DIASPORA NEWS
From Africa, The Americas, Caribbean & the rest of the world.
Haitians Celebrate Heritage Month
Gypsy Rose Bistro at 125 West 26th Street in the Big Apple (NYC) hosts a weekend of fun with AFRO-BEAT SATURDAYS featuring the thumping melodies and beats of West Africa from 9pm – 3am. Groove to the music of Burna Boy, Wiz Kid, Davido, Shatta Wale, Tiwa Savage, Angelique Kidjo, among many others in the heart of the city that never sleeps.
May 18th is recognized as Haitian Flag Day. It marks the 1803 anniversary of the “creation of the Flag of Haiti and revolution in Haiti that gave its people freedom from France and set a precedent for slave uprisings in the US.” It was officially celebrated in the 1930s under President Dumarsais Estime (during his time as minister of education), with parades and events throughout the country. It has since reached global recognition and, in 1998, evolved into Haitian Heritage Month in Boston, Massachusetts.
Afrobeat Saturdays In New York
There is a LADIES FREE CHAMPAGNE time (7pm – 8pm), plus food and drinks on demand.
The headline is not meant to be fighting words. But a call for a celebration because Jollof Fest is coming to a city near you. It’s a day fest where you can stuff your face with the world-famous dish hailing from West Africa.
“Jollof rice is a one-pot rice dish native to many countries in West Africa,” a statement reads on the website. “Some consider it the predecessor to the Cajun dish Jambalaya.”
Even though we did say that Jollof Fest isn’t meant to be fighting words, those representing Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sierra Leone will have to bring their A-Game.
A dinner gala event July 2 at the Renaissance LAX Airport Hotel will aim to raise funds to assist distressed hospitals and medical facilities in the West African nations of Chad and Senegal, according the organizers. A red-carpet affair’ It will feature a fashion show, music and dance.
Event’s spokesperson, Ms. Nathalie Beasnael in a statement said all the monies raised will go “to help those in need in challenging parts of the world especially in Chad and Senegal”.
For contact information, call (310) 930-1243.
A yearly family induction ceremony featuring an awards segment returns Saturday, August 20 at the usual venue in California. Aimed at inducting members of the African American diaspora into various African
ethnic communities across the continent.
More details to follow from the organizers.