with Atiya Jordan
January 2, 2024
BLACK ENTERPRISE has created a series of annual Pan-African inspired festivals that embody the spirit of Ujima and Ujaama of Kwanzaa.
Kwanzaa creates an opportunity for black people and communities across the diaspora to not only reflect, but to ignite intentions for 2024. Are you a die-hard fan of the festival or want to immerse yourself more in your African and Caribbean heritage? BLACK BUSINESS he’s got you covered. We have created a series of annual Pan-African festivals and organizations that embody the spirit of Kwanzaa’s Ujima (Teamwork and Responsibility) and Ujaama (Cooperative Economics).
The ambitious hosts of these events are engaged in collaboration and recognition of the social, cultural and historical ties that unite people of African descent.
Learn more ahead of the 2024 festival programs. There are enticing calls to support active collaboration and financial gains for the community.
The Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute is the brains behind Afribembé, a pan-African festival that serves as an opportunity for communities and visitors to celebrate common roots through creativity, spirituality and musicality. The 5th annual Afribembé FESTIVAL wants to harness the power of its theme, Black to the Future, to highlight Afrofuturism from a global lens of the Diaspora with Africa at the center.
2023 Highlights
- Artivism activities for creatives of all ages
- Music, DJ sets and In the Valley of Coming Forth they play excerpt
- Ujaama market with goods, arts and crafts
The Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) was founded in 1992 by Hollywood veterans Danny Glover, the late Ja’Net DuBois and Ayuko Babu. images through the exhibition of films, visual arts and other creative expression.
2023 Highlights
- Over 150 films from 40 countries, in 19 languages, including 50 world and 22 North American premieres.
- One of these included an Oscar nomination (Best Documentary Short) American Justice on Trial: People V. Newtonn (USA), where Black Panthers co-founder Huey Newton is accused of killing a white police officer following a 1967 car stop in Oakland.
- Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza hosted its prestigious fine art fair featuring over 100 established and emerging artists and quality artisans from across the Black Diaspora.
The Pan African History Festival (PANAFEST) was inspired in 1992 by the late great Pan Africanist Efua Sutherland. The festival has become a landmark celebration in Ghana, giving Africans a platform to address the traumas in African societies and strengthen the self-confidence and freedom for self-determination of an entire people. On the other side of the world, the Pan African Festival USA is a cultural festival held in Silver Spring, Maryland.
2023 Highlights
- Theme of the Festival: “Reclaiming the African Family: Facing the Past to Address the Challenges of the Past”.
- A creative explosion headlined by three-time Grammy nominee Rocky Dawuni was launched at the National Theater in Accra.
- September has been designated as African Heritage Month in Montgomery County, Maryland.
The visionary co-founders behind Amplify Africa and AfriCon unite the global diaspora through the conference and vibrant celebration of African culture, innovation and entrepreneurship. This event, which coincides with Africa Day, celebrates the diversity of the African continent and diaspora through entertainment, media, technology and leadership. Africon 2023 was about amplifying the voices and narratives of African, African-American, Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Latinx and Afro-European entrepreneurs, artists and thought leaders to showcase their talents and ideas. Locations include Los Angeles and Lagos, Nigeria.
2023 Highlights
- In May 2023, Africon celebrated 60 years of Africa Day in Los Angeles.
- The program of events for 2023 included an informal welcome day and two days of conference planning.
- Nelson Mandela’s grandson hosted an Africa Day reception.
The Ghana-based festival, which was co-founded by AfroFuture CEO Abdul Karim Abdullah, has grown into a full circle celebration aimed at increasing tourism to the continent, boosting the local economy and re-engaging black people from across the world at their roots. the Mother Nation. At AfroFuture (December 18 to January 2), attendees can enjoy a range of events, including Afro Expo 2023. This two-week expo will host a range of experiences and panel discussions focused on the worlds of culture, technology , health, film, music and art in Africa.
2023 Highlights & What to Expect
- The Black Ambition Pitch Competition
- AfroFuture x Black Film Space Film Competition
- New Year celebration
- Return of the AfroFuture Foundation
- Museum of African Music
Calling all goths, punks and rebels! Afropunk festivals have been held in several major cities including Atlanta, Paris and London. The festival was founded by James Spooner and Matthew Morgan and began with the 2003 documentary entitled Afro-Punk, who studied black punks across America. Through music, art and community, the festival brings together a community of people who reject societal norms and embrace their true selves.
2023 Highlights
- In August, Afropunk Brooklyn’s “Circus of Soul” featured Jazmine Sullivan, Flying Lotus, Joey Bada$$, Vince Staples and Tobe Nwigwe.
- Afropunk Bahia, the Brazilian version of the 20-year-old Brooklyn festival, took place in Salvador on November 18th and 19th. Victoria Monét was front page.
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