LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Drumming, dance, poetry and vibrant displays of culture are set to fill downtown Louisville as the Africa Day Festival returns to Fourth Street Live! for its second year.
The free festival, set for Saturday, May 30, from 5-11 p.m., aims to introduce more people to African culture while creating stronger community connections through music, food, art and performance.
"For us, the mission is all about educating the public more about African culture," organizer DJ Oko Mensah said. "People know we exist here, but they don't know much about our culture."
Mensah said organizers hope attendees leave with a deeper understanding of African heritage and community.
"When you come and then before you leave, you know more about Africa," he said. "That's what we hope to achieve."
Festivalgoers can expect African poetry, cultural dancing, live music, musical performances and vendors throughout the evening. Mensah said this year's event has more structure, including expanded vending and improvements to the event space.
Performing artist Mark Rucker said he hopes visitors leave feeling engaged in African culture.
"I hope people will get a true experience of African culture and be exposed to music, food, the colors, the fabrics, everything," Rucker said. "Just a sense of feeling like you belong somewhere."
Mensah said securing sponsorships and partnerships has been one of the biggest challenges in organizing the festival, though support from community partners has helped make the event possible.
"We are grateful for Fourth Street Live! because they step up and they give us the space," he said.
Organizers said feedback from last year's festival has been strong, with many community members eager for Saturday's celebration.
"We want people to come out and enjoy the food, the music and overall the festival" Mensah said. "It is for the community and it's free."
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