Africa Day Celebration Set For Harlem: What To Know

HARLEM, NY — An Africa Day celebration will take place in Harlem this weekend with a variety of guest speakers, activities, dance, music, and more.

The Africa Center, located at 1250 Fifth Ave. near East 109th Street, will host a free community celebration Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the Center's plaza.

The outdoor event will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Center's new 45-foot, three-story tribute to Africa that includes a flag for each country in the continent.

“Africans have long been present in the Harlem and greater-New York communities, and people of African descent have shaped Harlem into the international cultural gem it is known to be today,” said Uzodinma Iweala, CEO of The Africa Center, in a news release.

The day will kick off with an Africa in Harlem walking tour, before the ribbon cutting and ceremony remarks at 1 p.m.

Here's a list of the expected speakers, including Mayor Eric Adams.

• Uzodinma Iweala, CEO, The Africa Center
• H.E. Fatima K. Mohammed, Permanent Observer of the AU to the UN
• Mayor Eric Adams, Mayor of New York City
• Deputy Borough President Keisha Sutton-James, Manhattan Deputy Borough President
• Kristin Richardson Jordan , New York City Council, Harlem District 9
• Christelle N. Onwu, Lead Advisor for African Communities, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, New York City Commission on Human Rights
• Salim Drammeh, President, The Gambian Youth

A stilt walking performance will take place after the remarks, as well as a set from DJ Birane.

There will also be food provided by community vendors and live art workshops.

Participants are encouraged to bring a flag or wear colors representing their home country in Africa.