Africa Day Celebration 2025

On Saturday, May 24th, The Africa Center is proud to host its annual weekend celebration of World Africa Day from 12PM-5PM on our Plaza. We invite you and your loved ones to join us and to enjoy a selection of local and African vendors, entertainment, food and more! 

We are proud to share that this year The Africa Center is presenting its vendor market and a special live recording of the No Wahala podcast in collaboration with AfroFuture! AfroFuture is a global cultural entertainment platform dedicated to celebrating the diverse culture and work of the diaspora through festivals, live performances, interactive activities, and community engagement.

Since 1963, countries across Africa and the world have recognized Africa Day as a day to honor the formation of the African Union, formally known as the Organization of African Unity, and reaffirm the ongoing pursuit of freedom, unity, and self-determination for Africa and its people.

With our 3rd annual Africa Day event, The Africa Center is excited to celebrate such a joyous day with our local Harlem community! Come celebrate the legacy, resilience, and future of Africa and its Diaspora through a dynamic day of events highlighting contemporary voices, visionary artists and community leaders who are redefining what it means to be African in our rapidly changing world.

FEATURING...

I. Vendor Market (12-5PM)

A  curated marketplace of local vendors from across the African diaspora selling unique goods, crafts, and fashion. Vendors include…

• Harlem Hoopz 
• Hannah Bandanah 
• Serena & Lyn
• Henna Get a What What!
• ALAYO
• Emowa Socks
• Clarence 
• Crown Inspired
• Jamhuri Wear
• A Few Good Pieces 
• Adinkra Republic 
• Blue Water Girls 
• Very Ghanaian Global 
• ARMD By Aramide
• Western Elders
• Eclectic Chique 
• Favelo 
• Your Favorite Cup
• Kanea Candles
• KAHINDO 
• AVID SWIM 
• Jess For The Culture LLC 

II. No Wahala LIVE! (12-1PM)

Presented in partnership with AfroFuture and OkayAfrica, this special live recording will occur during the first hour of the Africa Day Celebration. RSVP is required. 

About the podcast: Nigerian-American compatriots, Tune Day (@theycallmeTUNE) & Bawo (@JustBawo) come together weekly with special guests to discuss music, culture, coded tinz & all things #trending in the diaspora with hilarious and fanimorous results.

III. Community Testimonies with Speaking with Tongues Podcast (12-4PM)

Elle Charisse, founder of Speaking Tongues podcast, will be present to conduct brief, live recorded interviews with community members who are interested in sharing testimonies about the language and culture of their home countries. The podcast will have a table on the plaza where visitors can learn more and sign up to speak with Elle! Interviews will be held in our cafe space.

IV. DJ set by theoretic (1-5PM)

theoretic is a Jersey raised, Brooklyn based, DJ, producer, educator, and more. They are entrenched in the beating heart of Brooklyn's underground electronic music scene and in each of their sets, you can expect a journey that spans a fusion of House, Techno, Disco, NY Garage, Funk, Jazz, Hip Hop--all soulful music from the diaspora that gave way for all pivotal elements in the evolution of Black club music. (@theoretic_)

V. Djembe Drum Circle with Hit Me With Music LLC (2-4PM) 

Hit Me With Music LLC is a music therapy and lesson company serving people of all ages and abilities across NYC and North Jersey. They offer in-home, in-studio, and on-site services at nursing homes, senior centers, daycares, private events, and more. From drum circles to private lessons, they bring the joy and healing power of music to every setting. (@hitmewithmusicllc)

VI. West African Dance Tutorials with Falosha Martin (2-4PM)

Join us for one of our lessons in West African Dance (~ 20 minutes) and move to the sounds of DJ theoretic and Hit Me With Music LLC's drum circle!

Instructor Bio: Falosha Martin studied throughout her youth a wide range of dance styles, including West African dance, ballet, tap, salsa, capoeira, flamenco, modern, and jazz. She teaches, performs, and choreographs West African and other dance styles, and has performed with several professional companies, including Kow Teff, Harambee, Bambara Drum and Dance Ensemble, and the African circus company, Cirque Zuma Zuma. She also has had the honor of performing with Dance Africa, with the headlining company Wula, as the only American dancer representing Guinean dance. (@falosha_martin)