Wescott Street Thrives on Culture and Art
Nana Anim is from Ghana. Biboti Ouikahilo is from the Ivory Coast. Both specialize in teaching African dance and drumming. Anim has set up shop at the Westcott Community Center where he teaches students to dance to the African drumbeat. "That's all I do, teach people about African dance music, dance and culture, " said Anim. Biboti Oukahilo operates the Wacheva Cultural Arts center in a building located at 117 Harvard Pace. The sign announces that the center offers classes in West African dance, Salsa dance, Samba and Zumba dances and others. "It is like a dream come true," said Ouikahilo. Boom Babies specializes in vintage clothing and has a wide collection of costumes and accessories that cater to a city-wide clientele whose sartorial tastes reflect the artsy and the bohemian. Seven Rays was once known to specialize in occult books and paraphernalia. It recently moved to Armory Square. Prior to moving, it changed focus and advertised belly dancing lessons, card reading and African Drumming and Dancing. "There's no doubt about it. The Westcott area has a lot going for it in terms of what it offers in culture and art, "said Anim. The area has emerged as one the most unique neighborhoods in the city. Lined with stores that sell exotic and the unconventional merchandise, the area has created a unique cultural and artistic ambiance. Here stores, restaurants and other businesses and organizations appear to have succeeded in making culture an integral part of what they do on a daily basis. The emergence of African dance and music as a leading factor in the cultural and social life in the Wescott neighborhood doesn't surprise Ron of Abdo's Grocery. It has evolved with time to become one of the most diversified neighborhoods in the city, he said. "It is called the Westcott nation. It attracts all kinds of people; from all areas and cultures." "We've been here since 1984" said Sammer Essi, owner of Munjed Middle Eastern Café. According to Essi, the restaurant is a family owned operation and is one of a number of businesses they own in the area. His family has lived in the area for several decades, he said. "I grew up right there on Victoria Place." Essi said the Middle Eastern Café "has a large customer base (from the university) of All Kinds, from students to professors." His family decided to set up the restaurant because they realized "it is a diverse neighborhood and something was lacking at the time." If proximity to Syracuse University has contributed to the popularity and success of the café, it has also played a role in the emergence of Westcott Street as a center for culture and art. Students and faculty that live in the area find it convenient and patronize the various bars and restaurants that line both sides of the street. These include a considerable number of Africans and other foreign nationals. At night, the collection of bars, restaurants and pizza joints create a nocturnal atmosphere of the kind favored by party goers. Places of entertainment includes a sushi bar, a pizza joints, a movie house, a Papa John restaurant, all within walking distance of their homes and dorms. The presence of a number of African musicians in the area can not be missed. Over course of the past few years, a number of performing artists from various African countries, particularly Ghana, have taken residence in the area.. These include David Eche who is known as the leading teacher of traditional African dance and drumming, and others less known, but fast earning a reputation for their musical talent and willingness to teach anyone eager to learn about African drumming and dance. It's no surprise then that Nana Anim decided to set up shop in the Westcott area when he arrived in Syracuse. Originally from Ghana, he is a dancer, choreographer and drummer and is emerging as a popular artist in Syracuse and Central New York. He was invited to Syracuse by Eche, who still resides on Columbus Avenue. The ambiance in the area is just right for Nana Anim and Biboti Ouikahilo as performing artists; yet both concede that they have not succeeded in making African dance and culture as attractive to African-Americans as they do to Caucasians. "When I do events here at the center, I get more Caucasians than African-Americans," said Ouikaliho. "I have tried everything I can possibly do to get our people involved," said Anim. The result has been less than impressive, said Anim, but he continues with his effort to get more African-Americans in the Westcott area involved. "I know it will take time, but I will succeed," he said. One of the main events of the year is the cultural festival held by the Westcott Street organizations and stores. The event draw vendors from different parts of the city who sell unique products with an artistic or ethnic flavor. African cultural and artistic products are usually one of the main attractions during the festival. This year's event has been scheduled for September 19th. |