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Winter Solstice @ Bro/Sis

by Alberto Alcantara | originally posted on Jan 31, 2010

Winter Solstice occurs exactly when the tilt of the earth’s axis is farthest away from the sun. It is also the point at which the days begin to lengthen and the nights get shorter. This usually occurs around December 21st or 22nd. Winter solstice is also a time of celebration to many people in different cultures, because solstice stands for the idea of rebirth and renewal.

At The Brotherhood/Sister Sol, we think of Winter Solstice as a time when we can relax, have fun, and reconnect with each other. Winter Solstice is open to everyone in the organization: staff, the elementary school kids, the teens, as well as their parents, friends and other family.

This year, our Winter Solstice Celebration took place on Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009. There was music, food, performances and much more. What felt like hundreds of members and their family gathered together in our brownstone to celebrate the coming of the New Year. After we ate delicious food, everyone got together on the first floor to watch the Talent Showcase, which has become a tradition at every Winter Solstice. Damond, who is a chapter leader and boxing instructor for teens, was the host and the master of ceremony, and in addition to introducing each performer, he would tell funny jokes that had everyone laughing. Some highlights from the performances were LP alumni Leslie, Sherelle, and Zakeya, as their band Seven Little Kitties; elementary schoolers Zoe and Makia sang “A Kid’s Life,” and Rashad, also known as “Young Bread,” performed a hip hop tribute for The Brotherhood/Sister Sol called The Bro/Sis Anthem.

Click here to listen to The Bro/Sis Anthem, written, produced and performed by Young Bread a.k.a. Rashad Tucker, and members of the Teen After School Program Studio Class.

Members of the Writers Collective performed selected writings and Christian from the Elementary After School Program brought the house down with a dance tribute to Michael Jackson.

Winter Solstice at The Brotherhood/Sister Sol was something to go and see. Many parents came to see the celebration, and members worked hard on their performances. Overall, winter solstice was a great celebration, and it’s going to be even better next year.

Alberto Alcantara is a sophomore at Mott Hall High School. He is also a member of The Strive 2 Thrive Cipher, Liberation Program, and the Media Team.