by Dan Perkins

Source: AFA Release 

In an election year, politicians are likely to show up anytime and any wherever there's a crowd; and Illinois' Governor, Rob Blagojevich, is a politician who knows how to make an appearance.  Despite the political motivations, most people were delighted to see the governor at the African Festival of the Arts, which is held annually, in August, in Chicago.  It is one of the largest gatherings of its kind.

This year, over 150,000 participants enjoyed a spectacular array of entertainment from classic jazz with James Moody and the Dizzy Gillespie All Star Band to p-funk with funk master George Clinton to African dance with Chicago's own MUTNU Dance Theater.  Kool Moe Dee, Rhymefest and Little Brother rocked the Hip Hop stage for four evenings of non-stop entertainment; and Haiti's Boukman Experience, Thomas Oliver from Zimbabwe, and Soukous Stars from Zaire were among the international performers that enthralled crowds at the Family and World Music Stage. 

Governor Rod Blagojevich joined the festival's Grand Yeye, Dr. Carol Adams, director of the Illinois Department of Human Services, for the Heritage Reunion Ceremony, where he made a special announcement.  For many years, a ceremonial post that belonged to a Kenyan family had been on exhibit at the Illinois State Museum.  The governor told the expectant crowd that the post will be returned returned to its legal owners.

The governor also met festival artist Samuel Lind from Puerto Rico and received a signed commemorative poster from the visiting artist.  The governor also learned a little about the art of quilt making from Nubian quilters, led by Reneau A Diallo of Afriquit.

Other politicians attending the festival included Illinois Senate President Emil Jones and U.S. Congressman Bobby Rush.  Both men contributed patches to the 2006 Aa se se' (the Yoruba affirmation for possibilities)  Festival Quilt that will be displayed at Africa International House upon completion.

The End