It is no wonder that Los Angeles is a melting pot of various cultures. If I were a betting man, with someone else’s money, I would venture to say that the global community is represented in the City of Angels. I had the pleasure of taking a trip through the African diaspora on Sunday, June 29, 2025.
By Ricky Richardson Contributing Writer
(Los Angeles, CA) It is no wonder that Los Angeles is a melting pot of various cultures. If I were a betting man, with someone else’s money, I would venture to say that the global community is represented in the City of Angels. I had the pleasure of taking a trip through the African diaspora on Sunday, June 29, 2025.
The first stop of my journey was a voyage to South Park in South Los Angeles for the annual Fest Afrik. Fest Afrik is an annual celebration of African culture and heritage that was held from 11:00 AM- 5:00 PM at the South Park Recreation Center.
The festival aims to showcase the vibrant cultures of the African continent and their significant impact on California and the United States. Fest Afrik featured a DJ set by DJ JIJI Sweet, live performances by Arsalon and The Mafé Ensemble followed by a fashion show featuring clothing designed by Kimie. Fest Afrik also featured dance performances, art, food, and interactive workshops.
The festivities continued with remarks by elected officials and special guests. The afternoon shifted into high gear with performances by the UCLA Dance Team, Queennak, B-Hold Da General, and The Drum Circle.
The festival enriched the cultural experience of attendees and also served as a bridge, connecting people and cultures in a celebration of diversity and unity.
I had to rush to catch an international flight further into Los Angeles. Thanks to my reliable rideshare partner, METRO, I was able to make it to Leimert Park Village, the cultural hub of the African American community.
I had my passport stamped just in time to catch the Leimert Park Day of the Ancestors: Festival of Masks. This is an annual celebration of our ancestors and an invocation for the South-Central Los Angeles community. The festival was held on the People’s Street, from 12:00 PM to 5:30 PM.
Founded in 2010, by artists Najite Agindotan and Ben Caldwell in collaboration with LA Commons. The Festival of Masks featured a Libation ceremony, procession, music, and dance performances. This year’s theme “Sesa Wo Suban (Change and Transformation), invites reflection and celebration of African diaspora cultures.
The Festival of Masks featured thoroughly entertaining performances by S.H.I.N.E. Muwasi, Rhythms of the Village, Pan African Arkestra, Eagle Wings of Enlightenment Center members, Dwight Trible, Inspiration House Poetry Choir, Jimetta Rose and The Voices of Creation, Grupo Emikeké, and closed with Chris Powe.
The Day of the Ancestors: Festival of Masks honored were Nzingha Camara, Alonzo Davis, Shri Natha Devi Premananda (Mataji), Peter J. Harris, R.O.S.E. (Reclaiming Our Sisters Everywhere), Felipe García Villamil, and Dena Ancestors.
I had a nice leisurely stroll to my destination. My voyage consisted of an imaginary trip to the Caribbean for “LA Carnival on the Shaw” which was backed by popular demand, for their year. This year’s celebration honored Juneteenth and celebrated Caribbean American Heritage Month. The parade featured drummers and participants from Jamaica, Bahamas, Trinidad and Tabogo, Nigeria, Senegal to name a few.
Music, masquerades, and multicultural merriment paraded south along Crenshaw Boulevard, on Sunday, June 29, 2025, from 6:00 PM-9:00 PM. The roster of carnival masqueraders included Danza Azteca, LA Success Orchestra, Peace Players Youth Drummers, the spectacular group Ajudisgua, Ko’s Korean Drum and Dance, Samba in Motion, and iconic 100 Drums, featuring international master drummers from the Leimert Park drum community. This vivacious gathering of costumed revelers, entrepreneurs, artisans, and musicians spread peace, love, and positive vibes along ‘The Shaw.’
Since 1998 Los Angeles Carnival has brought together a multigenerational mix of Caribbean immigrants and friends and pioneered the longest-running Caribbean carnival in Southern California. Rooted in festival and carnival arts of the region, the event celebrates Caribbean heritage and integrates the hopes, values, and creativity of Los Angeles itself. Its mission is to bring innovation to Caribbean cultural practices; and to share the experience with a diverse cross-section of communities in Los Angeles and beyond.
I was able to breeze through Customs to return to my home port. I have many fond memories of my engaging, educational, empowering, and entertaining journey through the African diaspora in Los Angeles. Keep your passports and visas handy, you never know when an opportunity presents itself for you to travel throughout the diaspora on any given weekend in the City of Angels.