Leidesdorff Fandango - California Africana Community Celebration

* Africa Day 2026 is cancelled at Rancho Cordova City Hall *

May 1963 the Organization of African Unity, leaders from 32 African countries formally established the OAU aimed to promote soldarity among African states, support liberation movements and foster socio-economic development across the contintent.

In 2002, the OAU was replaced by the African Union and now includes the 6th region, the global Pan African Diaspora.

Leidesdorff Fandango - California Africana Community Celebration

Friday, October 23, 2026, 11:30 am - 4:30 pm

California State Capitol and Afterparty TBD

California Africana builds on the legacy of the first Black Studies program in the Nation, birthplace of our Pan African Global Holiday Kwanzaa, the early Afro-Latino legacy throughout Mexican California at dawn of California Statehood and the California Underground Railroad Network to Freedom (1840-1875.)

The rich diversity of humanity along the American River Parkway began long ago with Native American Nations for thousands of years, until the first wave of explorers.

Organized Fur traders renamed the waters into the American River, named "Blood River" by the Russian-American Fur Company, French, Spanish, British and American furriers nearly destroyed all beaver, river otters colonies in the plentiful California river systems.

The introduction to diseases began the destruction of the Native American population.

In 1844, Rancho Rio de Los Americanos, 8 Mexican leagues or 35,521 acres was entitled to Honorable William Alexander Leidesdorff, Jr. who was serving at US Vice Consul in Alta California Mexico. His 1846 vibrant Cattle and Wheat Ranch House was in today's City of Rancho Cordova along today's William Alexander Leidesdorff Jr. Memorial Highway.

Hopefully, we will be able to retain Dr. James Armstead to portray William Alexander Leidesdorff, Jr. in a Chautauqua Theater Memorial Performance, as we celebrate the Diamond Jubilee Year of Leidesdorff Plaza dedicated in May 1966, by the Negro Museum and Library Association of Sacramento, Inc.

Our Leidesdorff Ranch and Policy Research Center, Inc. will outline our work in a family fun festive occasion filled with food, music, fashion, theater and dance.

Stay tuned for updates as confirmation of program and times comes together.

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Host or Publisher California Black Agriculture Working Group