Festival Sundiata this weekend, celebrate African-American culture

February 12, 10:36 AMSeattle Events ExaminerMaria Christensen

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The theme for the 29th annual Festival Sundiata is "Unity in the Community," a hope made even more relevant with the election of Barack Obama and his call for unity in our nation.

The Sundiata African American Cultural Association puts on the festival every year at the Seattle Center during President's Day weekend. The festival, pronounced Soon-jah-tah, highlights art, dance, food, crafts, music, and education and "depicts the colorful perspectives, culture and history of people of African descent."

It is a vibrant festival "named for the legendary 13th century West African Mansa "king of kings" of the Mali Empire, King Sundiata, who rescued his people’s storyteller and keeper of oral history." This is a terrific family event and falls in the category of "do not miss."

The festival runs from Saturday, February 14th through Monday, February 16th, beginning at noon each day and ending in the evening. Festivities will be held at the Seattle Center in the Center House and the Fisher Pavilion. You will find workshops, seminars, demonstrations by smokin' black chefs, and lots of music and dance. Click on this link for the schedule.