| 107.3 JAMZ Celebrates Black History Month |
| Upstate Black History Maker Pearl Mullins Recognized February 10, 2007 Pearl Mullins: Strengthening and Defining the Black Culture Growing up in the Foster's Grove community of rural Spartanburg, Pearl Mullins would have never imagined how fulfilling her life would turn out. The mother of a grown son and daughter, and now the grandmother of five, Mullins is a source of knowledge, creativity and artistry for African culture in her community. A few years ago, she created a non profit organization, Kreative Dimensions, whose purpose is to talk about African culture through art and education. She is extremely detailed about promoting African expression, even choosing to spell the word "creative" with a 'k' in order to stay in line with the African somatic way of spelling. Through Kreative Dimensions, Mullins engages the community in African art expressions such as skits and poetry. She educates about concepts like Kwanzaa, a subject where some of her deepest passion lies. She feels Kwanzaa is a chance to reconnect to the African culture and deeply respects Dr. Maulana Karanga for founding the seven day celebration that takes place from December 26th through January 1st. Mullins embraces Kwanzaa principles stating they strengthen and define the Black culture. Along with her son, ????, TK Gregg Recreational facility manager, poet and spoken word artist, she sponsors an African-American Heritage Festival each September. She feels this celebration, along with Kwanzaa, are times to "celebrate the goodness of people and all things out of Africa." Mullins refers to the concept of the "Village Connection" when reflecting on ways to help improve the quality of life for youth in her community. She believes that this concept and the African Proverb that states "It takes a village to raise a child," will help to recapture and save African-American youth. Additionally, Pearl Mullins thinks that overall knowledge is power. This is why she stresses the importance of expanding knowledge of Black leaders beyond those that are well-known. "We have enough of our people who have gained the strength to be proud of the knowledge we have," says Mullins. When asked what she had in store for the future, Mullins states that she is now taking her African art and education in a new direction. Adding to her long list of accomplishments, she has now mastered the art of storytelling African folktales. The emphasis of her folktales are mainly Black History and Kwanzaa. Her goal: to embrace, empower and enlighten families and youth in another Kreative way. |
Growing up in the Foster's Grove community of rural Spartanburg, Pearl Mullins would have never imagined how fulfilling her life would turn out. The mother of a grown son and daughter, and now the grandmother of five, Mullins is a source of knowledge, creativity and artistry for African culture in her community.