For only the third time in 50 years, an unprecedented gathering of black artists, writers, filmmakers, academics, scientists, and other leaders in many fields will convene in Africa for an historic celebration. Fesman, also known as The World Festival of Black Arts and Cultures, under the auspices of President Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal and his fellow African leaders, begins Dec. 10 in Dakar, Senegal, and will continue through Dec. 31.
A high-powered U.S. delegation of more than 200 African-American leaders will participate in the Festival, including groups from the National Conference of Black Mayors, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, and the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education, who will travel to Senegal from Dec. 8 – 17 for the event. In all, thousands of delegates from 80 countries will converge on Dakar. Among U.S. delegates are Dr. Julius Garvey, son of Marcus Garvey; actor Richard Gant; Dr. Johnetta Cole, Director of the National Museum of African Art at the Smithsonian Institution; Professor Leonard Jeffries, City University of New York; Runoko Rashidi, noted historian; Mississippi State Sen. Frazier Hillman; New York State Sen. Bill Perkins; Ron Himes, founder/director, The Saint Louis Black Repertory Theater and Julian B. Kiganda, President of African Diaspora for Change. Read the full story
Read the personal account of Fesman by African Diaspora for Change President Julian B. Kiganda.
FESMAN INTRO US Delegation FINAL from Sea Change Entertainment on Vimeo.
Wyclef Concert FINAL from Sea Change Entertainment on Vimeo.