African food, music and fellowship By Nicole Williams Smith In most African cultures, the community honour, exalt and rally around their elders.

It is this African principle that the Board of Governors of the Matilda Smith Williams Senior's Residence, the Christian residential community/complex for the elderly, hope the community will adopt later this month.

On February 26, under the distinguished patronage of Premier Jennifer Smith, the senior's residence will host its 37th annual Harambee -- a fund-raiser with a difference.

Harambee is a Swahili word meaning `pulling together' or `togetherness' and event chairperson, Madree Sampson, hopes that the local community will take the word to heart and `pull together' once again to support its elders.

"When I thought of Harambee, the feeling of Kwaanza came over me,'' she said.

"I'm trying to portray that type of feeling.

"I didn't want to take all the principles of Kwanza, but I did like the idea of including the elders, the family and children as well as the emphasis on homemade food.

"Since the fund-raiser is for a home for the aged, I said let's put it all together.'' This will be Ms Sampson's second year chairing the event which will feature plenty of song, dance and fellowship.

"We always start the evening off with a prayer,'' she explained.

"We will have a slide presentation on the home, a poetry reading, songs and a performance by the Bermuda African Dance company.'' Gloria-Jean Trott, of Afrique Bermuda, will stage an African fashion extravaganza for the annual event.

"The clothing will come from my store and will include men, women, children, formal and some casual/sports wear,'' said Ms Trott. "And they will all be African.

"I did it last year but it was on a small scale. This year I offered to do something more substantial, a complete fashion show which will last about 45 minutes.

"I will be doing the commentary and telling the audience all about the clothing. I will explain the meaning behind the designs, symbols and embroidery on the clothes and give a bit of the history behind the clothing.'' To get into the spirit of the event, which will be held at St. Paul Centennial Hall in Hamilton, guests are encouraged to wear African attire.

And the most elegantly dressed individuals will be bestowed with a special honour -- the title of Mr. and Mrs. Harambee.

"Three judges will look amongst the crowd and select Mr. and Mrs. Harambee,'' explained Ms Sampson. "They will not only be the best dressed, but carry themselves regally.'' The exotic evening will finish with a selection of refreshments which will include some traditional African dishes.

Tickets, which are $35 for patron and $25 for general admission, are available from all AME churches, True Reflections and the Matilda Smith Williams Senior's residence.

All proceeds from the event will aid the Devonshire senior's home.

The Matilda Smith Williams Senior's Residence was founded by Bernice Cann, Ida Smith, Isabelle Ratteray and Helena Williams after the trustees of St. Paul AME Church offered them the property of the late Matilda Smith Williams in which they could create a home for the aged.

The residence opened on May 2, 1963 on Union Street with five ladies in residence and then moved to its current location on Kent Avenue, Devonshire, in 1972.

In the 80's the adjoining property was purchased, bringing the total grounds to 1.5 acres, so that males could be housed at the facility.

Over the years the Matilda Smith Williams Senior's Residence has attempted to provide quality health care to senior citizens who are residents or those who need daycare, regardless of their ethnicity, race or religious affiliation.

We're having a party: The Matilda Smith Williams Senior's Residence annual fundraiser will have a strong African theme.

SENIORS SR