BlackNLA - African American Los Angeles

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: AMP Publicist
(323) 293-1612

2006 21st Annual African Marketplace & Cultural Faire Returns to
Rancho Cienega Park

LOS ANGELES, April 2004 --- The Los Angeles African Marketplace & Cultural Faire (Cultural Faire) will return to its former location of Rancho Cienega Park, the location that has been a big part of the history and success of this internationally recognized celebration of African Diaspora themed cultural and commercial enterprises showcasing art and culture, travel and trade. Through the collective purpose of Africans, African Americans, Caribbeans, Latin, Native Americans, Mexicans, Pacific Islanders and Asians whose roots are of Africa descent, the Cultural Faire restores vibrancy to urban communities and fosters the appreciation of cultures that are connected to the Diaspora.

Cultural Faire organizers have announced the 2006 three-weekend schedule with the annual opening Gala African Ball and kickoff event on Friday, August 18th , to be held at Rancho Cienega; followed by three consecutive weekends of the Cultural Faire: August 19-20, August 25-27 and September 4-6. A special Youth Day Celebration will be held on Friday, August 25th with a special focus on Foster Children.

"We are delighted to have the support Councilman Herb Wesson, and Councilman Bernard Parks and Councilwoman Jan Perry, along with the support of the Department of Recreation and Parks and the Department of Cultural Affairs as our partners in presenting the 2006 edition of the Cultural Faire" said Meta Williams, Chief Operating Officer of f African Marketplace Inc. "Without the support of the city along with our loyal vendors, performers and participants from over fifty countries this production would not be possible and certainly would not have lasted for 21 years."

The 2006 Celebration of African Diaspora Cultures will continue to highlight diverse cultures including the Brazilian Festival; Doo Wop and Big Band Swing, Square Dance and African Dance workshops; the Ugandan Festival; Blues, Funk, Hip Hop and Reggae; Festivals for Belize, Haiti and the Cameroon; the Gospelfest; a Salsa Festival; the Wholistic Village; South African music and dance; Literary Village; Ethiopian Day; Nation's Cup Tennis Tournament; and Wearable Art Shows. Cultural Faire visitors will be able to choose from a dynamic group of merchants selling fine art, crafts, clothing and other unique products from around the world while the signature food court will offer the best international cuisine from exciting caterers and local restaurants.

"With the opening of new offices in Leimert Park and our return to Rancho Cienega Park, this is an exciting time for the African Marketplace" says founder and board member James Burks, also an executive with the Department of Cultural Affairs. "After more than 20 years of creating strategic alliances and developing the African Marketplace brand, it is now in a position to expand its presence as one of the premier cultural organizations in California."

The African Marketplace, Inc. has partnered with the City of San Francisco and Lennar Communities in preparation for the construction of the first permanent Pan African World Trade, Entertainment and Cultural Center in the United States. It will be constructed as part of revitalization of Bayview Hunters Point, a traditionally African American community in San Francisco, and the salvage of the 540 acre Naval Shipyard that lies next to the community but has been dormant since 1964.

"The design and development of the African Marketplace over the past 20 years is the result of this Bay Area project. We are pleased that cities around the world are beginning to recognize the value of Pan African Cultures and the economic potential in the global African Diaspora community."

The Annual Los Angeles African Marketplace & Cultural Faire was selected by the American Bus Association (ABA) as one of the "Top 100 Events in North America in 1996
and 2003." It is a nonprofit cultural event and is produced by the African Marketplace, Inc. Corporations and businesses that are interested in participating as sponsors as well as arts & crafts vendors, and volunteers should contact the office of the African Marketplace, Inc. at (323) 293-1612 or send an email to mwilliams@africanmarketplace.org.

Africa…….Not A Continent Away……….

www.africanmarketplace.org / www.africanamericanla.com

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			Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: AMP Publicist (323) 293-1612 2006 21st Annual African Marketplace & Cultural Faire Returns to Rancho Cienega Park LOS ANGELES, April 2004 --- The Los Angeles African Marketplace & Cultural Faire (Cultural Faire) will return to its former location of Rancho Cienega Park, the location that has been a big part of the history and success of this internationally recognized celebration of African Diaspora themed cultural and commercial enterprises showcasing art and culture, travel and trade. Through the collective purpose of Africans, African Americans, Caribbeans, Latin, Native Americans, Mexicans, Pacific Islanders and Asians whose roots are of Africa descent, the Cultural Faire restores vibrancy to urban communities and fosters the appreciation of cultures that are connected to the Diaspora. Cultural Faire organizers have announced the 2006 three-weekend schedule with the annual opening Gala African Ball and kickoff event on Friday, August 18th , to be held at Rancho Cienega; followed by three consecutive weekends of the Cultural Faire: August 19-20, August 25-27 and September 4-6. A special Youth Day Celebration will be held on Friday, August 25th with a special focus on Foster Children. "We are delighted to have the support Councilman Herb Wesson, and Councilman Bernard Parks and Councilwoman Jan Perry, along with the support of the Department of Recreation and Parks and the Department of Cultural Affairs as our partners in presenting the 2006 edition of the Cultural Faire" said Meta Williams, Chief Operating Officer of f African Marketplace Inc. "Without the support of the city along with our loyal vendors, performers and participants from over fifty countries this production would not be possible and certainly would not have lasted for 21 years." The 2006 Celebration of African Diaspora Cultures will continue to highlight diverse cultures including the Brazilian Festival; Doo Wop and Big Band Swing, Square Dance and African Dance workshops; the Ugandan Festival; Blues, Funk, Hip Hop and Reggae; Festivals for Belize, Haiti and the Cameroon; the Gospelfest; a Salsa Festival; the Wholistic Village; South African music and dance; Literary Village; Ethiopian Day; Nation's Cup Tennis Tournament; and Wearable Art Shows. Cultural Faire visitors will be able to choose from a dynamic group of merchants selling fine art, crafts, clothing and other unique products from around the world while the signature food court will offer the best international cuisine from exciting caterers and local restaurants. "With the opening of new offices in Leimert Park and our return to Rancho Cienega Park, this is an exciting time for the African Marketplace" says founder and board member James Burks, also an executive with the Department of Cultural Affairs. "After more than 20 years of creating strategic alliances and developing the African Marketplace brand, it is now in a position to expand its presence as one of the premier cultural organizations in California." The African Marketplace, Inc. has partnered with the City of San Francisco and Lennar Communities in preparation for the construction of the first permanent Pan African World Trade, Entertainment and Cultural Center in the United States. It will be constructed as part of revitalization of Bayview Hunters Point, a traditionally African American community in San Francisco, and the salvage of the 540 acre Naval Shipyard that lies next to the community but has been dormant since 1964. "The design and development of the African Marketplace over the past 20 years is the result of this Bay Area project. We are pleased that cities around the world are beginning to recognize the value of Pan African Cultures and the economic potential in the global African Diaspora community." The Annual Los Angeles African Marketplace & Cultural Faire was selected by the American Bus Association (ABA) as one of the "Top 100 Events in North America in 1996 and 2003." It is a nonprofit cultural event and is produced by the African Marketplace, Inc. Corporations and businesses that are interested in participating as sponsors as well as arts & crafts vendors, and volunteers should contact the office of the African Marketplace, Inc. at (323) 293-1612 or send an email to mwilliams@africanmarketplace.org. Africa…….Not A Continent Away………. www.africanmarketplace.org / www.africanamericanla.com ###