Vinette Ok. Pryce (left) on the funeral of her mom, Vena W. Baker which happened on Tuesday, June 25, 2024.
Picture courtesy Vinette Ok. Pryce
Commodore Barry Park will host its last annual celebration of the Worldwide African Arts Competition from July 4 to July 7.
The Metropolis Park cultural occasion marks the 53rd yr distributors, artisans, and artists assemble contained in the landmark location at Navy St. and Flushing Ave. for different vacation fete of America’s independence. It will likely be the final time crowds will collect there to enjoy all issues diasporan.
In accordance with sources, a brand new location web site will change the usually described ‘very best setting,’ which hosted the previous African Road Competition which emerged from the Uhuru Sasa Shule fundraiser that spawned the vacation weekend occasion.
Borne from an idea nurtured by the late educator and neighborhood activist Jitu Weusi and others, African trend and ensemble inspired patrons to exhibit satisfaction in Heritage and tradition.
After shifting to Brooklyn’s Boys and Women Excessive Faculty 4 years later, it appeared distributors and attendees took a subsequent degree method to dressing, purchasing, promoting, performing and celebrating the predominantly African exhibition.
Finally, the free different presentation attracted vacationers and borough residents who bragged the distinctive facet of the satisfaction parade. Meals from the Caribbean proved attractive, trend — alluring, performances — excellent and reuniting with buddies the principle attraction.
By 2001, huge attendance pressured a bigger area.
Wuyl Jacobs, host of WBAI-FM’s ‘Afro Beat’ mentioned the competition continues to develop and can go on however once more one other location should be discovered.
Jacobs didn’t elaborate on the genesis of the choice to relocate however defined that he’ll broadcast his one-hour, world beat program all through the three days.
The IAAF is the biggest and longest working competition within the US devoted to Pan-African tradition.
African drumming typically spotlight the festivities nonetheless ambling all through the grounds has at all times offered eye-candy to multitudes who supply a donation to entry the area.
By the best way, politicians have at all times made a major cease to fulfill and greet their constituents. This yr with early elections there could be an absence of campaigning contenders from election districts.
It needs to be famous that Job and Muslimah Mashariki would be the grand Marshall’s for the Saturday parade.
Verify the iaafestival.org internet portal for particulars.
Kudos to Life
Massive because of editors and staffers of Caribbean Life for obliging my honorarium to my mom Vena W. Baker who transitioned on Could 24 and celebrated her house going final Tuesday. It’s with deep gratitude that I acknowledge your generosity and can perpetually be glad about the kindness proven.
Catch You On The Inside!
