Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. has richly influenced the destiny of our culture.  The America of Dr. King’s time has changed drastically in certain instances.  Federal legislation has been passed to ensure minorities have public accommodations, housing, voting rights, equal educational opportunities, and fair employment.

These rights were not easily won, there was a collective cost paid by a large part of American society, including both minorities and non-minorities who marched and in some cases lost their lives to help secure the civil liberties enjoyed today.  How do we continue to Carry the Torch in an inclusive environment that not only tolerates; but, accepts multi-cultural differences?

African American History Month consists of several events coordinated with the City of Memphis and the Shelby County School Board to bring awareness to African American figures in history.

The Crime On Wheels Prevention Campaign is an attempt to build positive relationships between the police department and multi-cultural youth within the community.  Youth participants travel to various communities with police escorts to inform residents of neighborhood safety precautions.

It is our pleasure to invite you and your colleges to join us in Memphis, Tennessee, for the 23rd Anniversary of the Africa-In-April Festival, to be held April 16 - 19, 2009.  The Republic of Mauritania will be this year’s featured country.  This is a unique event that focuses on bringing African dignitaries, ambassadors, and culture to the Memphis Community on an annual basis.    Our staff, board and corporate partners have worked diligently to plan an exciting series of training sessions, networking opportunities and marketing outlets for this year’s venue. 

This years festival incorporates two components, training and networking.  The Diversity Awareness workshops have been designed to deliver information on current industry trends in supplier diversity while the multicultural awareness training covers topics of importance to both diversity professionals and community based groups alike.  The International Trade Center will be the focal point of all networking opportunities. 

There will be two sections to accommodate the needs of our corporate partners and to recreate the African marketplace of old.  The African World Bazaar is set to host the small business vendors in a setting themed after the traditional African “souk” where trade and commerce thrived.  The International Trade Floor, for corporate partners, will facilitate direct B2C relationship building. 

We encourage you to join your peers from around the county and potential product consumers for four fabulous days of discovery and adventure.

Kwanzaa is a unique African American celebration placing emphasis on the traditional values of family and community responsibility.  Our Kwanza celebration includes gift giving, story telling and a “First Fruits” celebration. 

The Art Showcase will display 23 years of commissioned paintings, by world-renowned artist, for the Africa-In-April celebrations.  The artwork will be on display for one month in a local gallery.  Over the course of the event, receptions will be hosted highlighting the contributions of  each of each individual artist.