`BLACK CULTURE IS SO BEAUTIFUL' : AFRO-CENTRIC EVENT A PLACE OF DISCOVERY.

Byline: Alicia Doyle Daily News Staff Writer

Cynthia Yee didn't know what she had discovered when she stumbled upon a marketplace Saturday that featured table after table of African-American displays.

Born Asian-American and raised in Chinese culture, Yee had rarely set eyes upon African-American inspired art, jewelry, clothing or literature.

``This has opened my eyes to a culture I knew little about,'' said Yee, 18, of Thousand Oaks. ``Black culture is so beautiful. I learned something today that I'll never forget.''

The teen was among more than 2,500 browsers who gathered at the third annual Afro-Centric Market Place at Mountain Gate Plaza. Coordinated by the Afro-Centric Committee of Ventura County, the event touched upon various aspects of black culture from hand-made dolls to hand-carved leather Bible book covers.

The daylong event featured more than 45 vendors from the San Fernando Valley to Ventura. Groups on display included The Black Inventors Museum, the Minority AIDS Project and the UCLA Flower Museum of Cultural History.

Artwork and essays by local school children was entered in a contest themed ``My Interpretation of Dr. Martin Luther King's Dream.'' Information was also provided on sickle cell disease, prostate cancer and high blood pressure - all of which are common among the African-American population.

The goal of Saturday's marketplace was to generate awareness in Ventura County about the crafts, clothing, art and other goods made and sold by African-Americans in the area, said Mary Winn, founder of the Afro-Centric Committee.

``This is important to me because we are often so misunderstood,'' said Winn. The committee thrives to promote education and appreciation of African-American culture through various aspects of entertainment, health awareness and historical preservation.

``We have to learn about each other's cultures,'' Winn said. ``If we all understood one another, we would not have so much separatism. This is not just a marketplace for black people. It's for everybody.''

Nathaniel Bustion, an African-American artist from Altadena, hoped his work would inspire others - especially youngsters - to pursue their dreams. At age 4, the Alabama native created a 10-pound clay bowl that became the centerpiece of his grandmother's holiday dinner table setting. His work has since been exhibited nationally.

``If I can do it, then they have the potential to do it,'' said Bustion, who showcased more than 100 pieces of clay tile images, lithographs and original oil paintings. ``I hope that all people know they have the potential to do what they want to - all it takes is desire and hard work.''

Sharon Brown, an event coordinator and member of the Afro-Centric committee, said Saturday's event was a reflection of Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream.

``He wanted unity,'' Brown said. ``That's what's happening here today.''

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Photo: (1-2--color) Karen Davis, at left above, and Karen Holmes make ethnic dolls at the Afro-Centric Market Place, which featured African-American merchandise, exhibits, arts and performances at Mountain Gate Plaza. Tobbie Brown, left, enjoys talking with her fellow vendors.

Joe Binoya/Special to the Daily News