Celebrating African Culture and Presenting a United Front

Today's African United Day was meant to be held in Claremont Park, but the weather had other ideas, and when the rain storm came revellers relocated to the Gambian Socity on Jerome Avenue, to enjoy music, dancing, and a fashion show.

The event was the first of its kind in the city. "With Africans in the past we haven’t come together under one umbrella," said Sadatu Mamah-Trawill (pictured), who's Ghanian.

“There’s so many African associations but they are weak on their own," added Togo-born Baba Taraore. "We’re trying to create a united front with a strong voice."

Organizers - who recently created the African Peoples Alliance to help the city's growing African population adapt to life in the U.S. - hope that July 29 will become an official day of celebration for Africans living in New York, and eventually a parade to rival the Puerto Rican Day Parade and others. (Photo by James Fergusson)