Africa Festival 2025, Africa Fest for short, arrives in Milton McPike Park on August 16 from 10 am to 10 pm. It is one of my favorite events every year because it includes all of us humans since Africa is the origins of all people, a scientific fact.  This current erasure of such factual truths can’t deny that the oldest humans originate on the African continent and then traveled and settled throughout the world.

Here in Madison, at Africa Fest, we celebrate the people on the African continent, every specific country, along with the main island nations of Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Comoros, Cabo Verde, and São Tomé and Príncipe. Both African Americans and Caribbeans are an part of Mother Africa’s family. Not as long-lost cousins but as sisters and brothers. There are many valuable contributions Africa has given the world, and for me, one important value is a respect system for elders, our older adults.

There is a new organization, African Center for Community Development, Inc. (African Center). Although recently introduced to Madison, its journey began over half a century ago, coinciding with Africans coming into Dane County for education, employment, immigration, and family reunification. To meet the needs of newly arrived Africans, the African Center  has a mission to “support and build all of our communities through education, services, entrepreneurship, empowerment and dialogue” and that mission also emphasizes assisting older adults, along with families and youth.

The officers are Esther Ama Safi Ptak, executive director, Housing and Operations Officer Henry Obeng, Youth Program and Outreach Officer Joy Chefu, Community and Volunteer Engagement Officer Inyillah Borteh Conteh and Grants and Communications Officer Sekati Sanneh. The Center recently celebrated its formal office opening in the UW South Madison Partnership Office. The African Center is the first non-university affiliated organization to have an office in the UW South Madison Partnership space and is an important partnership between community and the University.

As part of building relationships, the African Center offers Africa Talks Community Lectures, Community Health Outreach and Education, as well as offer resources. Economic Development is also an emphasis through community financial literacy and business development workshops as well as employment assistance.

The African Center hopes to especially be a beneficial resource for African immigrants by welcoming newcomers as well as long-time residents. While the well-being of African immigrants is primary, the Center preserves the vibrancy of African cultures in Madison and Dane County. African Fest is one of the most vibrant and celebratory cultural events in Madison. Madisonians do not miss the opportunity to welcome the devoted staff of the African Center, appreciate their commitment to our community, and consider volunteering. Make sure you visit African Fest to enjoy celebrating with our friends and neighbors.