GO AFRICA HARLEM FESTIVAL 2018
By Diamond Durant
African dance, art, music and fashion invades the city at the 2018 Go Africa Harlem Festival next month.
The event will take place July 14 on 116th Street, between Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard and Frederick Douglass Boulevard, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
In its fourth year, the event celebrates Africa’s diversity by showcasing unique goods and services and their infectious culture. Last year’s festival had approximately 10,000 visitors.
The Go Africa Network Inc. is a nonprofit focusing on development, education, culture and trade initiates for Africa.
“Based on current registration, we are looking at about 20,000 or more this year,” said Dennie Beach, president and CEO of the Go Africa Network.
Along with an expected increase in attendance, this year’s festival has some key differences from last year. State and local officials have issued a proclamation declaring July 14, 2018, officially Go Africa Day. Festival-goers will also enjoy free prizes, Wi-Fi, a full day of entertainment with new and popular artists on two stages and more than 12 grills serving cuisines ranging from Caribbean goat to hotdogs and hamburgers.
Scheduled to perform are African and Caribbean artists Sekouba Bolomba, Gle Tchefary, Afrikan Kartel, Botching (Linda Obasi) and many more.
“Come out for something new, fresh and unique in New York,” Beach said. “We are doing our best to have different merchants and entertainment each year while offering variety for everyone.”
The festival is partnered with Go Africa LLC, Go Africa Health LLC, Go Caribbean Inc., Go Africa News LLC, Go Africa Capital Inc., NYC African Chamber of Commerce and African Union Expo LLC.
DIAMOND DURANT
TEAM OPTIMISTIC
“Presenting Blogger and Huffington Post Writer Diamond Durant”
Durant proudly calls herself a member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and The National Council of Negro Women. She plans to attend graduate school to study production and media relations.
