African Descent Festival: Celebrating Diversity and Unity in Vancouver
The African Descent Festival is intended to celebrate the cultural diversity of people of African Descent within Vancouver, while recognizing and promoting attitudes of oneness among all ethnic groups and communities. The event focuses on activating public spaces and bringing a diverse range of programming to connect stakeholders working avidly for the long term sustainability of this population.
This cultural event will allow Canadians, specifically Vancouverites to enjoy and learn about different cultures and countries from Africa, some of which have strong embedded grassroot initiatives and history within the city. As this is a city event, it is envisioned to be free for the attendees with no admission fee but donations are encouraged as well as sponsorship opportunities. The goal of the platform for this year is to establish itself, while using the input gained to build on subsequent years. Culture and Art festivals are an amazing way to form strong bridges of which the team will look towards showcasing public art, installations, modern and traditional based showcases, night markets, crafts fair and musical performances. With a focus on rejuvenating the spirit of Hogan’s Alley, this platform will work with a wide range of city groups, main street businesses, and at large Vancouver organizations to bring awareness to Vancouver’s prominent and growing African community!
ADF’s target audience includes new immigrants and refugees, cultural groups throughout the lower mainland, young adults of African Descent, and the general public around the lower mainland, Fraser Valley, British Columbia and Canada as a whole. The vision of the platform is to grow continuously as a vibrant staple event within the city!
August 10th
August 11th
English Bay
Beach
Highlights of African Descent Festival 2023
ADF 2024 HEADLINERS
Our sponsors from all over the world
African Descent Festival In Pictures </span?
African Descent Festival In Videos </span?
Experience the Vibrant Celebrations of African Culture at the African Descent Festival 2022 </span?
Learn about
Our Communities
INTERNATIONAL DECADE OF AFRICAN DESCENT
The UN General Assembly proclaimed 2015-2024 as the International Decade for People of African Descent (resolution 68/237) citing the need to strengthen national, regional and international cooperation in relation to the full enjoyment of economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights by people of African descent, and their full and equal participation in all aspects of society.
DTES LOCAL AREA PLAN
This Local Area Plan for the Downtown Eastside (DTES) was prepared over a two year period by the City and the Local Area Planning Process (LAPP) Committee. The LAPP Committee contains representatives from a number of community groups, low-income and middle income residents, Aboriginal groups, as well as business, non-profit housing and social service organizations. NEFC DRAF PLAN 2017.
BLACK STRATHCONA
From the early 1900s to the late 1960s, the East Side neighborhood of Strathcona was home to Vancouver’s first and only black community.
HOGANS ALLEY
Hogan’s Alley was the local, unofficial name for Park Lane, an alley that ran through the southwestern corner of Strathcona inVancouver, British Columbia during the first six decades of the twentieth century. It ran between Union and Prior Streets from approximately Main Street to Jackson Avenue.
SALT SPRING ISLAND
It may be caricatured as a top destination for hippies and retirees in B.C., but Salt Spring Island was home to one of B.C.’s most important black communities in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
The African Descent Festival Story
Held annually, African Descent Festival (“ADF”) is a leading arts and cultural festival for people of African Descent in Western focuses and one of African Descent major Festival across Canada promoting the arts, culture and heritage of those of African descent in Vancouver, British Columbia and Canada. ADF is positioned internally as one of Canada live music international brand known for presenting one of international African superstars and finest artists around the global. This festival aims to rejuvenate the heritage for the people of African Descent in Vancouver Downtown, British Columbia and Canada. The festival aims to create a platform for contemporary African Descent-Canadian art and culture within Greater Vancouver to showcase and share their cultural heritage for the people of African Descent.
The Founder/ Executive Director
Yasin Kiraga Misago
Yasin is an experienced event promoter, producer, experienced artistic director and manager for upcoming and professional recording artists. As the founder/Executive and Artistic Director for African Descent Festival, he is responsible for guidance, management and strategic leadership of the team. Yasin is responsible for the overall design and planning of the festival with the help of the planning committee and sub-committees. As a producer of the festival, Yasin work with volunteer coordinator and festival administrator to plan volunteer management, logistics, and execution of work. He created application forms, contracts, agreements, sit plan, business plan, strategic plan, write grants proposals and report to the board of directors. Graduated from UBC with BA in Political Science and International Relations from UBC and Business management training and education certificates and Human Rights. Yasin is a very well known Special event planner, esteemed festival and special event producer, promoter and community organiser.
The Founder Of English Bay Beach
Seraphim Joe Fortes
Seraphim Joseph “Joe” Fortes was born in Trinidad, in the West Indies. The name Seraphim, in the Old Testament describes the highest order of angels, was appropriately given to a person who would live his life in the highest standard of service to others. His father was a sugar plantation worker and his mother was of Spanish ancestry. Fortes (pronounced “Fortz”, although often thought to be fort-es) forwent education and chose instead to travel the world as a deckhand.
He boarded a brigantine, the Robert Kerr, loaded with sugar bound for Liverpool. Back then, these ships would go from one port to another carrying cargo, offloading it and taking another load to be delivered somewhere else. His travels took him to Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Panama, Amsterdam and eventually to the Pacific northwest. In one of his trips to Liverpool, Fortes took up swimming at one of the bathhouses – this is where Joe became confident of his strength and abilities. One would think that he would’ve been a strong swimmer coming from an island, but where Joe was from, beaches were not the sight that they are now: the beaches near where he grew up were full of sea urchins, stingrays and mud.
Volunteer
Join us as a Volunteer and Make a Difference!
We are looking for passionate and dedicated individuals to join us as volunteers for the African Descent Festival. As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the success of the festival while gaining valuable experience and skills. There are various roles available, including event coordination, artist management, marketing, and more.
By volunteering with us, you will be part of a dynamic and diverse team committed to promoting African culture and heritage in Vancouver and across Canada. You will also have the chance to connect with like-minded individuals, make new friends, and be part of a vibrant community.
If you are interested in volunteering for the African Descent Festival, please visit our website for more information on how to apply. We look forward to having you on board!
Register
Register Now and Be a Part of the Celebration!
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to celebrate African culture and heritage at the African Descent Festival! Register now to attend the festival and be part of this vibrant community event.
By registering, you will have access to a wide range of activities, including live music performances, cultural showcases, food vendors, and more. You will also have the chance to connect with others and celebrate the diversity and richness of African culture.
To register for the festival, please visit our website and follow the easy registration process. We look forward to seeing you at the African Descent Festival and sharing this unforgettable experience with you!