Grand Rapids - The 11th Annual Grand Rapids African-American Festival displayed a blend of traditional African culture and contemporary hip-hop style this weekend with craft vendors selling everything from handmade African dolls to airbrushed T-shirts.
About 20,000 people attended the event, according to festival organizers. The festival included more than 15 craft vendors, live musical performances and authentic soul food. It was held in conjunction with the National Black Nurses Association's health fair.
Robert LaDew, chairman of the African-American Festival, said he wanted this event to go beyond recent Juneteenth celebrations. State and local community leaders have been pushing for official recognition of the June 19 holiday, which celebrates the end of slavery.
"Many communities have Juneteenth celebrations, concentrating on being freed from slavery," LaDew said. "We wanted to go beyond the time of slavery, go back to our roots in Africa, as well as incorporating the current American experience."
Several traditional craft vendors originated from Africa and dressed in native clothes. Born and raised in Senegal, New York City resident Nogaye Ngaye wore a head wrap and a dress called a nago. Most of her products were handmade items, which included dolls, clothing and jewelry.
"When people buy my crafts, they like to know about the culture," Ngaye said. "So I answer questions people ask me, like how long it takes to make things or what they're made of.
"These dolls are made of wire and cloth, taking as long as two to three hours for me to make."
Other traditional craft vendors sold tapestries, drums, hats, wooden statues and authentic African shea butter. The butter is a moisturizing beauty and health product, made of shea flowers commonly found in Africa.
"We brought traditional culture here to the community," LaDew said. "This is original African art that has meaning, like the different statues have different purposes - to bring good luck or to watch over someone having a baby."
Contemporary product vendors sold personalized airbrushed T-shirts, basketball jerseys and photos and paintings of rap legends such as Tupac Shakur, Aaliyah and TLC member Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes.
The festival's live musical acts included rapper Kurtis Blow, rap group Whodini and reggae group Jah Kings at night. The stage was open during the day to anyone who wanted to sing or dance.
Soul food vendors sold sweet potato pie, barbecue rib tips, bread, pecan pie, black bean pie and sausage. A table of Caribbean food offered rice, beans and chicken.
"Traditional food is more spicy and natural," LaDew said. "It has less additives, more natural spices."
Grand Rapids resident Chris Hayes said the event helped bridge the generations as well as introduce other people to his culture.
"It's very important to bring everyone together," Hayes said. "This shows people that these are the type of things we put in our homes, things that we value. This festival lets people see our culture."
