From the African American hold on the city’s Southside to the strong African and Caribbean presence on the northside, Chicago has become one of the major centers for the African Diaspora. The black presence has been especially evident in the rich selection of cultural festivals which celebrate African; Caribbean; Afro-Latino and African American culture. AFRIQUE has put together a guide for festivals which highlight the cultural influence of Black Chicago. The guide offers information for the seasoned Chicago festival g-er and first time attendee alike. So put on you sun hats, get your loved ones together, and get ready for a series of festive cultural displays this summer.  

BELIZE DAY IN THE PARK (AUGUST 5)

How it Started: The Belize Social Club, (an aid society of Chicago Belizeans that sponsors events in the Belizean community) started Belize Day in the Park in June 1980. What began as a community festival has since become a large extravaganza with an estimated 7,000 people in attendance in 2006. The festival falls on the first Sunday of August, a day that Mayor Richard M. Daley declared “Belizean Day” in 1998.

The Vibe:  Belize Day is not short of patriotic Belizeans sporting their country’s flag colors and dancing to Punta, Reggae and Soca. (There are an estimated 35,000 Belizeans living in the Chicago area). The festival also has its share of curious Americans; a significant amount of people from other Caribbean countries (Jamaica and Trinidad); and a very strong Hispanic presence. The food selection reflects the demographics of the attendees. With over one hundred food vendors in attendance, Belizean staples such as rice, beans and stewed chicken will be available. So will classic Jamaican dishes and Hispanic delights such as tamales and enchiladas.

The Stars: The musical acts and celebrity appearances for this year have yet to be confirmed. But in the past the festival has showcased performers such as the Chicago Belizean Five and other artists from the Caribbean.

The Info:  10:00 a.m. - 10 p.m. Place: Washington Park. Cost: Free.

African Caribbean International Festival of Life (July 4-7)

How it Started: Known to most as simply the “Festival of Life”, this AfroCarribean festival was launched by   Jamaican-American, Ephraim Martin fifteen years ago. Martin, who is the head of Martin’s Inter-culture, LTD, had a vision to create an event which as the festival’s slogan implies, “bring nations together.” What resulted was an African/Caribbean Festival, which highlights the rich culture of the African Diaspora.  The festival now boasts an annual attendance of over 100,000 attendees - one of the largest turnouts of any black Chicago festival.

The Vibe:  The festival offers a somewhat even mix of African-American and Caribbean attendees with a mild African presence.  Because the event usually takes place during Independence Day weekend, the festival has a noticeable share of out-of-towners visiting Chicago for the holiday.  It’s also known for its star-studded selection of mostly Caribbean artists. Expect classic dancehall and reggae performers and a wide array of Caribbean dishes (you must try the curried goat).

The Stars: So far reggae sensation Buju Banton’s appearance at the festival has been confirmed. The organizers are currently working on booking other acts. In past years, popular Jamaican artists such as Maxi Priest and Beenie Man have performed on the Festival of Life stage.

The Info: Place: Washington Park Cost: $10 Single-Day Pass ($5 for kids 7-11), $30 Season Pass

GHANAFEST (JULY 28^th)

How it started: The brainchild of the Ghana Chicago Club, Ghana Fest began as a small festival in Jackson Park for the Ga-Dangme ethnic group in Chicago in 1987. However, the first festival was so successful and so strongly supported by Chicago Ghanaians of other ethnic groups that it eventually became an exposition for all Ghanaians. In 1990, Ghana National Council (an umbrella organization for Chicago Ghanaians) eventually became the key organizer of the event. Today, the small community event that started almost two decades ago is now the largest Ghanaian cultural event of its kind in North America.

The Vibe: Of all of the festivals in this guide, Ghana Fest is perhaps the most exclusive. Unlike the other festivals which try to offer a mixture of different cultures in the African Diaspora, Ghanafest is mainly a display of Ghanaian culture. Hence a majority of the attendees are members of the Ghanaian-American community. Yet, for non-Ghanaians it is still a sight to see. Expect a procession of richly dressed chiefs and queens; endless dancing to Ghanaian HipLife; traditional performances; and lots of delicious food.

Who is coming this year:  Ghana Fest would not be complete without a guest appearance by some renowned politician or celebrity. In past years, notable guests such as Mayor Richard Daley; former Ghanaian president Jerry Rawlings; and Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan have all made appearances at the festival. Although no political figures have been confirmed for this year, three time world champion boxer Azumah Nelson

will be there to celebrate. As will the popular Chicago-based Ghanaian performer Adowa.

The Info: Place: Washington Park. Cost: Free. Visit www.ghananationalcouncil.org

WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL September 14 – 20

How it Started: Organized by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, the World Music Festival made its big debut in 1999. Although Chicago already hadseveral outlets for international music, the festival enabled musicians from a range of cultures to come under one umbrella. The result- a one week musical showcase which displays performers from all corners of the globe

The Vibe: World Music Fest offers one of the most diverse audiences of any Chicago festival.  Because the festival’s performances are held at several different venues around the city (Millennium Park, Cultural Center, Old Town School etc) there is no telling who may appear for a performance. The audience members range from Americans looking for an exotic musical experience to enthusiastic immigrants coming to see artists from their country of origin.

Who’s Coming: The artists for this year’s festival will not be officially announced until mid-summer. However past performers of African descent include Afro-Latino Musician Aurelio Martinez; Culture Musical Club of Zanzibar; Dengue Fever

AFRICAN FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS (August 31- September 2)

How it Started: African Festival of the Arts (AFA) was created in 1994 by the African International House USA whose mission is to serve as a center that exposes and educates all peoples to the individual works and collective contributions of African cultures. Under the leadership of Liberian- American Patrick Woodtor, the festival has become one of the most highly attended summer events in Black Chicago.

The Vibe: Over 250,000 people from around the globe gather in Washington Park over this four-day period to enjoy the art, music, history, fashion and cuisine from Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, and other African Diaspora destinations. There are over three hundred vendors selling their wares. Shoppers will discover amazing treasures including fine sculpture, beaded furniture, jewelry and gem stones, health and skin care products.

Who’s Coming: The musical acts for the year are yet to be confirmed but in the past such legendary performers as George Clinton (and the Funkadelics); the SOS Band; the Dizzy Gillespie Legacy Band; Tito Puente Jr. Orchestra; and the Original Jazz Fusion have entertained festival goers.

 

The Info: Place: Washington Park. Cost: General Daily Admission - $10.00, Seniors & Children (under 12) - $ 5.00, Daily Family Pass (Two adults and four children under 12) $30.00, Adult (4-day) Weekend Pass $30.00