Experience the Culture at the Second Annual Pan African Festival of Oregon

Oregon’s second annual Pan African Festival (PAF) will take place on Saturday, August 11 at Pioneer Courthouse Square in downtown Portland from 12 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. PAF is a celebration of the resilience, strength and influence of Pan Africans (Africans, Caribbean and African Americans) in Oregon.

The festival is a cultural vehicle to galvanize, mobilize and empower Diaspora Africans in Oregon. It is a springboard to community building, increasing understanding within and between communities, and creating a dialogue that will bring awareness and sensitivity. This vision is captured in PAF’s 2018 Theme: Experience The Culture.

Second Annual Pan African Festival of Oregon: Experience the Culture

WHEN: Saturday, August 11, 2018 from 12:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

WHERE: Pioneer Courthouse Square (701 SW 6th Ave., Portland, Oregon 97205)

ADMISSION: Admission is free. Everyone is invited to attend.

WEBSITE: http://www.panafricanfestivalor.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/915840078585856/

“Last year's festival demonstrated that a PAF is a platform for black artists and businesses that the city had been craving for years. More than 3,000 people of all backgrounds showed up to support Pan African communities. This year we’re expanding our line up from different cultures to enhance the richness of the day,” said PAF Outreach Director Laus Mwakalebela.

The festival will include live entertainment, cultural foods, arts and crafts, and much more. PAF emphasizes promoting health equity, providing employment and educational opportunities, and building community awareness. These are essential components to empower Pan Africans and their allies to pursue policy changes which shift social and other determinants of health. PAF is dedicated to providing the necessary space to talk about, and fight for, social justice.

“It’s important to celebrate the unique contributions and differences that exist within Pan African cultures – from hip hop artists like Dyabala, afro-fusion musician I$$A, folk singer Naomi Wachira, and salsa from Melao De Cuba. We hope you’ll join us again for a day of unity on August 11.” Mwakalebela added.

This year’s PAF sponsors include Urban League of Portland, Clackamas County, Multnomah County, Providence Health & Services, City of Portland and Kaiser Permanente.