Africa West: An Oklahoma Heritage and Culture Festival a Great Success
The Inaugural Africa West Festival was a great success. Close to 1,000 individuals attended the June 14th festival. They were treated to a wide variety of activities and events that included listening to traditional African music, local jazz and gospel performers. Those in attendance were able to see the works of 16 local artists and visit with vendors from different organizations. They also got to taste the wonderful food provided by 14 cooks competing in the Soul Food Competition.
“I am excited,” stated Capitol Chamber Chair John Hasley. “We have put in place a great foundation for an even bigger and more successful festival in 2009.”
Hasley, “When we began planning for Africa West many months ago, we had just an idea of creating an event that would celebrate the culture and history of Oklahoma’s African American community. Little did we realize that we would begin something that could become a major event in this state.”
The Festival kicked off at 8am with a 5K Run and 2K Walk that started at the Zoo and then through Lincoln Park and around Zoo Lake. “It was a beautiful morning with great weather and the run route was very scenic,” said Darius Jackson Africa West Chairman. “The run was important because we wanted something to emphasize the importance of keeping your body healthy.”
 This was followed by the opening ceremony at 10 am that officially kicked off the Festival with a traditional African welcome by Rithm Company, local African Drummers. As part of the opening ceremony, everyone was asked to take time to honor those who are no longer with us and remember what they gave us. The recent passing of Rep. Opio Toure was the first to be recognized for his contribution to Northeast Oklahoma City.
This led to a fashion show of authentic African fashions. Ten models showed a variety of traditional clothing that expressed the beauty and glamour of African culture. The fashions were provided by Joana Appiah of Golden Treasures.
At Noon, the Oklahoma History Society under the guidance of Historian Bruce Fisher presented a program detailing African Americans contributions to Oklahoma’s History, highlighted by Buffalo Soldier reenactors. The afternoon was loaded with great entertainment that included the smooth jazz of Direct Smooth and Brothers Summitt, to the inspirational gospel performances of vocalist Pamela “Precious” Hoover, Minister James Willis and the Nu Praze Chorale and Sacred Image. There was also some raw blues from Mississippi Pete and the Blues Ryders.
The highlight was Sandra Campbell who gave an awe inspiring one woman performance about the life of Bessie Coleman, the first African American pilot. The performance was sponsored by the National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees. Everyone was mesmerized by her tribute to Bessie Coleman called, “Follow Your Dreams,” which detailed the challenges that Bessie Coleman had to overcome to become a pilot in the 1930s
While the entertainment was centered at the performance stage, there were tents that housed 16 local African American Artist, 12 vendors and the Soul Food Competition. The artists in attendance showcased their work that covered everything from metal sculpture, paintings, photography, quilting, braiding, pottery and jewelry. There was also an area to look at merchandise from Africa.
The Soul Food Competition provided a great treat for those who paid to taste the many traditional soul food dishes and desserts whipped up by the cooks competing for major prize money.
“What a wonderful day,” stated Jackson. “I am very proud to be a part of a program that gave everyone the opportunity to celebrate the African American experience in Oklahoma. It is nice to have an event that is all about us, our culture, our history and our contributions to this state and country.”
The event was presented by the Capitol Chamber of Commerce with the help of several sponsors that include, Tinker Federal Credit Union, Wachovia Securities, Integris Health, Metro Tech, Remington Park and the Oklahoma Historical Society.
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