Ancestry and community activities took center stage at the 37th Annual DuSable Arts and Crafts Fair Saturday and Sunday.
The
festival’s theme, Back to Our Roots, was represented throughout the two-day
event. There were movie screenings, lectures and discussions highlighting
pivotal moments in African ancestry. Children were invited onto the customized
DuSable bus for storytelling.
The We
Are Africa Road Tour 2011 celebrated the importance of genetic, historical and
cultural connections to Africa.
Representatives
were on hand to answer questions about DNA testing. The comprehensive testing
traces genealogical ancestry prior to slavery.
Additionally,
this year’s fair marked a return to the way the museum, founded by the late
Margaret Burroughs, put on the event in the past. Carol Adams, Ph.D, is now
head of the renowned cultural institution.
Starting
this year, the festival will go back to being held the second weekend in July.
It also goes back to featuring original works of art from local artists only.
And to
achieve that family reunion feeling organizers wanted the fair to have,
Saturday there was a special Flash Mob community dancing event in support of
First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Lets’ Move! Museums and Gardens“ campaign.
Saturday’s
entertainment also included the Sankofa Jam Session with Spin Doctor DJ EZ
Street.
Sunday
there were long lines to catch a glimpse of actor - and now author - Isaiah
Washington, who signed copies of his new book, A Man From Another Land: How
Finding My Roots Changed My Life.
The main
stage again hosted a variety of musical artists. R&B music group, Kindred
the Family Soul closed out the festival with a main stage interview and
performance.
Copyright
2011 Chicago Defender
