Hudson — Operation Unite, New York is proud to celebrate its 61st anniversary in Columbia County with this year’s Hudson Sancofa Black Arts & Cultural Festival & Parade 2022 on August 12, 13 and 14. I think The celebration dates back to his 1960s, when families along Columbia Street gathered with tables, food and music. According to Ed Cross, “Columbia’s Third Street to Front Street families welcomed anyone who came.” The Cross family was one of several who were directly involved in community and youth activism. Other families celebrated include Hughes, Murray, Crank, Cubins, MacLeod, Cunningham, Wise, Fultons, Heath, Williams, Griffins, Pauls, Shiloh Baptist Church, State Street AME Zion.
This weekend’s celebrations will kick off with an opening ceremony on August 12th from 5:30pm to 9:00pm. The night continues with “Open Mic” by Loki his Anthony. Artists are encouraged to sign up early and bring materials highlighted in cultural enlightenment.
Saturday’s Sankofa Parade begins at 2 p.m. at Public Square’s 7th Avenue Park. Follow the parade down to Henry Hudson Riverfront Park to explore the Hudson Sankofa Family Day Activities. Our waterfront celebration opens with words from Mayor Emeritus Kamal Johnson and President of the Advisory Board of New York, Operation Unite. The festival kicks off with Brooklyn’s energetic Kaisoka Tiltowalker sponsored by Bindolstiff his Family Circus. There will be special appearances by Rainbow Gospel Singers and soloist Marlene Merritt. PS 21 in Chatham features performances by choreographer Jamal Jackson and youth from Columbia County. This will be followed by the Sankofa Community Awards, which honor community volunteers and leaders. Along the river, the Apollonia Schooner offers free boat his tours at 4:00 pm and his 5:00 pm, and the Hudson Sloop Club provides free fishing equipment led by Ngunga Badilla. Youth Planning Commission activities are organized by young people from Operation Unite NY and the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus. Anniece Cousin coordinates the Community Talent Show. Sign Up Her link is on her Facebook page for Operation Unite Education and Cultural Arts. Photographer David McIntyre shoots “Black Family Portraits” under a tent for an exhibition at the annual Kwanzaa Cultural Festival. Rounding out the family day is Gballoi, an African drum company from Ghana. Gballoi brings percussion and an opportunity for everyone to participate and dance.
We are pleased to host the African Entrepreneur Market with Tiffany Garriga and to provide opportunities for black and brown vendors and local cuisine. Again, Larry Walker, one of the best soul food booths in the county What’s Really Good from .
Returning for a second year of sponsorship are Hudson Hall, providing excellent technical assistance, and Hudson’s Spark, providing food for parade marchers. Additionally, Spark of Hudson will sponsor his Back to School Giveaway this year for Columbia County residents, and Staples will donate school supply boxes. Parents and guardians come to the table at Operation Unite NY to fill out each child’s form from 4pm to her 6pm before heading to her tent for the festival giveaway.
The Sankofa Festival continues on August 14th at 2pm with a family presentation of the Arm of the Sea Theater. The Arm of the Sea musical play highlights environmental concerns and an appreciation for natural resources. At 3:30 p.m. Marlene Her Merritt returns to sing a cabaret song. It closes at 5pm for its annual sunset service. If Saturday is stormy, Sunday will also be a rainy day.
Operation Unite New York thanks the City of Hudson for its support and financial support of the Hudson Sankofa Black Arts and Cultural Festival and Parade. For more information, please contact Operation Unite NY at 518-828-3612.
Kaisoka Stiltwalker from Brooklyn.
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