Our Mission

 Jumbo, Nengadef, Thobela, Molweni, Ague Key! Fulukum, Akwabaa

We greet you in many African Tongues, Hello and welcome to the African Roots and Heritage Festival Website.

  The Steering Committee of the African Roots & Heritage Festival (ARHF)  in Columbus, OH is proud to Host this years festival. 

The festival was created to foster the spirit of Pan Africanism and bring Umoja (unity) to the many African and African American Communities that are represented in the greater Columbus Metro Area; to bring them together in one place, to highlight and respect our differences and Celebrate our Heritage while Confronting the Challenges of being Black in America.

 Expect such public programming and forums as the:

• Roll Call of Nations and Flag Waving
• Pan African Symposium
• Sixth Regional Diaspora Caucus  African Union- OH
• Language Seminar - Woloof, Fulani
• International Business Exchange
• Financial Workshops
• Motivational Speakers
• African Tours
• Financial Advisers
• Youth Forum - Leaders of Tomorrow
• International  African Woman's Forum

We have partnered with several health care organizations that will give free blood pressure checks, mammograms, blood drives, bone marrow drives and more.

     The ARHF will provide information on  "Entrepreneurship", How to start a business-profit and non profit workshops, a Job Fair, Scholarships for  higher education and elementary school children, and educational opportunities from colleges, trade schools, and universities. 

   The ARHF also promotes the  New Authors Arena, Crafts, Exhibits & other Artists where we showcase new Authors and Artists with their books and their crafts.

    The ARHF will provide International Music and Entertainment that covers several genres of cultural expression.

July 13-14, 2012

You will be taken on a journey to experience soothing jazz music from national and international artists, delight in the talents of youthful African drummers, enjoy the eclectic music of the Caribbean, take pleasure in the colorful motions of liturgical dancers, and participate in sessions involving authentic African sculpting. Wow! Imagine a weekend full of song, dance, music, art, etc...

The festival will also bring a cultural and educational element to enlighten, strengthen, motivate, and unite the Africans living in Columbus. 

A hallmark of the festival is the Anita M. Diop Scholarship of Excellence. 

Various Colleges, Universities, and Technical Schools will be on hand to discuss opportunities for higher education. 

Local, National, and International Authors will participate in various book signings. 

Perhaps the most exciting aspect will be the fun-filled activities for children that will include, Oral Storytellers, as well as dance, music, language sessions, and art that will cater to the child in all of us!

This will truly be a celebration of unity and education. Imaging being able to taste Local, National and International cuisines; converse with various cultures of Africa; and be entertained through music, art, education, and dance in one weekend! 

The excitement continues to mount! Please come out as we Celebrate Our Heritage While Confronting the Challenges!

Akwabaa! Harbari Gani!

Celebrating Our Heritage, while Confronting the Challenges