The rhythms, flavors and vibrant spirit of Africa take center stage at the African Unity Fest 2025, a free, family-friendly celebration happening on Aug. 30 at the Global Village on Lafayette Road.
Hosted by the African Council of Indiana in partnership with the International Marketplace Coalition’s Global Village, the festival aims to build bridges of understanding across communities under the theme of “Unity.”
The event features authentic cuisines from across the African continent and diaspora, live music, art, fashion and a marketplace showcasing local vendors.
According to the organizers, the festival’s mission is to celebrate the beauty of African culture while fostering community pride, encouraging cultural exchange and inspiring future generations. It is designed to be an inclusive space that uplifts the voices, traditions and talents of Africa and its diaspora, breaking down barriers and creating connections.
“We started the African Unity Fest to create a space where culture could bring people together,” festival coordinator Linky Ugeh said. “It’s more than just music and food; it’s about community and an opportunity for people of every background to feel the rhythm, taste the richness and experience the unity that African culture brings to the world.”
The African Council of Indiana dedicates itself to addressing the needs of African communities in the state and raising awareness for issues that affect them. The Global Village serves as a community hub where people can explore, connect and celebrate diverse cultures and traditions.
The festival is open to the public and free to attend, though registration is encouraged. It will be held at the Global Village at 4233 Lafayette Road, beginning at noon.
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on Facebook or TikTok @Horsemensportsmedia. For more news, click here.
Noral Parham is the multi-media & senior sports reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Parham has worked with various leagues to provide a diverse perspective in sports, including the Big Ten, Big East, IHSAA, IndyCar, MLB, NHRA, NFL, NBA, WNBA, WWE and the Olympics. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver.
