Internationally renowned African musicians along with elected officials from New York state and city, as well as Fortune 500 sponsors will all come together to celebrate the sixth annual African Day Parade & Festival on Sunday, September 23, 2012. More than 60,000 spectators representing some 54 countries on the African continent are expected to march alongside dignitaries that include: NYC Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, Senator Bill Perkins, Assemblyman Keith Wright, Councilpersons Robert Jackson and Keith Wright.
This year, the parade has attracted a new Fortune 500 sponsor, Entergy Corporation, the parent company that owns Indian Point Energy Center in Buchanan, NY which supplies more than 25 percent of New York City’s electricity. “We are excited to have Entergy on board,” said spokesman Charles Cooper. “They are a true power source in New York, not just as one of our city’s foremost energy providers but as philanthropic partners.”
The theme for this year’s parade/festival is “First Class World Tour To African Heritage,” with an objective to bring people from Africa and African descent together in appreciation of the continent’s diverse culture.
Beginning at 135th Street and travelling down Malcolm X Boulevard, the parade will culminate with a festival that will include performances and African culinary treats at Marcus Garvey Park at 122nd Street.
Performers expected to participate include: Congo singer Guepsy Lumemo, jazz vocalist Sekouba Bambino, Afro-Pop musician Jodi and Nigerian musician Emperor Adichie. Additionally, there will be drummers, dancers and a host of other entertainment provided.
The parade kicks off at noon with about 50 marching groups. The festival will run from 3:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Marcus Garvey Park’s amphitheater.
The African Day Parade and Festival is one of the first and most successful continental African Parades in New York, if not the USA, and is also one of the most diverse African Cultural events in the City. For more information, visit www.africandayparade.org
