The African Studies Center in collaboration with campus and community partners plans to hold Africa Fest, a celebration of African culture, art and history. This family event, the first of its kind on campus, will take place on Saturday, November 13, starting at 12 noon at the FedEx Global Education Center (301 Pittsboro Street, Chapel Hill, 27516). Event will also be live streamed on YouTube.

Africa Fest 2021 offers our community an immersive opportunity to engage with the rich contemporary cultures of the continent. It will present opportunities to engage in conversations on the topic of global blackness, and the black identity. We hope to expand community engagement that informs, and extends interests and knowledge about contemporary Africa.

The one-day community event will highlight information, culture and artistry of the continent. There will be a panel conversation on ‘Notions of Global Blackness, Black Transnationalism and the Cultural Politics of Black Identity(ies),’ art station for children, and African food truck(s). Highlights of Africa Fest include music by the charismatic afrobeat and soca cultural ambassador, DJ Jahlion (to be confirmed), performances by Alsarah and the Nubatones, Diali Cissokho and Kaira Ba, poetry by Poet Laureate of Chapel Hill CJ Suitt, and drum ensemble by Pline Mounzeo.

Important Note: We are planning for an in-person event (adhering to all current protocols). However, if the COVID situation persists, and following revised group gathering policies by the university and CDC, Africa Fest will unfortunately move to a virtual format.

This event is funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Other sponsors include UNC-CH College of Arts and Sciences, Sonja Haynes Stone Center for Black Culture & History, Arts Everywhere and the Town of Chapel Hill