Five years ago, Nathan S. White, co-founder of Afrifest, heard the continent's call; a cry for the Africans in Minnesota to openly and collectively celebrate the vastness and mystique of their culture. A half a decade later, the Afrifest Foundation is still answering that call. Drawing inspiration in 2007 from the African Festival of Arts held annually in Chicago, Nathan and a hand full of Pan-African minded individuals gave birth to Minnesota's very own festival of African arts they dubbed, “Afrifest.”
Over the years and despite adverse weather conditions, venue-related mishaps, and scheduling conflicts with imitations, the event’s quality has improved with each installment – growing in participation and popularity. As Nathan himself once put it, “Back in 2007, myself and others had a dream of a Pan African festival for the fastest growing African immigrant population in the USA. We started in less than ideal circumstances with torrential rain, a collapse 35W bridge blocks from our venue site, and disbelief that such a venture was even feasible.” Looking back, it’s as if the challenges of the previous four festivals were all preparation for 2011; the same year as the 10th anniversary of 9/11 and the unveiling of the Martin Luther King Jr. statue in D.C. (August 28th).
So, what exactly is Afrifest? In a 2007 blog entitled Discover the Motherland in Chicago, Nathan defined the festival Afrifest was modeled after as “…an African festival of arts, music, and the culture of the motherland.” You heard of the Taste of Minnesota? Well, think of Afrifest as the Taste of Africa, in Minnesota. Representatives from various African nations assembled in one place, sharing and learning of one another – an explosion of pleasant aromas, vibrant colors, rich voices, and the enchanting rhythms inspired by the continent.
A cultural gala of this magnitude serves two primary functions. The most obvious benefit being it provides Africans of various backgrounds a platform from which to display their specific culture, while tearing at the social wall erected by tribalism. But the not so obvious role is to afford African-Americans the opportunity to begin their journey of discovering their true roots. Although Afrifest is about celebrating African culture, it does not exclude any group from participating. All are welcomed and encouraged to sample its customs, chorus, and cuisine. However, Afrifest does present a special benefit to the African-American community. So they above all others are invited – to begin the healing process and mend bridges.
From its inception, the mission of Afrifest has always been to improve the social interaction of the many African and African-American communities through festive recreation and culture sharing. But somewhere along the way this message of Black solidarity has lost momentum; mistaken for a "Brooklyn Park exclusive" event or "Liberian only" affair. Now, revitalized with new board members, the Afrifest Foundation is planning for a festival as diverse as its board.
The Board consists of Nathan White (Liberian), Kechi Bisong (Nigerian-American), Wycliff Chakua (Kenyan), Prof. Joseph Mbele (Tanzanian), and Gerald Montgomery (African-American). Diversity is essential to an integrated society because with diversity comes a decrease in fascism while increasing representation and perspective. Thus this year our objective is to “EDU-cate” our communities through "Enlightenment, Diversity, and Unity"® (this year's theme).
It is no secret that a source of great strength as Africans has been the catalyst for a great weakness; pride in one’s specific community. What unites Nigerians to Nigerians, Liberians to Liberians, Ethiopians, Kenyans, Togolese, etc, to themselves, is also what unfortunately segregates them from the other communities; tribalism. But the simple truth is if there is ever going to be peace among the Africans on the continent it will need to start with the Africans in America! And Afrifest 2011, poised to be the greatest thus far, would be a great place to start the peace process!
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