Hugh Masekela, a South African trumpeter, singer and activist whose music became symbolic of the country’s anti-apartheid movement, even as he spent three decades in exile, died on Tuesday in Johannesburg. He was 78. His death was confirmed by Dreamcatcher, a communications agency that represented him. Mr. Masekela came to the forefront of his…
The Most Honorable Queen Mother Dara Iman, 4 April 1937 to 12 January 2018
This biography of the Most Honorable Queen Mother Dara Iman was accessed from the Franklin J. Barone Funeral Home website. Dara is the first daughter of Claude Benjamin Brown & Mary Elizabeth Walker-Brown born in South River, New Jersey on April 4, 1937. At the age of eight the family moved to New York City…
The Most Honorable Dr. Samuel Pinn, 14 January 1935 through 27 December 2017
By Herb Boyd From Our Time Press article Dr. Sam Pinn with author Herb Boyd In one way, I was surprised that Sam Pinn was at my book-signing in Brooklyn at the Restoration Center in September, but in another way, I shouldn’t have been. It took me several minutes to recognize him since I hadn’t…
The Most Honorable Winnie Madikizela Mandela, Mother of the Nation of South Africa, 25 September 1936 to 02 April 2018
Information on The Most Honorable Winnie Madikizela Mandela has been accessed from South African History Online: Winnie Madikizela Mandela, Archive 45. Synopsis: ANC Political Activist and ex-wife of Nelson Mandela, Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture, President of ANCWL, member of the NEC of the ANC First name: Winnie Last name: Madikizela-Mandela Date of…
Festival History
The International African Arts Festival began in 1971 as the African Street Carnival, a PTA’s block party fundraiser for an independent school in Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn with local entertainers, about 20 arts and crafts vendors, along with food prepared by the parents. Almost 2,000 people came to the event and it was a…
Our Sponsors and Community Partnerships
Sponsors & Community Partners We work with a number of select individuals, organizations, and groups to produce and promote this week-long event. We would like to give special acknowledgment to those media partners, community partners, and sponsors who assist us in fulfilling our mission. Previous Media Partners IAAFestival is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is…
Past Program Flyers
Festival Program International African Arts Festival 2017 Programs
47th Annual Celebration 