Board seeking community input and engagement
Coming off the heels of the successful return of the 2010 African World Festival, board president Mark Wade and his team are already hard at work. This year’s festival is slated for Sat., Aug. 6, 2011, at Maier Festival Park. “Charlie Wilson, Najee, Roy Ayers and Hezekiah Walker are some tough acts to follow” said Wade. “However, we are committed to continuing the amazing spirit of community and optimism that surrounded the festival last year”.
African World Festival will celebrate its 30th Anniversary next year. Breaking attendance records for a single day, many in the community are eagerly hoping for an extension of the celebration of African American culture. “Our goal is, certainly, to move beyond one day” said Michelle Bryant, the festival’s executive director, “As funding permits, will continue to increase the cultural offerings and elements that have been synonymous with the festival”.
Those wishing to support the festival can make a contribution to the organization’s Community Cares Campaign. “We are going to be out asking for support and will continue to be extremely responsible with funds that we receive” offered Charlotte Cannon-Sain the Board Treasurer. Donations to the festival can be sent to: African World Festival, 275 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53203, by calling 414-291-7959, and via website starting April 1st at www.africanworldfestival-milwaukee.com.
The community can also be involved in other ways. Interested vendors, volunteers, and entertainers are encouraged to contact the festival office, as soon as possible. Programming is underway and space will fill quickly.
