Afro Legacy Fest at Gantt Center Feb. 8

Learn from dance instructors and performing artists from across Latinx communities:

• Bodoma Garifuna (Garifuna Nation in Central America): A unique presentation of Punta and Jankunu, traditional genres of the Garífuna nation.
• Tambor y Caña (Venezuela): Traditional Afro-descendant rhythms from Venezuelan communities. A musical journey connecting the audience with Venezuelan cultural roots.
• Nadia Calmet, Killa Dance Project & Noheli Valdivia (Peru): A vibrant and strong Afro-Peruvian festejo.
• Son de Pueblos Experimental Group from La Casa de la Cultura (Charlotte artists from various countries): A vibrant performance featuring Puerto Rican Bomba and the energetic Cuban Rumba (Celebrating Afro-Caribbean rhythms & Dance).

Welcome & Opening
12 noon (Grand Lobby, 2nd Floor)

La Casa de La Cultura will introduce the festival and give opening remarks, including discussing the significance of the celebration and an overview of the day.

Afro-Latinx Children & Family Crafts
12 noon – 5 pm (Mezzanine, 3rd Floor)

Enjoy a mixed-media drop-in craft that features Afro-Latinx fabric patterns and reflects the rich African foundation across several countries in Latin America.

Dance Workshop 1: Son de Pueblos Experimental Group from La Casa de la Cultura
12:30 pm (Grand Lobby, 2nd Floor)

A vibrant performance featuring Puerto Rican Bomba and the energetic Cuban Rumba, celebrating Afro-Caribbean rhythms and Dance.

Dance Workshop 2: Tambor y Caña
1:15 pm (Grand Lobby, 2nd Floor)

(Venezuela) Traditional Afro-descendant rhythms from Venezuelan communities. A musical journey connecting the audience with Venezuelan cultural roots.

Panel: The African Influence in Latin American & Caribbean Cultures
2 pm Performance Suite, 2nd Floor

This panel sets historical context for African roots in Latin cultural traditions and art, featuring the voices of the dance groups Bodoma Garifuna, Tambor de Venezuela, Son de Pueblos, and representatives from La Casa de la Cultura. Includes a moderated Q&A session with the audience

Dance Workshop 3: Nadia Calmet, Killa Dance Project & Noheli Valdivia
3 pm (Grand Lobby, 2nd Floor)

(Peru) A vibrant and strong Afro-Peruvian festejo, a festive form of Afro-Peruvian music.

Dance Workshop 4: Bodoma Garifuna
3:45 pm (Grand Lobby, 2nd Floor)

(Garifuna Nation in Central America) A unique presentation of Punta and Jankunu, traditional genres of the Garífuna nation.

Recognition Ceremony
4 pm (Grand Lobby, 2nd Floor)

As part of the Afro Legacy Fest 2025, we will host a special Recognition Ceremony to honor key collaborators for their remarkable contributions to preserving and promoting cultural heritage. These individuals have played a vital role in fostering community, celebrating diversity, and ensuring that traditions remain alive for future generations. Join us as we acknowledge their dedication and celebrate their inspiring work!

• Erick Ndelo, Macfly Fresh Co.
• Tamara Williams, Bloco Afro Ayedum
• Bodoma Garifuna
• Tambor y Caña
• Nadia Calmet
• Afeni Grace, Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture

Concert and Jamming Finale
4:30 pm (Grand Lobby, 2nd Floor)

Closing the festival with a lively Jamming Finale, where all groups join together in a collaborative musical celebration.