GHANAFEST IN CHICAGO IS TODAY. The annual summer event offers a showcase of certain aspects of Ghanaian culture, focusing on dance, music, and fashion. Usually the most popular aspect of the Fest is the ancient traditions. unearthed through the parade of Kings, Queens, and their retinue. As the Ghana population in the Chicago area grew, it was no longer possible to contain all in one organization. Groups, representing the various ethnic alphabets that make Ghana, sprang up to represent the newer forms of the expanded population. In my view, the highlight is when the Chicago-made Kings and Queens of the ethnic groups walk by the podium----amid drums, chants, recorded music and pomp. It is a day to be Ghanaian, a day for Ghana to show the beautiful side of her face. The event is over 25 years old and it attracts participants and observers from far and near. There is usually an invitation extended to a prominent personality in Ghana, to give the event an air of homegrown authenticity. For the Ghanaians in America, it is a step out of the daily routine of work and anonymity, beat the chest, and proudly shout, I AM SOMEBODY. It offers Americans a chance to taste Ghana. Merchants, sellers, artists, scientists, and entrepreneurs do come out to show their wares, as well as the skills they specialize in. Older Ghanaians claim to have seen it all, but we still patronize the ingrained roots events, which remind us of the land we left. Parents use the event to teach and instill African values in children born here, as well as in those young ones who have recently moved to the US from Ghana. Some Americans have lived in Ghana before, and the Ghanafest offers them the chance to LIVE-IN the Ghana which remains in them. Africans from other countries are establishing their own summer events. Last year, I became aware of an Igbo Fest at the North side of Chicago. Igbos are from Nigeria. The Ghanafest gives Chicago a diverse and cosmopolitan air, even if it should not be misinterpreted to mean that Ghanaians are a part of Chicagos cabal of movers and shakers. Some conclusions are not all that pleasant. The breakup into ethnic groups offends those who might want a One Ghana. The Fest leads to the rueful analysis that Ghanaians are not returning to Ghana in any large or meaningful numbers. And it is not yet clear if what we do at the Fest is still done in Ghana, or an Americanized version. Whatever the critics say does not matter. Just promise to do your best for Beautiful Ghana. And God will bless you, wherever you are. Ghanafest is organized by the supra-national organization, the Ghana National Council. Check on their website.
Posted on: Sat, 26 Jul 2014 08:00:35 +0000
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