Hundreds of vendors showcased various art pieces at the Fort Greene International Art Exhibition in Africa on Saturday.
Organizers say the event, which has been going on for the past decade, involves vendors from outside Africa.
“You will find vendors and technicians from South Africa or West Africa or East Africa, but also the Caribbean as well as the South and the Bronx. So, it is a family meeting that shows and shares all that is African. Society is everything, “said Adeyemi Bandele, Vice President of the International Art Festival in Africa.
Bandele, who co-founded the festival in 1971, said that while the weekend event is made up of more than 200 vendors, artists and actors welcoming thousands of attendees, its purpose is one thing.
“I went down to a little Italy. I was in Chinatown when they had the Chinese New Year. So it’s all about understanding other people’s cultures and enjoying it, and that’s amazing,” Bandele said.
One designer whose craft has been part of the celebration for thirty years said the impact of the weekend has gone far beyond celebrating each other’s cultures.
“A child raised to realize the greatness of his ancestors will be a different person. I am a rising queen, Ok, and I practice it,” said Vivian Bennett, owner of Vivian Bennett Designs.
Bennett, whose jewelry is made of cardboard and recycled paper, hopes the festival will inspire the younger generation.
“Young people I say consider what you really like, what you are interested in and make it your passion, because you have to be committed now not only to you, but to people who see you doing something … They want to emulate you, not cover up on the road running away from the police because he did something wrong, ”Bennett said.
The celebration runs through July 4 between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m.
There is no money to attend the event, but organizers say they will accept donations to keep the party alive for many years to come.
