2nd ANNUAL SOUNDS OF AFRICA FESTIVAL

INVITATION TO THE 2ND ANNUAL SOUNDS OF AFRICA FESTIVAL 2024

The festival aims to create a harmonious gathering where people from various communities can come together to immerse themselves in the rich and authentic culture and traditions of Africa, presented by Africans themselves. We firmly believe that this event will foster diversity, promote peaceful coexistence and facilitate meaningful business exchanges between the African community in Washington and other communities. Attendees will have the invaluable opportunity to explore traditional African cuisines, fashion, languages and music.

Over the course of the festival will showcase the diverse facets of African culture, offering Washington state creative, enjoyable and distinctive experience. For too long, West Africans in Washington have felt neglected and marginalized, limiting our engagement to our immediate community alone. The Sounds of Africa Festival therefore aims to change the narrative and bridge the gap between our community and the wider population.

The festival day is proposed to be Saturday, August 17th from 1pm to 7pm, which promises a day filled with fun and various edutainment activities such as a Fashion show to showcase African clothing, a dance competition and captivating performances by various artists including one renowned traditional African band (yet to be determined) to entertain the public. There will also be vendors of different types (food, clothing, arts and crafts and other businesses and community partners who will sell or display different items.)

ABOUT THE Washington West African Center :

The mission of Washington West African Center (WAWAC) is to connect West Africans in Washington with local resources, bridge the gap between us and the wider community and culturally socialize West African children in a value driven way. Our mission aims to establish a pedestal to enable West Africans discover their full potential and facilitate communication through the use of modern information technologies and works of art for the discovery and realization of their talents. The vision of WAWAC is to see a vibrant, empowered and socio-economically healthy West African community in Washington.

We are the 911 and the 211 for West Africans who are living with their families and working in Snohomish County which is home to thousands of West Africans, who settled here dating as far back as 40 years ago. These early West African immigrants started building families and now the 2nd and 3rd generations live and work here as well. In the same regard, the few who are able to, have brought their parents (moms especially) to help raise their kids and teach them some important aspects of the culture.

WAWAC is a by and for organization, thus we know and understand the needs of our community. All our staff are trusted messengers with lived experience and as such, our community's culture of looking for answers within our members has proven to be a positive for us. They rely heavily on the center to connect them to culturally appropriate resources in a value driven way including food, interpreting and translating health information, providing transportation to the drop in center and to medical appointments, completing insurance forms and applying for jobs, mitigating legal challenges, supporting their kids' through our summer camps and the BIDEWW and King County After-School Programs etc.

Visit Www.wawac.org

Host or Publisher WASHINGTON WEST AFRICAN CENTER