Date: January 29, 2008

The National Park Service Equal Opportunity Committee (E.O.C.), the Yosemite Institute, Balanced Rock Foundation, the Greater Good project, and Ron Kauk are pleased to present Malidoma Patrice Some, PhD, author, elder, diviner, and master drummer, in honor of Black History Month.

The public is invited to join Malidoma to learn about the ancient wisdom and practices of the Dagara Tribe from West Central Africa, and to hear the music of a Master Drummer. Malidoma Patrice Some, Ph.D., will speak in honor of Black History Month. As a representative of his village in Burkina Faso, West Africa, and an initiated Elder, Malidoma Patrice Some has come to the west to share the ancient wisdom and practices which have supported his people for thousands of years. Malidoma holds three Master's degrees and two PhD’s from the Sorbonne and Brandeis University. He has also taught at the University of Michigan.

Park Ranger Shelton Johnson, of Yosemite National Park’s Equal Opportunity Committee said today: "Dr. Some's life is the embodiment of a spiritual homecoming to that ancient world within which he is now an Elder. I'm thrilled that he will be coming to Yosemite National Park to speak."

Presentation will occur at the El Portal Community Hall on Wednesday, February 6th at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Come and enjoy a light meal of soup and bread, refreshments and baked goods provided by the Greater Good Project. Dr. Some lectures and gives workshops throughout the U.S., Europe, and Africa.

For more information please contact Park Ranger Shelton Johnson of the E.O.C. at 209/372-0645.