STL African Arts Festival turns 25

Even before climbing the steps of the World’s Fair Pavilion to experience the Saint Louis African Arts Festival, the intention of the annual gathering in Forest Park is felt.

The festival is a family affair.

Children stomp through the fountain that rests between the two sides of stars and flip on the grass as families and the host of visitors climb up and down the six or so flights that lead directly to the African Marketplace.

The sights, sounds, tastes and smells are distinctive to the African diaspora.  The spices of burning incense permeate the enclosed area. Bold African prints hang on racks, and rich mahogany sculptures line vendor stations.

Just outside the pavilion, performers reflect every element of the black experience on the mainstage. And many flavors – from soul food to Caribbean and traditional African cuisine – can be tasted in the food court region.

The festival will celebrate its 25th year when it returns to Forest Park this weekend.

“It’s a wonderful experience,” said Cynthia L. Cosby, founder of the African Arts Festival. “The festival has grown beyond imagination over the years. It’s just amazing, and we are also very proud of the diversity – we have people coming from all walks of life.”

The first St. Louis African Arts Festival was held in 1991 as an outgrowth of the 34th Annual African Studies Conference hosted by Washington University. 

A year prior to the conference, a group of academic, business, and community leaders came together to explore ways in which a forum could be established that would bring the diverse community of St. Louis together for the purpose of learning and celebrating the rich cultures of African and African-American  people.

In the 25 years since, The Saint Louis African Arts Festival has become an institution in its own right.

The mission of the festival is to increase the awareness of the global contributions of African people and people of African descent have made through art, cultural and educational programs.

“We are about bringing the community together and celebration of a culture,” Cosby said.

This year’s theme is “Educating minds, connecting families and building communities.”

Cosby said the festival is also in the business of curbing negative stereotypes.

“I think all too often people have misinformation about African culture,” Cosby said. “And we don’t just focus on African culture; we explore the African diaspora – including the African-American experience as well.”

The 2016 festivities include a Movie Night at The Muny on Sunday night featuring Kevin Macdonald’s documentary “Marley,” which chronicles the life and legacy of reggae legend Bob Marley. A health village and a children’s village are also among the attractions of the festival.

“We believe children are our future,” Cosby said. “And if we can develop children to start appreciating who they are and their heritage, I think it would feed into and contribute to uplifting them and raising their self-esteem.”

The 25th African Arts Festival will take place from May 28-30 at The World’s Fair Pavilion in Forest Park. For more information and/or a full schedule of events, call (314) 325-2291 or visit http://www.stlafricanartsfest.com.