ITHACA, N.Y. — Dr. Tammy Butler, of Rochester, N.Y., was formally welcomed as the new executive director of Southside on Saturday, Dec. 28 at the community center’s annual Kwanzaa Celebration.
The evening event took place in the historic neighborhood institution’s gymnasium and was filled with music, dance, poetry readings, keynote speakers, and was free and open to the public.
The UNITED Dance Troupe, led by Harmony Malone, and the Adanfo African dance ensemble gave spirited performances which eventually bloomed from practiced routines into a joyous frenzy throughout the gymnasium.
Fe Nunn, co-founder of Southside CUMEP summer program, led the Kwanzaa libation as an elder of the community. After the candle lighting ceremony, dinner was supplied by Avis Frasier of Urban BlendZ catering.
Kwanzaa, the annual holiday of African-American culture held from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1., was created by Maulana Karenga and first celebrated in 1966.
Looking forward to the new year, Butler and staff told event-goers that they plan to strengthen existing programs and implement new ones. “For 2020, we have the ‘African American Women’s History months’ that are happening, and I’m excited to be a part of rolling that out” stated Butler alongside Dr. Nia Nunn during a post-event interview. Southside will combine February’s Black History Month with March’s Women’s History recognition into a two-month-long celebration focused on black women.
Southside announced in November that Dr. Butler, who holds a Doctorate of Education in executive leadership from St. John Fisher College, would be hired as the institution’s next executive director.
Videography by Jacob Mroczek for The Ithaca Voice
Featured image: Adanfo African Dance group performs in the Southside gymnasium (Jacob Mroczek for The Ithaca Voice)
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