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African Cultural Extravaganza Makes Its Premier in Dallas, Celebrating the African Diaspora

African cultural extravaganza descends upon Fair Park in May, uniting the diverse heritage of the African diaspora through live performances, culinary delights, artistic exhibits, and communal gatherings, all under the banner of Afro Air festival.

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3 min read
African cultures dispersed across the globe will unite at Fair Park this May, offering an immersive...
African cultures dispersed across the globe will unite at Fair Park this May, offering an immersive experience through live music, culinary delights, artwork, and community interaction at the Afro Air festival.

African Cultural Extravaganza Makes Its Premier in Dallas, Celebrating the African Diaspora

Ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of African culture? Get ready, Dallas!

The Afro Air Festival, a brand new event hitting Fair Park this weekend, is your ticket to an unforgettable, colorful journey that showcases the beauty and richness of the African diaspora.

Weyni Kahsay, a first-generation Eritrean American and the festival's founder, reminisces about her childhood, filled with the sights, sounds, and aromas of her culture, and now, she's recruiting Dallasites to do the same.

"I was that kid who attended events showcasing my culture, and it just made me super happy and really proud," she said. "It's amazing to be able to share my culture with others."

The festival welcomes the Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Latin, African American, and African diaspora communities to come together and celebrate their unique cultures through music, dance, food, art, and education.

"We should all be celebrating each other together, versus having everything kind of divided," Kahsay added.

Inspired by the Asmara Expo, a major Eritrean celebration, the Afro Air Festival also aligns with Africa Day, celebrated every year on May 25. Kahsay sees this as an opportunity to extend the festivities throughout the month, envisioning a world where we celebrate our cultural diversity all year round.

The event promises a full day of entertainment, boasting performances from renowned singer April Sha'Lil, poet Daylan Burgess, and the African Village Drummers, alongside interactive drum circles for attendees. DJs will keep the energy high while guests enjoy visual artworks from artists like Nigerian photographer Inyang Essien and Ghanaian painter Nii Narku Thompson. Need a bite to eat? Food vendors like Belizean Jewels and Fusion Vibes got you covered.

Kahsay emphasizes that the festival focuses on preserving African cultural traditions for future generations, hoping that attendees will leave with new connections, friendships, and a deeper appreciation for the various facets of Black culture.

"This is my chance to learn, and I hope everybody comes into this space feeling that way or leaving with that," she said.

So mark your calendars, Dallasites! The Afro Air Festival takes off on May 17 at Fair Park, just waiting for you to join the celebration. Let's embrace our shared heritage and savor the delicious tastes, phenomenal artwork, and lively music that bring us together.

May 17 at Fair Park, 3809 Grand Ave., Dallas. $12.

This community-funded journalism initiative is powered by The Dallas Morning News and KERA.

Arts Access is generously supported by:Better Together Fund, Carol & Don Glendenning, City of Dallas OAC, The University of Texas at Dallas, Communities Foundation of Texas, The Dallas Foundation, Eugene McDermott Foundation, James & Gayle Halperin Foundation, Jennifer & Peter Altabef, and The Meadows Foundation.

The News and KERA retain full editorial control of Arts Access' journalism.

  1. The Afro Air Festival invites everyone, regardless of their ethnicity, to join the celebration of various African diaspora communities, including Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Latin, African American, and African communities.
  2. The festival encourages attendees to learn about different aspects of Black culture, such as music, dance, food, art, and education, in an effort to preserve African cultural traditions for future generations.
  3. In addition to performances, interactive experiences, and visual artworks, food vendors like Belizean Jewels and Fusion Vibes will be available for guests to enjoy various African and Caribbean cuisines.
  4. The festival aligns with Africa Day, celebrated every year on May 25, and takes place at Fair Park, Dallas, on May 17, with tickets priced at $12.
  5. In line with the event's focus on fostering connections and friendships, Weyni Kahsay, the festival's founder, hopes that attendees will leave with a deeper appreciation for the various facets of Black culture and a sense of belonging within the community.
  6. If you're passionate about promoting cultural understanding and diversity, consider supporting community-funded journalism initiatives like Arts Access, powered by The Dallas Morning News and KERA, to help generate more events like the Afro Air Festival.

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