Umoja (Unity)

A Call for Unity—Africa is the birthplace of humankind, and the African drum represents the heartbeat. The audience is led in a Litany for Unity in our Family, Nation, and World by Artistic Director James Stovall and a corps of African drummers.

Kujichagulia (Self-determination)
Ujima (CollectiveWork / Responsibility)

We Dance!—With self-determination, collective work, and responsibility, African-Americans have survived and overcome slavery and consistently fought for the civil rights of all people. The LaRocque Bey School of Dance Theatre is one of the country’s oldest schools of African dance and technique. Their presentation honors the African-American collective journey from slavery to freedom.

We Sing!—Music and the power of song have been an integral part of the African and African- American experience. The New York African Chorus Ensemble highlights the universal appeal of music as they perform traditional and contemporary African music.

We Celebrate Life!—Balance Dance Theatre, under the artistic direction of Obediah Wright, is an intergenerational dance company that uses the power of dance to inspire families and communities worldwide.

Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)

The Marketplace is a hub of international exchange and communication, featuring vendors, visual artists, craftsmen and women, and community organizations.

Nia (Purpose)

We Are…! is a brief presentation from an eclectic selection of Marketplace participants who explain their inspirations.

Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith)

Believe in Yourself—The famed Allen Liturgical Dance Ministry of the Greater Allen Cathedral and award-winning Vy Higginsen’s Gospel for Teens Choir prove that the combination of creativity and faith produces young artists, singers and dancers who impact and empower our world. Both of these esteemed groups have performed for local and national audiences and provide professional training and performing experience for youth. These young people are our future!