FREE COMMUNITY EVENT
FIRST TASTE: AFRICA TO BUILD AND EDUCATE COMMUNITY WHILE CELEBRATING THE CULTURE OF THE
CONTINENT OF AFRICA.
On Sunday, July 16 from Noon to 5:00 p.m.
Birmingham and Berkley First will host First Taste: Africa, a free community event featuring food from 4 local, female-owned, African restaurants; Baobab Fare (Detroit), Konjo Me (Detroit), Little Liberia (Detroit), and Taste of Marrakech (Dearborn). First Taste: Africa is an opportunity for the community to come together to celebrate the culture of the continent of Africa while reaffirming our common humanity through food, fun, and fellowship. This is the first in a series of annual events focused on breaking down barriers while educating and inviting.
Born in Liberia, The Rev. Dr. Charles Boayue, Jr., Senior Pastor of Birmingham First, hopes this event brings people from all faiths and cultures together, “The simple goal of First Taste: Africa is to come together around a meal in celebration of Africa, a place that many of us have never been. Through this community gathering, let us focus on what makes us one people.”
Along with the local featured restaurants, there will be live music throughout the day, in addition to storytelling, dancing, and other cultural experiences.
The event takes place on the front lawn of Birmingham First, 1589 West Maple, Birmingham, MI 48009.
Birmingham and Berkley First are fundraising to help build Freedom House Detroit a new kitchen. If you are interested in supporting this effort, please email DeAnn Forbes, deannforbes1@gmail.com.
Owner Helina Melaku of Konjo Me talked with Fox 2 during her cooking segment about our First Taste: Africa event.
Our Senior Pastor Rev. Charles Boayue, Jr. sat down with Shaina Humphries from CBS Detroit to talk about our First Taste: Africa event. Click the button below to watch the full interview.
WXYZ-TV featured our First Taste: Africa event with a restaurant display segment with Ameneh Marhaba, owner of Little Liberia. You can read the full article by clicking here.
Or click the button below to watch the video.
My name is Chelsea-Rose and I am excited to be teaching in the Turquoise Room. This is my first year teaching at First Kids. I have many years of experience in child care and as a nanny. I started my education with OCC and finished my CDA with TeachStone.
I come from a large family. I am the oldest of six siblings. We had many wonderful adventures over the years, traveling to most of the United States and some of Canada. I have a love for nature and adventure. I really enjoy long road trips, outdoor activities and camping. I am an artist who enjoys painting, poetry and doing crafts. I love to study children’s psychology and herbology. With gentle guidance and compassion, I encourage children to explore and learn. Children have always been my passion in life.
I am an active member of Berkley First and am happy to now be connected with Birmingham First.
I am looking forward to learning and growing with your children this school year.
My name is Brooke Lynch, and I am excited to be your child’s classroom teacher! This is my fourth year as a parent at First Kids Preschool and I look forward to joining the teaching staff this year. I have a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Miami University. I taught first grade for seven years in Chicago. I then worked for five years as Director of Operations for a charter school management company here in Michigan. I decided to take some time off from work once my husband Joe and I welcomed our third baby. After two years at home with Kyle (6), Grace (4), and Griffin (2) I am thrilled to return to the classroom. First Kids is such a special place and I feel so honored to now be part of the community as both a teacher and parent. I can’t wait to partner with you to provide a wonderful year of fun and learning for your child!
My name is Jillian McDonald and I am thrilled to be teaching in the Green/Orange Room. This will be my first year teaching at First Kids Preschool. Previously, I taught three and four-year-old preschool in the Birmingham Public Schools for six years. Before that, I was a first grade teacher in Detroit. Between teaching positions, I took time off to raise my three children, Madelynn, Riley and Delaney. Madelynn and Riley are twins and will be starting their first year of college in the fall. My daughter, Delaney will be a senior at Groves High School. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, reading, and going to my cottage in Northern Michigan. I am so excited to be working with the four-year-olds. As an early childhood educator, I love to make my students’ first experiences with school very memorable. I enjoy helping them build their independence and self-confidence. I like to encourage the building of a classroom community to promote social skills and conflict resolution. I am so happy to begin this journey of learning with you and your child!
My name is Gloria Fulton, and I am very excited to be teaching at First Kids Preschool. I also work in childcare for Children and Family Ministries at Birmingham First United Methodist Church. I am a member of the Garden of Faith Missionary Baptist Church where I currently teach Sunday school and assist with the youth choir. For two years, I was co-leader of the Brownie troop at Upton Elementary, where my daughter attended school. I have a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Central Michigan University and am currently working towards my Child Development Associate. I enjoy miniature golf, walking, traveling, and spending time with my family.