The Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a one-of-a-kind event titled "Being Branded" that is designed to inspire and awaken audiences to the complexities of racial and cultural identity and will be performed on ice for the first time by national and international competitive, professional and amateur figure skaters of color. The cast features two Twin Cities natives.

This event is unique to the Twin Cities' community because it shares its message of exploring racial identity and the "branding" of racial stereotypes not only with adults but with high school and college students, encouraging them to expand their level of racial awareness.  The skaters each perform to stories featuring their personal struggles and triumphs.

The event is being held on September 17th and 18th at 7:30pm at Ridder Ice Arena on the University of Minnesota campus, 1901 4th Street SE, Minneapolis.

Tickets are: $25 Adults ($30 at the door), $12 Students/Seniors ($15 at the door) Register and pay in advance at: www.mbccculturaleventg.eventbrite.com/

General Questions?  Call Edna @ (651) 271-0777

MBCC believes that this event and discussion will be the beginning of a journey for us to improve our professional and personal lives.  Your organization's support would be greatly appreciated.

Sponsorship information and tickets can be found at:  www.mbccculturaleventb.eventbrite.com/

 The event features 8 talented skaters of color from across the U.S. and world.  A few of the skaters featured are:                 

ROHENE WARD - He is a very artistic skater who is able to perform advanced jumps in both directions (extremely rare skill in figure skating).

• 2004 Puerto Rican Senior National Champion
• Six Time U. S. National Competitor
• International Competitor
• Skated in Tom Collins Champions on Ice Tour

HAMIDAH AHMAD - Disney On Ice  A Disneyland Adventure and High School Musical Ice Tour as the lead role of Taylor Mc Kessie

• 1999 Intermediate Regional Champion
• Junior Nationals Competitor
• U.S. Sectional Competitor

AMI PAREKH - Through the experiences of Ami Parekh the classical Indian dance in traditional dress and form, Bharatanatyam, is brought to the ice

• 2004-2006 Indian Nationals Ranked 1st
• 2006-2007 International Competitor
• 2000 and 2001 U.S. Regional Champion
• 2000-2003 U.S. Junior Nationals and Sectional Competitor

LEE GRAHAM - Disney On Ice High School Musical Ice Tour - the role of Zeke

• University of Alaska (Junior)
• Singer and Dancer
• Touring in Holiday on Ice this fall in Europe                        

DENEANE RICHBURG

• "Being Branded" Project Director/Choreographer
• M.F.A. Dance, M.A. Afro American Studies, B.A. African American Studies and English
• Competitor for over 20 years
• Dancing for over 25 years