Photos: Ga Manye & Nii Amarkai III @ Imhotep in Philly Photo 3
Philadelphia, PA
It is interesting that a school is making a name for itself as being one of
the biggest charter schools in America that is centered on Africa's rich
historical tradition . Imhotep Charter High School is based in
Philadelphia, PA - the city of brotherly love.
It has one of Ghana's favorite sons and a royal to the Ga stool; Dr. Samuel
Nii Kwate Quartey I; a Podiatrist as the Chairman of the Board of
Directors. Mrs Christine Wiggins is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer
and her royal stool name is Asafoanye Odamite Tsotso. She traced her lineage
to the Ga.Asafoanye and is very proud of her heritage. She instills the
african values she has acquired to her students. The school's uniform is an
african fabric with their chosen design.
The school relocated to a new state of the art location opposite the old
school. There was a recent ribbon cutting ceremony to officially outdoor
the new school.
The ribbon cutting ceremony was in honour of Naa Dedei Omaadru III (Ga
Manye) who traveled from Ghana. Dignitaries included; Dr. Nii Kwale Quartey
I, and some officials from the Philadelphia School districts. The members
of the Philadelphia community also attended.
At another event; the school recognized the dedication of Nii Amarkai III,
(Asere Djasetse and Kingmaker). The Kingmaker and the powerful royal had
the opportunity to tour the school and was accompanied by the Ga Manye and
Nii Kwale Quartey I.
At a brief ceremony in the school, he poured a libation to commit the
school to the ancestors for success and longevity. Nii Amarkai III in a
brief address to the students advised the students to study hard and become
successful adults. He says the only way for an african american child to be
successful is through reading a book, studying hard and successfully
completing their education. He said a year ago when he visited the old
school, he had predicted that one day there will be an African American
president and here we are, there is one who happens to be known as Barack
Obama. He was emphatic on the students working hard to be successful. He
had also distributed copies of a newsletter which featured the Queen of
Sheba's previous visit to Ghana.
Asafoanye Tsotso made a presentation of a Homowo award to Nii Amarkai II on
behalf of the school. Nii Amarkai III who was impressed and excited about
the award thanked the Asafoanye, students and the entire school for the
honour bestowed upon him. Nii Amarkai in return presented his customized
royal beads from the palace in Ghana and put on the wrist of the Asafoanye.
The Asafoanye too extended her gratitude and proud also for such a gift
given to her as a royal.
The Asafoanye after the ceremony had the honour of leading the royals on
a familialization tour of the school. Interestingly and incredibly, many
halls and classrooms have been named African countries..
Nii Amarkai III who is also a great drummer had the opportunity to play the
drum at a music class and shared some of his skills with the students. He
was impressed at the new location and commended Asafoanye for a great
vision. He said when one walks in, he or she will feel at home in Africa;
peace, love, unity, harmony, culture and good music. Naming each hall and
classrooms on each African country was the icing on the cake.
This writer was also impressed with the discipline that the students
exhibited. Credit goes Mrs Wiggins, Asafoanye who said the disciplinary
attitude in the school is so immense. It has transcended to a point where
students do not use curse words and all abide by the rules and regulations.
She said if all African American children had this type of environment and
identified with who they were and where they came from, there will not be
too many crimes.
At the end of the familiarization tour, the royals thanked the Asafoanye
and gave a huge round of applause and commendation to Asafoanye Odamite
Tsotso. They said she has worked hard to put the school on the world
stage.
*Go Panthers Go!!*
Imhoptep has a great basketball team and was in the news recently;
"The Imhotep Charter Panthers defeated the West Catholic Burrs, 59-53, in
overtime yesterday in the PIAA District 12 Class AA boys' basketball
championship game at Temple's Liacouras Center."
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