Programs
- Cultural Celebrations