Do You Know the History of Today's African American Trends?

Do You Know the History of Today's African American Trends?
The 11th Annual African Family Festival Offers Social Environment for Cultural Education

By K. Leigh Wisotzkey

Dredlocks have become a craze. Some who wear them are on a true inner journey of self-discovery that includes the return to the all-natural exterior. Those are the people who claim dredlocks as the natural way African American hair was meant to be. It’s an almost spiritual experience as tiny twists begin to lock and intertwine, becoming rope-like — able to be wrapped around itself, away from the face, off the shoulders. Simple…yet, these natural locks need care to keep them beautiful.

Others wear dredlocks simply as the fashion statement that it is, claiming Afrocentric roots, Reggae roots, or just plain Black roots. Any significant meaning is subject to the individual wearing the locks, If there is a meaning or reason at all.

Among the dred-wearing population, it is becoming more common to see Caucasian faces peering from beneath those knotted locks. But, what, really is their reasoning? Surely not the “meant to be” theory of our brown-skinned brothers and sisters, for this texture of hair does not naturally entwine itself in an organized manner and “lock” tight. As a matter of fact, these dredded folks are rarely seen in mixed race groupings. And so, one must wonder…do they know the dred lock story? Do they know the rich culture that has long been behind the beauty of dreds?

Exploring diverse cultures is critical in today’s society. Culture can quickly become trendy and even misinterpreted or misused. But many people don’t take the time, or feel comfortable enough to ask questions of those who can give accurate answers. Fortunately, in the city of Harrisburg, events like the annual African Family Festival offer an opportunity for all people to learn, rather, Experience African and African American culture in a comfortable social setting — a family event, free of charge and open to the general public.

This year, Ngozi, Inc. celebrates the 11th year of the African Family Festival. Holding its standard theme of “Reclaiming Our Heritage – United We Stand,” the festival represents a cultural and historical event. For the first time, the festival has been expanded to include two days of activities.

On Saturday, June 23, “Jazz Under the Stars” with Pittsburgh-based recording artists Serious Inquiry will kick off the festival in Reservoir Park from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Food vendors will be selling refreshments throughout the evening.

On Sunday, June 24, from 11 a.m. until dusk, the festival hosts a whole day of family fun and entertainment. Activities include the African Marketplace with a wide variety of vendors, international food booths, information booths; performing artists showcasing their talents; guest speakers and much more. Activities on the main stage include the Morning Worship Service, 7:45 am - 10:00 am, featuring music by the Tarpley Family Gospel Ensemble; Keynote Speaker, Mr. Ted Darcus, Executive Director, Governor’s Advisory Commission on African American Affairs; a Tai Chi demonstration, presented by Nathan Spivey; Professor King Ogun Ali Muhammad, Founder / Chief Instructor of the Universal African Fighting Arts Systems, performing with his Spiritual African Warriors; “Sounds of Africa” (African Dance & Drumming), Don Juaraz (Brazilian Artist), and Justro Castro (Punta Rock).

This year, Stage Two is dedicated to HIV/AIDS Awareness, Abstinence Education & Drug & Alcohol Prevention. Stage Two performances will include: Harrisburg AIDS Prevention Society (HAPS) (AIDS/HIV Awareness CDs available), Fifth Street Steppers, Rejoice Mime Team, Forbidden, Anointed Praise, and speakers, including Minister Angelo Muhammad, Jenine Peterson, CEO of Hamilton Health Center, and Renee Hartford of Hartford Consulting. Stage Two is sponsored in part by Greater Harrisburg Foundation AIDS Fund, an Initiative on HIV/AIDS in the African American Community, Capital Blue Cross, and New York Life Insurance Co.

Other activities going on at Reservoir Park in connection with the festival include: an art exhibition in the Reservoir Park Mansion titled “Breaking the Silence;” a “Healing Sack” exhibit by SisterArt; living history displays by members of U.S. Colored Troop and Post Civil War Buffalo Soldier re-enactors in the National Civil War Museum; and the Interdenominational Youth 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament on the Reservoir Park Basketball Courts.

With this expansive array of activities, it’s no wonder the African Family Festival has become one of the most popular events in South Central Pennsylvania, attracting audiences of over 17,000 of diverse backgrounds in recent years. The key point to keep in mind is that a festival of this magnitude doesn’t only offer stages of entertainment and organized educational activities — each person who attends has the opportunity to mix, mingle, and seek out answers and information about African traditions and culture. Many of the vendors in the African Marketplace are native Africans, willing and able to entertain questions and share their knowledge. Why not seek out the stories behind the Afrocentric trends that fill our society?