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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE 29TH ANNUAL AFRICAN FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
WHEREAS, The Annual African Festival of the Arts is a four-day celebration of African and African diaspora culture in the Midwest, one of the largest celebrations attracting more than 175,000 visitors annually; and
WHEREAS, Chicago’s historic Washington Park is transformed into an authentic African village to encourage and foster the education about the traditions of Africa; and
WHEREAS, the Annual African Festival of the Arts is comprised of five distinct areas each representing a center of culture and commerce on the African continent: Nubia (fine arts); Kush (wearable arts); Songhay (African arts & crafts, collectibles and natural products); Timbuktu (African fabric and fashions); and Bank of the Nile (food court); and
WHEREAS, attendees are encouraged to enjoy this family-focused celebration that offers African-influenced food, dance traditions, and more than 300 vendors and artisans with artifacts, textiles, traditional crafts, and museum-quality art; and
WHEREAS, The Annual African Festival of the Arts is nationally recognized for its outstanding entertainment that includes national and international artists performing every genre of music from traditional African reggae to R&B-hip hop; and
WHEREAS, The Annual African Festival of the Arts was founded by Liberian-born business leader Patrick S. K. Woodtor and is now run by Africa International House; and
WHEREAS, this year marks the 29th Annual African Festival of the Arts; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and the Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the residents of Cook County, honor the Annual African Festival of the Arts and praise its essential cultural and educational contribution to the residents of Cook County.
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