Music and food help bring peace to Rwanda

The small central African nation of Rwanda is both a cautionary tale and a hopeful example. In the early 1990s it was the scene of one of the 20th Century’s greatest preventable human tragedies, the Rwandan genocide. But it has since rebuilt and recovered to become one of the continent’s symbols of renewal.

“Celebrate the Resilience of Rwanda!”, held at the White Horse Black Mountain on Thursday, April 21, is presented by Africa Healing Exchange, an organization that works in post-conflict communities to break cycles of generational trauma and create a sustainable model that can be replicated in other locales.

Proceeds will benefit women and families of Umutuzo in Rwanda, whose mission is to lift themselves out of poverty through transcending trauma, living harmoniously and developing small businesses. The event is part of the YWCA’s Stand Against Racism.

“Celebrate the Resilience of Rwanda!” is a multicultural family friendly affair featuring Grammy-nominated South African pop/soul powerhouse Laura Reed, Congolese fire-eater Seeko, sublime Ugandan singer/multi-instrumentalist Kinobe.

West African cuisine prepared by Kente Kitchen can also be purchased for an additional $10.

Making the peace

What: Celebrate the Resilience of Rwanda!

When: 6 p.m. April 21

Where: White Horse Black Mountain

Cost: $25 adults, $10 children, free under 5