Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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JULY 8-14, 2015 UCW 7 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM There is more to Africa than the tragedy and strife portrayed in the news. Isabella Effon is looking to show Fayetteville the brighter side of her native continent. On July 11, the community is invited to attend the Inaugural African World Peace Festival in downtown Fayetteville. Effon invites to the community to come learn about the many differences (and similarities) in the African cultures. "We want to educate our children, and the Fayetteville community, and let them know it is a continent with a lot of resources. Not all of it is war-torn like the images on TV," said Effon. The day kicks off at 8 a.m. with the African World Peace 5K. Same day registration starts at 6 a.m. Runners can also register online. The race starts at 8 a.m. on Bow Street. "We will provide snacks after the run," said Effon. "This is the Africa World Peace Festival. We bring all the African nations together, which makes it unique. It is a nonprofit and we have joined other nonprofits that do the same thing to bring awareness and unite community. At 2 p.m., don't miss the parade of nations on Person Street as the entertainment and educational portion of the festival gets underway. Other events include storytelling, music, dancing and more. "We have a lot of tales and a few storytellers who will tell exclusively African folktales," said Effon. "We will have breaks and activities for kids doing things that include African-themes and village where children can go and learn about different dialects and countries in Africa and things like that." Effon noted that African influences are seen worldwide in food, clothing, music and more. That is one of the things that makes this a great fit for Fayetteville's international community. Taste of West Africa on Person Street will offer a special menu for the festival. "There are many, many Africans in Turkey and Italy and all over the world so the other restaurants downtown definitely have a place in this celebration," she explained. If the festival grows as planned, there will be additional food vendors as the event size increases. There are too many people in Fayetteville who miss out on all of the goodness going on downtown and Effon sees this as the perfect opportunity to change that. "This is my passion. I like my culture. I love diversity and I love to bring awareness into the community." Performances are an added flare to the festival with featured artists from Africa including the Ivory Coast and Senegal and local performers including the Fatback Band and more. A ceremony honoring American soldiers of African descent is also scheduled. The music portion of the event runs from 2-6 p.m. As a nonprofit, the African World Peace Festival is partnering with Loving Hands International, a public nonprofit, humanitarian charity organization serving underprivileged communities in the U.S. and Africa, promoting and implementing development programs in quality healthcare, education advancement, agricultural productivity and socio-economic advancement to improve overall quality of life of the poor and needy. Proceeds from the African World Peace Festival benefit Africa's humanitarian needs and local community needs, as well. Donations of nonperishable food items will be accepted at the festival. Find out more by calling 728-2186 or 779-2375. African World Peace Festival Brings Culture, History Downtown by STEPHANIE CRIDER The only thing missing is You! Whether you are a golfer, swimmer, tennis player, or enjoy dining. Gates Four Golf and Country Club has a membership for you and your family. For more information call 910.425.6667 or visit us at www.gatesfour.com STEPHANIE CRIDER. Editor. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomin- gweekly.com. 910.484.6200. Play Festival July 22-26, 2015 Wednesday July 22 7pm Cold But Soft Tin Church Miller's Point Thursday July 23 2pm Miller's Point Tin Church Sticks 7pm Cold But Soft Tin Church Miller's Point Friday July 24 7pm Tin Church Mentor Saturday July 25 2pm Sticks Sweet Storm 7pm Cold But Soft Mentor Sunday July 26 2pm Cold But Soft Mentor 7pm Sticks Sweet Storm NEXTSTAGE For tickets go to gilberttheater.com or contact our box oce at 910-678-7186 boxoce@gilberttheater.com This project is supported by the Arts Council in part by contributions from businesses and individuals, and through grants from the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County and the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency of the Department of Cultural Resources. ilbert Theater BUY ONE REGULARLY PRICED TICKET ($16) and see any performance all week or any day -- one ticket buys a week of entertainment! The African World Peace Festival shares African cultures and customs with the community.