Alkebulan Village on Detroit’s eastside is a real-life Wakanda. Steeped in African culture with African art, historical stories and photos and most importantly its African-centered martial arts program,this community organization has been a staple in the City since 1978.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Village, which was started by current Chief Executive Officer Marvis Cofield, along with other Martial Arts instructors. The mission of the organization is ”each one teach one, each one reach one.”
The Village, located near I-94 in the Industrial Park neighborhood, emphasizes its martial arts program in order to provide Detroit youth (and some adults) with the discipline required in order to succeed in life. “I was inspired {to start a community organization] by organizations in my community such as the Inner City Sub Center, Operation Get Down, and 4H Center,” said Cofield. “They all played a major role in the development of Alkebulan Village.”
Throughout its 40 years, Alkebulan Village has trained more 250,000 children and adults in its form of Martial Arts called Alkebu-do. Alkebu-do martial system offers an African-centered approach to conditioning the mind and body. Alkebu-do martial arts emphasizes the mental (education and learning) moral (good character and citizenship) and martial (self-defense, physical fitness, and healthy lifestyle). “We chose this style to emphasis the cultural”, said Cofield. “Once you know your history life won’t by a mystery”.
At first, the martial Arts program was called the Alkebulan Martial Arts Federation. As the program grew along with community participation, the organization grew into Alkebulan Village in 2000. Changing the name to Alkebulan Village reflected the growth and program expansion of the organization, said Cofield.
Alkebulan Village prepares for its 40th anniversary by celebrating during the first week of April with festivities that range from an open house to parties and martial arts.
The activities kickoff on Thursday, April 5, from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. with a Community Open House to be held at Alkebulan Village (7701 Harper Ave.)
Alkebulan Village is inviting all past Alumni and Friends of the Center to its Reunion Party on Friday, April 6, from 8p-1a, at Northwest Activities Center.
On Saturday, April 7,,Alkebulan Village is hosting an International Martial Arts Youth Tournament with teams from all over the country and Canada.
Alkebulan Village will culminate its historical celebration with an Awards and Recognition Ceremony and Concert, on Sunday, April 8, featuring Mark Scott and the Miracle Review at Northwest Activities Center.
Forty years is a milestone for any person or organization. When Cofield looks back on the 40 years, he said that his biggest influences started with his mother and father. “Alkebulan has always been a family affair with my wife Gail Cofield and my children playing important roles in the development of the organization. I also have to name three gentlemen who assisted in shaping me: Paul Taylor Jr., Adam Shakoor and Bernard Parker — all giants in the community.”
And although the 40 year anniversary is looming, Cofield also has plans for its 50th anniversary and beyond.
The Industrial Park neighborhood is one that the City of Detroit has targeted for investment and revitalization. Cofield said that nearly $500 million has been distributed throughout the area and several factories and old buildings have been restored. “In the next two to three years an additional $500 million will be placed in the neighborhood to build businesses,” said Cofield. “With that, 1,500 to 2,000 jobs will be generated from this investment. Alkebulan Village is positioning itself to provide affordable housing to this redeveloped community.”
Cofield’s overall plan is that in 10 years the neighborhood will be a livable intergenerational environment, with healthy minds and bodies.
“Talk is cheap and work is expensive,” said Cofield. “Alkebulan for life.” For more information, call (313) 921-1616 or visit their website at alkebulanvillage.com.
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