Valhalia, NY — Several thousand Africans, Caribbeans, African-Americans and others gathered at the Kensico Dam Plaza to enjoy dance groups, vendors, food during summer cultural celebrations, Sunday afternoon.
Local organizations including the New York State Police, the Theodore D. Young Community Center and local chapters of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity set up booths.
“It’s the perfect day to celebrate the cultural diversity and heritage of Westchester County,” said Westchester County Deputy Executive Kevin Plunkett, who presented a proclamation declaring June 24 as “African-American Heritage Day” in the county.
The African American Heritage Festival for Westchester County, was organized by The Westchester County African American Heritage Celebration, a coalition composed of various community leaders and organizations of African-American decent and origin working together to present the African-American experience.
31st Annual African American Heritage Celebration is part of the Cultural Heritage Celebrations 2015 where you can experience a variety of cultures from around the world this summer without leaving Westchester County during the annual cultural heritage celebrations held in county parks.
The Cultural Heritage Celebrations 2015 includes:
African American Heritage Festival, June 28, noon – 7 p.m., Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla
Irish Heritage Festival, June 28, noon – 6 p.m., Ridge Road Park, Hartsdale
Polish Heritage Festival, July 12, noon – 6 p.m., Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla
Hispanic Heritage Festival, July 19, noon – 7 p.m., Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla
Italian Heritage Festival, July 26, noon – 7 p.m., Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla
Heritage of India Festival, Aug. 2, 11:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla
Jewish Music & Arts Festival, Aug. 16, Noon – 6 p.m., Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla
Festivals will be held rain or shine. Seating is informal; bring blankets or folding chairs for seating on the lawn.
All festivals are sponsored by Westchester County Parks.
AJ Woodson
AJ Woodson is the Editor-In-Chief of Black Westchester and Co-Owner of Urban Soul Media Group, the parent company, Host & Producer of the People Before Politics Radio Show. AJ is a Father, Brother, An Author, Journalism Fellow (Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism), Hip-Hop Artist - one third of the legendary underground rap group JVC FORCE known for the single Strong Island, Radio Personality, Hip-Hop Historian, Documentarian, Activist, Criminal Justice Advocate and Freelance Journalist whose byline has appeared in several print publications and online sites including The Source, Vibe, the Village Voice, Upscale, Sonicnet.com, Launch.com, Rolling Out Newspaper, Daily Challenge Newspaper, Spiritual Minded Magazine, Word Up! Magazine, On The Go Magazine and several others.
