What country served as a setting for Disney’s “Lion King”? Surprisingly, the answer is Mali. For those who want a crash course in the history and geography of this French-speaking Western African country, the brand new Malian Cultural Center in the Bronx is the place to go. Named after the first lady of Mali, the ATT Lobo Traoré center was founded in 2009 by a group of local Malians eager to share their culture with New Yorkers. It is New York and the world’s sole cultural center.
The Lobo Traoré Center is nestled on a small, safe avenue in the Northern part of the borough. Modest and cosy, the walls are filled with handmade clothes, instruments, tapestries and pictures of breath-taking landscapes. Wooden sculptures line the display window. The wide variety of programs includes dancing, cooking, and language lessons in Bambara and French.
But for a more insightful immersion in Malian culture, nothing will replace a lengthy conversation with the Malians that often gather at the center with their New York born children to reconnect with home. Before setting off with them on a journey through the mighty landscapes of their country, don’t forget to greet them with a warm Et la famille?, meaning “And the family?” It’s a way to say “How do you do?” in Mali.
Lobo Traoré Center – 3130 Villa Avenue, Bronx, NY 10468 – Subway: Bedford Park Blvd on line 4.
P: 917-557-2298 – Website: www.umaca.org
