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14 UCW MAY 12-18, 2021
Culture and Heritage Alliance hosts NC Wakanda Gala May 15
by KEYURI PARAB
KEYURI PARAB, Editorial Assistant
COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomin-
gweekly.com 910-484-6200.
The Culture and Heritage Alliance will host the
"NC Wakanda Gala" on May 15 from 6-10 p.m. at
the Volta Space downtown, which is located at 116
Person St.
The event will feature a variety of art, music,
dancing and more. Attendees are encouraged to
wear their "Wakanda" themed or African outfits.
"We are having fun with it," said Kelly, the vice
president for the Culture and Heritage Alliance.
"There will be three artists there, we'll have
African drums, dancing, local artists, there will
be African food. The Gala will feature artists like
Matthew Mercer, Kognoscenti, Yolanda Burse
amongst others."
Drinks and mingling will begin at 6 p.m., and
customers will be served African hors d'oeuvres.
Mercer, an artist who specializes in comic books,
will be offering some "Black Panther" artwork for
viewing and purchase.
The Gala will observe COVID precautions, all-
owing up to 75 people, and temperatures will be
taken at the door.
"The Alliance promotes peace, culture in our
community and all of North Carolina," Kelly said.
"We promote dance performances, culture exhibi-
tions, storytelling to inform others of the customs,
culture and traditions of all indigenous people
and that's native American, Latino, African and so
much more."
Located at 105 Person St., the Alliance started 15
years ago and hosts events like the African World
Peace Festival, the NC African Film Festival, Salsa
& Swing Nights, Celebration of African Culture and
workshops throughout the year.
The Salsa & Swing event is free to the pub-
lic, happening every Tuesday night at 7 p.m. at
the Volta Space. Donations are welcome and go
towards the Heritage and Culture Alliance, Kelly
mentioned.
"People don't know how much diversity is in
our area, so we bring that forth and bring that out,
people can see that there is diversity," she said.
"Everyone loves African art, but where can you
get it? Is it online but you can talk to us and we'll
find someone for you."
Tickets prices for the "NC Wakanda Gala" are $25
single and $40 for a couple and can be purchased
at w w w.eventbrite.com/e/nc-wakanda-gala-cul-
ture-heritage-alliance-tickets-151006994987?aff=-
ef beventtix&f bclid=IwAR30FZbXELJKNcg-
6UH4oft8FW--9LID5GZ38FEtySbtAv3aRrAXcE-
D6AzYw
To learn more about the Alliance, visit w w w.cul-
tureandhertiagealliance.org
The Gala will feature works by artists Yolanda Burse
(above) and Matthew Mercer, who will display "Black
Panther" themed works (right). (Photos courtesy the
Culture and Heritage Alliance)
EVENT