Tag: African culture

Festivals, News

African Street Festival returns to Hadley Park September 16-18

By Cass Teague | Pride Publishing

Annual African Street Festival by the African American Cultural Alliance is on the weekend of September 16 through September 18, 2022 at Hadley Park, located at 1037 28th Avenue North in Nashville, Tennessee. This year’s theme is “We Rise To the Beat Of Our Drums.” The upcoming community event will once again honor the legacy of Nashville Civil Rights / Community Activist Kwame Leo Lillard, the founder of the festival and the African American Cultural Alliance.

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Uncategorized

Asantehene arrives Memphis for May festival

BY: Kwame Asare Boadu | Graphic Online

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is in the United States of America (USA) for Memphis in May, an international festival which this year is themed “Salute to the Republic of Ghana” and dedicated to Ghana.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II arrived to a massive welcome in the city of Memphis, Tennessee, USA on Tuesday evening to participate in the ‘Memphis In May International Festival ‘ which is being held to honour Ghana.                     

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News

Kenneth Anga and Sterling Ellis set to contest Chairmanship of Ijaw National Congress in North America

By Ebimo Amungo

Preparations are being concluded for the election of a new Executive Team to run the affairs the Ijaw National Congress in North America. The elections are due to hold on Saturday 7th May 2022.

The Ijaw National Congress is the premiere socio-cultural organization of the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in South-South region Nigeria.

Continue reading “Kenneth Anga and Sterling Ellis set to contest Chairmanship of Ijaw National Congress in North America” →
Uncategorized

Francis Odhiambo Otieno | The Kenyan-born philanthropist who runs a Swahili Radio Station in Arizona

By BRIAN KIMANI | Kenyans.co.ke

Francis Odhiambo Otieno, a US-based Kenyan artist, who sought to be a game-changer in society by helping the needy. Odhiambo, who goes by the moniker, Msanii Foreman, is also deep into charitable programs that focus on helping people from humble backgrounds.

His desire to champion change led him to seek an audience that can rally behind him his philanthropic pursuits and this birthed the idea of Arizona Swahili Radio. Founded on May 15, 2021, the station has grown to become one of the most talked-about stations within the state of Arizona.

Continue reading “Francis Odhiambo Otieno | The Kenyan-born philanthropist who runs a Swahili Radio Station in Arizona” →
African Food

Celebrating the African Influences in African American Cuisine

By Taiwo Balogun | Okay Africa

Africans have been instrumental in shaping the cuisine of America and the rest of the world for centuries — from the slaves who were forced across the Atlantic and brought with them unique foods, culinary traditions, and technologies, to the later African American chefs, farmers, innovators, and businesses who have profoundly impacted the way we eat and think about food. The Africa Center’s exhibition, titled African/American: Making the Nation’s Table, curated by Dr. Jessica Harris, a leading expert on the culinary culture of the African diaspora, seeks to honor those individuals and their legacy.

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Arts

SMITHSONIAN TO RETURN COLLECTION OF BENIN BRONZES TO NIGERIA

By artforum

In a decision that could mark a turning point in the growing restitution movement, the Smithsonian Institution announced on March 8 that it will repatriate to Nigeria nearly all of the thirty-nine Benin bronzes held in its collection. Many of the objects are believed to be part of the trove of some 90,000 brass, bronze, and ivory items looted from the Republic of Benin, as Nigeria was then known, in 1897 by British troops and dispersed across the Continent and then to parts west.

Continue reading “SMITHSONIAN TO RETURN COLLECTION OF BENIN BRONZES TO NIGERIA” →
Culture, Identity

Black diversity: Panelists discuss the African diaspora experience

By Jennifer Micale | BingUNews

Immigrants and their children negotiate between two worlds: the culture, language and traditions of their homeland and those of their adopted country. Or as Kelechi Ibe-Lamberts’ mother put it: “When you come into this house, you’re Nigerian. When you leave this house, you’re American.”

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African Food

Has Black Immigrant Food Become America’s New Main Course?

By Richard Fowler | Forbes

Whether they are from the Caribbean or the African continent, Black immigrants have remarkably impacted the growth and diversity of the United States. These immigrants, many arriving in the U.S. with flavor pallets tuned to their home country, have made America’s main course options full of flavor, with staple grains, well-seasoned meats and seafood, and of course some spice. 

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Culture

Odunde, largest African American street festival, goes virtual for 45th anniversary

BY SINEAD CUMMINGS | PhillyVoice

The largest African American street festival in the country annually takes place in Philadelphia. Typically held on the second Sunday in June, Odunde draws large crowds supporting and celebrating African culture.

The festival’s concept originates from the Yoruba people of Nigeria, West Africa. Odunde is a Yoruba word that means “Happy New Year.”

Continue reading “Odunde, largest African American street festival, goes virtual for 45th anniversary” →
Opinion

Why were US Democrats wearing Ghana’s kente cloth?

By BBC

When US Democrats in Congress proposed legislation to reform the police following weeks of protests over the death of African American George Floyd at the hands of a white officer, commenters on social media only wanted to talk about one thing: what they were wearing. Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and other Democratic lawmakers were draped in scarves made from a cloth of colourful geometric Ghanaian designs called kente.

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Communities

Has African art finally found a place in New York?

By Nick Ogutu | African Education in Focus

As one of the proprietors of Harlem Artisan Market, I know this is a difficult to answer because African art and culture is so rich, diverse and deep that it could occupy the entire city itself. As part of an initiative for Safari Yangu and a few street vendors, Harlem Artisan Market opened its doors in December 2018 as a pop-up indoor market on 105 west 125th street in Harlem. Safari Yangu is an organization that was founded in 2017 by a group of volunteer students at Columbia University. Its purpose is to empower immigrants through advocacy and create different platforms to tell their unique stories.

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Culture, Education

Carleton University’s Institute for African Studies Celebrates 10 Years of Impact

By Tyrone Burke | Carleton Newsroom

In 2009, Carleton became home to the first stand-alone, degree-granting Institute of African Studies in Canada. It brought together scholars who were studying Africa in a diverse set of disciplines to pursue a coherent, Africa-focused research program.

 Continue reading “Carleton University’s Institute for African Studies Celebrates 10 Years of Impact” →
Uncategorized

It’s Angélique Kidjo’s Birthday, and Her Country’s Too

She is probably Africa’s most widely respected international vocalist, and one of its hungriest synthesizers of culture and ideas.

By Giovanni Russonello|The New York Times

The Beninese vocalist Angélique Kidjo was born into one of the most hopeful moments of the 20th century. Just two weeks after her birth in 1960 — in Ouidah, Dahomey — her country finally gained independence from France. It was one of 17 African nations to declare independence that year.

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Culture

‘Taste of Africa’ slated for Rusk library
  • By Jo Anne Embleton

RUSK – Arts, crafts and delicious cuisines from the African and African-American culture are the focal point of “A Taste of Africa Arts and Culture” exhibit, slated from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Rusk Public Library, 207 E 6th St.

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Arts

Buffalo Museum of Science exhibits ancient Egyptian artifacts

By: Mustafa Marie 

The Buffalo Museum of Science in America dedicated a dimmed room to display ancient Egyptian mummies alongside their unique coffins and gold-plated bandages.

The curators at the museum said that the mummies date back to the Greco-Roman era. They further stated that the Egyptian artifacts displayed at the museum span back to the year 332 BC.

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Culture

African culture celebrated at Heritage Fest Miami

The Black History Month event was held S at the Arsht Center.

Sheron Williams, sales director of Concerned African Women Inc., shed some historic light on African head-wrapping to show Black women have been “fly” for centuries.

Continue reading “African culture celebrated at Heritage Fest Miami” →
Entertainment

CBS’s ‘Bob Hearts Abishola’ Rings True To These Nigerian Viewers

By ISABELLA GOMEZ SARMIENTO

“There’s a white man at the door.”

In the new CBS comedy Bob Hearts Abishola, those words cause a flurry of concern for an immigrant Nigerian family living in Detroit.

“Tell me, when has that ever been good?” demands Auntie Olu, played by Shola Adewusi.

The white man she’s referring to is Bob — a stocky, 50-year-old guy played by Mike & Molly actor Billy Gardell. He’s come to Olu’s house in search of her niece Abishola, portrayed by Nigerian actress Folake Olowofoyeku. At first, Olu and her husband assume something has gone terribly wrong. But their worries are soothed when they realize Bob is interested in asking Abishola out.

Continue reading “CBS’s ‘Bob Hearts Abishola’ Rings True To These Nigerian Viewers” →
Culture

Diaspora Showcase brings African culture to Tucson

By Rogelio Mares

The history of African Americans in Tucson is rich, full of names, dates and titles.

During segregation if you were black you could only learn that history at the Dunbar Academy.

Continue reading “Diaspora Showcase brings African culture to Tucson” →
Festivals

Houston is set to celebrate 7th African festival

By Kelly Martins

A festival celebrating what it means to be of African descent is coming to Houston and it’ll have food, music, arts, and more. Houston African Festival, or Houston Afrifest, is back in the city for their 7th annual celebration.

On Saturday, September 14 you can spend all day at Houston Baptist University enjoying African arts, culture, and entertainment in the best possible way. From 12 to 8 p.m. Entry into the festival is free for children, students, and seniors, and just $5 to anyone else. Cheap fun is just how we like it.   

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Culture

African Festival of the Arts Celebrates 30th Anniversary This Labor Day Weekend

By Angel Idowu

“Africa is here and it’s a good thing,” says Patrick Saingbey-Woodtor, founder of Chicago’s African Festival of the Arts, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this weekend in Washington Park.

The festival was initially created to bring attention to Saingbey-Woodtor’s Window to Africa shop and Hyde Park’s Harper Court. It has since grown into an annual weekend celebration that draws crowds from across the country with live music, fine art, food and more.

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Communities, Culture, News

Separate festivals honor African, African American heritage, culture

Separate festivals honor African, African American heritage, culture

By Eric Lagatta


Columbus has long been home to African Americans who have contributed to the city’s rich tapestry. For decades, the neighborhood now known as the King-Lincoln District has buzzed with African American business owners, musicians and artists. And throughout the city, African immigrants are bringing their own cultures to Ohio’s capital.

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Communities

The Fabric of Nigerian Weddings

By Adenike Olanrewaju

The color and flair of traditional ceremonies give brides and grooms a way to express a vibrant cultural heritage.

Dola Fatunbi Olutoye, 25, was ecstatic after becoming engaged last November to Dr. Yinka Olutoye, 26. She knew she wanted a traditional Nigerian wedding, but needed help executing the cultural elements of the ceremony, which took place on May 25 in Houston.

Mrs. Olutoye, a pharmacy student from Houston, and Dr. Olutoye, a recent medical school graduate, are both Nigerian-Americans who are part of the Yoruba ethnic group, which is heavily concentrated in the Southwest region of Nigeria.

Continue reading “The Fabric of Nigerian Weddings” →
Communities

Ghanaians in Columbus, Ohio celebrate culture and community at annual family picnic

With highlife legend Abrantie Amakye Dede and entertainer Kwadwo Nkansah (Lil Win) as special guests, Ghanaians resident in Columbus, Ohio recently marked the 18th GhanaPic, an annual health and wellness community festival.

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Communities

5 Canadians honored at Igbo Day 2019 in Saskatchewan

On August 3, Nigerian-Canadians living in the prairie regions of Canada celebrated Igbo Day of Arts and Culture in style. Sponsored by the Igbo Cultural Association of Saskatchewan (ICAS), with support from the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan (MCoS) and SaskTel, Igbo Day offered a blend of cultural and artistic displays, beautiful costumes and Nigerian cuisine.

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Communities

IgboFest holds in Minnesota

Nigerians in Minnesota will this weekend have a fun-filled celebration as Umunne Cultural Association in Minnesota, holds its annual IgboFest Day anniversary with the theme, Rising above the challenges. Guests expected at the event include Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and his deputy Peggy Flanagan, City Brooklyn Park Mayor Jeffrey Lunde, Senator Dean Philips and former auditor-general Anambra state, Sir Christopher Akuanyionwu(rtd). 

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Culture, News

‘It’s very important to share our culture’: Folklorama’s 1st-ever Egyptian pavilion takes flight

A sold-out show and a colourful, high-energy vibe set the tone Sunday at Folklorama’s first-ever Egyptian pavilion — an effort organizers say was years in the making.

More than 400 people packed into the University of Manitoba’s University Centre Multi-Purpose Room to take in performances of Egyptian dances, snack on traditional foods and a view a photography display from select parts of the north African country.

Continue reading “‘It’s very important to share our culture’: Folklorama’s 1st-ever Egyptian pavilion takes flight” →
Culture, Education

Indiana University starts course to teach Rwandan national language, Kinyarwanda

If you are living in the United States and wish to learn Kinyarwanda – Rwanda’s vernacular, your destination has been unveiled.

Indiana University (IU) in the United States will start offering a course in Kinyarwanda, making it the 8th African language the university is teaching under its African Studies Program.

Continue reading “Indiana University starts course to teach Rwandan national language, Kinyarwanda” →
Communities

Egyptian pavilion up and running in Folklorama

By Libby Giesbrecht

Folklorama’s brand new addition, the Egyptian Pavilion, wants to show you why their culture is more than just pyramids and sphynxes. No, they don’t “walk like an Egyptian,” and no, they don’t live in pyramids. But these misconceptions come from a vastly rich African culture that visitors to Folklorama’s newest pavilion will certainly be entranced by.

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Communities

Egyptian pavilion a first for Folklorama

By Danielle Da Silva

For the first time, Egyptian cuisine and cultural entertainment is on the itinerary for the golden anniversary of Folklorama.  

The Egyptian Canadian Society of Manitoba is bringing the flavours and folklore of the North African country to the University of Manitoba campus for week one of the annual cultural celebration, Aug. 4 to Aug. 10.

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Culture

Smithsonian exhibit shows how Senegalese women used jewelry to project power.

BY PENNY DICKERSON

The measure of a woman’s worth has historically been associated with her appearance. An arguable Western society bias, the latter conceptually crosses the African Diaspora to the coast of Dakar – the cosmopolitan capital of Senegal where aesthetics both define and convey more than an affinity for fashion but transcend wealth, aristocracy, prestige and preference. 

Continue reading “Smithsonian exhibit shows how Senegalese women used jewelry to project power.” →