Djenna Saint-Juste was part of the 10th annual Little Africa Festival at Hamline Park on Aug. 4, 2024. Saint-Juste is a Haitian teacher who decided to write her own novels after being inspired by her grandmother and schooling. Books are written in Creole, English, French, and Spanish, and they help children grasp what the book is about if they do not speak the language. The African Economic Development Solutions hosts the annual festival to bring together diverse African immigrant communities. The event celebrates African Minnesotan culture, heritage and community and features live music performances, art shows, and vendors. (Photo by Terbuto Ochothow)
Photo by Terbuto Ochothow
Music, vendors, a parade and more were part of this year’s Little Africa Festival at Hamline Park on Aug. 4. The African Economic Development Solutions hosts the annual festival to bring together diverse African immigrant communities. Kashimana (far left) is a multi-talented artist that works as a mother, musician, composer, producer, and teacher. Their music elicits strong emotions with its wonderful blend of soulful vocals, acoustic R&B, folk, and Afro-funk.
Photo by Terbuto Ochothow
Momojah (MJ) Lansana, Director of Community Engagement for Councils for Minnesotans of African Heritage, was previously referred to as Black Minnesotans. They serve both African immigrants and African Americans in Minnesota, and they represent Black people in government. Many people are unaware that the council exists, so they devote a significant amount of time to connecting with the community and intend to continue attending future events.
Photo by Terbuto Ochothow
Biftu Merdassa, the proprietor of Global Braids & Salon, has been in business since 2000 and is located in Midway St. Paul. She concentrates on maintaining and enhancing African American curly hair, and providing substantial oils while also hydrating other goods. All goods are made from themselves.
Photo by Terbuto Ochothow
Afterthought Expressions
Photo by Terbuto Ochothow
Kadidja Said, who comes from eastern Africa Djibouti, showcases her cultures. She notes that each item and piece of apparel is handcrafted and takes several hours to finish. They employ colors from the country itself.
Photo by Terbuto Ochothow
Amen Hagere from Ethiopia designs, prints, and sells her own apparel. Amen has a tik tok account where she showcases her apparel products, and you can find and purchase them @amenhagere3377 on TikTok.
Photo by Terbuto Ochothow
Kadidja Said, who comes from eastern Africa Djibouti, showcases her cultures. She notes that each item and piece of apparel is handcrafted and takes several hours to finish. They employ colors from the country itself.
Photo by Terbuto Ochothow
Photo by Terbuto Ochothow
Yvonne Ndiaye is a Senegalese product designer. The website https://afrikaanista.com provides further information about the store.
Photo by Terbuto Ochothow
Yvonne Ndiaye is a Senegalese product designer. The website https://afrikaanista.com provides further information about the store.
Photo by Terbuto Ochothow
Akossiwa Medowokpo is from Togo and has been creating art for 31 years. She has been endowed with the great skill of creating art not just for herself, but also to inspire others. Her art name is Sabine.
Photo by Terbuto Ochothow
Elizabeth, who is from Kenya, makes handmade goods. It depicts her heritage, where they came from, and how they have progressed through various stages. “I made an item using the colors on the back of a banana as it grows from brown to aged. The hue changes depending on the sunlight and the place,” said Elizabeth.
Photo by Terbuto Ochothow
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here