Join Mayor Vincent C. Gray and the Office on African Affairs in celebrating the history, cultures and traditions of all people of African Descent!
The D.C. Mayor’s Office on African Affairs (OAA) will hold the 3rd Annual D.C. Africa Festival on Saturday, September 29, 2012 from 12pm to 8pm at the Benjamin Banneker Recreation Center (Upper Softball Field). Building on the success of the past two years of this festival, we are pleased to continue this burgeoning tradition of celebrating African culture while emphasizing the contributions and vibrant presence of the African community in the District of Columbia.
This year’s festival theme is“Building One City - Showcasing Africa’s History, Heritage and Interconnectedness.” This theme reflects Mayor Vincent Gray’s vision of building “One City” in which all residents thrive together, and brings to life the goals of OAA’s Multicultural Awareness and Development program aimed at promoting greater connection among the District’s ethnically diverse communities of African descent, as well as showcasing the cultural contributions of Africa to the rich multiculturalism of the larger DC community.
The 3rd Annual DC Africa Festival will feature a variety of exciting and enriching activities for all ages: an eclectic lineup of modern and folkloric musical performances influenced by African musical traditions; an Africa-inspired Wellness Pavilion promoting healthy living and fitness, educational and fun activities in the Children’s Village and the African Culture Hut, a Fashion Presentation featuring creativity and designs from across the Africa. There will also be arts & crafts vendors, as well as food vendors bringing the best African cuisine DC has to offer.
Lastly, and most importantly, in order to promote greater access to services, the festival will also feature a Government & Community Resources Pavilion. Here, local, federal and non-profit organizations will share information and resources available to the District's communities. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ FESTIVAL PLANNING PARTNERS : DC Mayor’s Commission on African Affairs *** African Immigrant and Refugee Foundation*** The Africa Society *** EPIC (Exclusive. Posh. Illustrious.Chic)***iBlackHeritage.TV*** La Beautiful Mess*** I Dream of Africa*** Smithsonian Museum of African Art*** Threads of Our Fabric*** Strengthening Our Ancestors Roots (SOAR) in Africa*** Many Languages One Voice*** African Women's Cancer Awareness Association*** Cameroon American Council***Mignon Innis Ford Foundation***Young African Professionals*** Diaspora African Women’s Network (DAWN)*** African Diaspora for Change*