Festival Aims to Bring African Culture to Arkansas

Ubuntu is an African word that means, “I am, because we are.” Benito Lubazibwa, chair of the committee that puts on Africa Day Fest, says this spirit describes the way Africans view the world. He says Africans have never met a stranger.

A festival from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. May 27 at the Bernice Garden is a way for Arkansans to embrace that social spirit with a celebration of African culture.

Families can enjoy food, music, dancing and a kids’ zone. Lubazibwa urges attendees to participate in the activities rather than just spectate. He says that in Africa they say, “If you can talk, you can sing. If you can walk, you can dance.” 

The kids’ zone features a drum circle, face painting, a bounce house and an acrobatic basketball performance by the Dunk Doctors. An African fashion show is also on the agenda with a mini-fashion show for children.
Lubazibwa says the event should embody the inclusiveness and interdependence that African culture champions. He says one goal of the festival is to help forge a connection between Africa and Arkansas.
The festival is free to attend. For more information, call (501) 712-0997, visit the festival’s website or their Facebook page. 

What do you think?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings

HIV prevalence rate increases in Kumasi

Abeiku Santana Honoured “Top 100 Tourism Personalities In West Africa