Starting to see the impacts of the economy...The 34th Annual Odunde Festival is short $27K short, (sponsorships), and I'm told Unity Day is already canceled. Lack of sponsors.

There was a recent announcement on the radio that everyone should still show up and donate $1 to attend.

There is a call for people to still gather for the water ceremony. I never went, but I will go to support the spirit of the festival despite the financial challenges:

BELOW IS AN EMAIL BLAST from Yumy Odum (major activist and educator in Philadelphia)

Greetings, Community Leaders, Organizers and Advocates!

FYI

You might already be aware of this!

Will this be just another in a series of the "Black population" and the African American Community reacting as a result of 400 years of conditioning or will this mean something more than folks talking about how "other folks do?"

Will Odunde go by the wayside as has so many other initiatives at the core of community development?

What will you do?

I recommend that whatever happens, show up for the 34th Annual Odunde Celebration on Sunday, 6/14/09, from 1p.m. - 6p.m.!

12p.m. for the Yoruba River Tribute!

Eat beforehand or bring your lunch if you have to!

We shall see!

Thank you!

YUMY ODOM