Africa in April festival moves to August

The 34th edition of the annual Africa in April Cultural Awareness Festival will take place this year, but the event is moving to August. The fest — which was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic — is now set for Aug. 5-8 at Robert R. Church Park in Downtown Memphis.

In announcing the event, African in April organizers noted the festival will “utilize various mediums with different themes daily… [including] educational excellence, arts/crafts, Afro-centricity, economics, genealogy, musicology, entrepreneurship, international relations, cuisine, history, culture and the arts.” This year’s honored country will be the United Republic of Botswana.

Festivities for the Africa In April Cultural Awareness Festival include the entrepreneur’s Luncheon on Aug. 5 at the Holiday Inn, University of Memphis. The following events will be held at Robert R. Church Park:

• The International Children & Seniors Diversity Day Parade on Aug. 6

• The International Health, Wellness & Community Day on Aug. 7

• The International African American Music, Gospel, Jazz & Reggae Day on Aug. 8.

The musical portion of the festival will feature local and national acts including the Eye 2 Eye Band, Joyce Cobb, Leo Preston Jr., Tia Nia Moore and the Tennessee Mass Choir, among others.

To participate, to purchase tickets or for more information on the Africa In April Cultural Awareness Festival go to africainapril.org or call (901) 947-2133.

BRAD VEST/THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL Preston Hurt, left, and W. Estelle Taylor, right, march as king and queen of the Orange Mound Senior Center during the Africa in April International Diversity Parade on April 19, 2019. The 2021 Africa in April Cultural Awareness Festival will be Aug. 5-8.

BRAD VEST/THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL The Africa in April International Diversity Parade heads down Second Street on April 19, 2019. The 2021 Africa in April Cultural Awareness Festival will be Aug. 5-8.