Black History celebration looks at Ghana’s kingship model as roadmap to success

CHARLOTTE, N.C./March 23, 2018 – Johnson C. Smith University kicked off Black History Month with an exciting and engaging program Feb. 9, 2018 at the James B. Duke Memorial Library. Guests were treated to a discussion on the groundbreaking book, “Divine Kingship of Asante: A Model for Sustainable Development of Self and Community,” by Dr. Ur Aua Hehimetu Ra EnKamit. The author spent years compiling the work, which studies the ways in which the traditional model of Asante kingship in Ghana offers a sustainable blueprint to improve the quality of leadership for disenfranchised communities worldwide. It was a powerful presentation on how our history can provide a pathway to a greater future. Additionally, guests enjoyed food, an African-style marketplace for cultural jewelry and other items, drumming, dancing, and jazz music by A Sign of the Times. Proceeds from the donation-based event went toward building JCSU’s MakerSpace, an interactive lab where patrons can access cutting-edge technology such as 3-D printers and CAD design to bring their ideas to life.

Related Articles

Group Photo from Founders Day Convocation 2025
August 6, 2025, was a momentous day that echoed the bold spirit of August 7, 1867, the day of Johnson C. Smith University’s founding, originally the Freedmen’s College of North Carolina, later Biddle Memorial Institute, Biddle University, then Johnson C. Smith University.  In 2025, the African drummers and the robed promenade of faculty, staff, students and dignitaries signaled back to the auspicious day 158 years prior.
View Content
Celebrating Social Work Month 2025 with Eliana Moultrie.png
In honor of Social Work Month, JCSU will spotlight a student from the Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work programs each week in March. Today’s spotlight features Eliana Moultrie, an El Paso, Texas, native and a senior in JCSU’s Bachelor of Social Work program. 
View Content