A Celebration of Heritage: Prince George’s Second Annual African Culture Festival
From Dance to Design, the Celebration Brought African Heritage to Life in Prince George's County
By B. Thayer
There was electricity in the very air. There were hugs, smiles, dancing, grooving, connecting and pure love power shaking the floor and raising the roof at the MetroPoints Hotel in New Carrollton, MD on Friday, September 12.
And when came to fashion, style, beauty - all set to rhythm and sisterhood-energy, the R&B group En Vogue has nothing on councilmembers Wanika Fisher, Kystal Oriadha, Wala Blegay and County Executive Aisha Braveboy, who showed out with African flava. From the stage to the photo platform to the dance floor, the women led the nearly 400 in attendance as true ladies in leadership, divas on the dance floor.
The Second Annual African Cultural Celebration took place this past Friday in Prince George’s County and was a powerful display of heritage, art, and community. From traditional drumming and dance to cultural fashion and food, the event celebrated connections across the diaspora. Vendor booths offered authentic African cuisine and crafts, while storytelling and youth performances added moments of cultural pride.
Notably, Council Members Wala Blegay (District 6) and Krystal Oriadha (District 7) were among those in attendance, providing strong showings of local government support. “It was a beautiful celebration of culture, community, and creativity,” Blegay says. Their presence emphasized the event’s significance not just as a cultural gathering, but as a community event with backing from leadership that sees value in heritage, the arts, and economic opportunity for small businesses.
"Co-hosting African Cultural Night with my colleagues, Council Member Wala Blegay and Council Member Krystal Oriadha, was a very special experience for me,” said Councilmember Wanika Fisher (D-Dist. 2) I am the proud daughter of immigrant parents of Nigerian, South African, and South Asian descent. I was also the first daughter of African immigrants to be elected from Prince George’s County in 2018. This event emphasized that even though the African diaspora is so diverse, we are all connected to one another, and that is something to be proud of."
Photographs and video footage from the event came from professionals including Bella Beau Photography and Aaron Ivey, whose images captured the key moments: dancers in motion, fashion highlights, the energy of the crowd, and the vivid expressions of joy and pride. The gallery of visuals is a testament to the event’s success - not just in attendance, but in atmosphere, inclusivity, and cultural impact.
Some 20 African business, education and community leaders were awarded at the occasion.
Blegay also stepped out in a Mohammed Bandaogo dress (from the Ini Gallery in Largo) for the event and revealed a portrait painting by artist Uchechukwu Ezeemo (his work is at Moh B Couture in Largo, MD).
Organizers reported strong turnout and positive feedback. Guests praised the performances, the variety of vendors, and especially the spotlight on youth participation through dance and costume. The event met its goals of celebrating culture and signaling community ties. With council members’ visibility and continued partnership, next year’s event is expected to build even more momentum and uplift the spirit of Prince George's County.
See more photos:
Photos By Bella Beau: https://bellabeauphotography63.pixieset.com/2025africancultureevent/
Photos by Aaron Ivey:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/pgccouncil/sets/72177720329007743/
