The Compton Bulletin Online

Last Updated 8/13/08

After ‘31 Golden Years,’ Clegg Says Goodbye

Rodney Murray Appointed Dean of Vocational Education at Compton Center

Cornwell Appointed New City Attorney

Not Your Average Summer Camp

500 Foster Youth Go Fishing

Tarbabe Art, Band Teacher Heads Home

Home Beauty Contest Moves to 2nd District

Former Don’s Football Star, USC Recruit Convicted of Armed Robbery

Earl Ofari
Hutchinson:
McCain and Obama Must Break Their Silence on Black AIDS Crisis

Classifieds

SEARCH our archives

HOME

African Marketplace Surviving Despite Hurdles
Founder perseveres through tough economic conditions

By Gene C. Johnson Jr.
Bulletin Staff Writer

What the thousands who will attend the 23rd Annual African Marketplace and Cultural Faire at the Rancho Cienega Park in Los Angeles won’t see when the event takes place later on this month and through Labor Day are the many hurdles founder James Burks had to overcome to keep the popular venue going.

“We’re living in a climate now that is not necessarily friendly to nonprofit, community-based organizations,” said the 1967 Compton High School graduate. “They’re limited in their thinking process. With so many corporations fleeing the United States and outsourcing their jobs, we don’t have a lot of big, corporate sponsorships right now.”

Sponsors have included the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, Xerox, Time Warner Cable, Southwest Airlines and Western Union. Burks said funding also has come in large part because of Los Angeles City Council members Bernard Parks, Herb Wesson and Jan Perry.

“We’re low on our vendor turnout this year because people are struggling themselves; they’re struggling to make money,” he said. “The marketplace is a commerce – a cultural commerce. People are struggling with their fees to become a part of it. So we have to negotiate relationships with some of these people.”

Burks said the other organizers and contributors of the event – which started in 1989 – will have to raise at least a quarter of a million dollars to properly produce the marketplace this year.

The marketplace, a three-weekend event (from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.), begins Aug. 16 and concludes on Sept. 1, which is Labor Day.

In an effort to raise the needed money by Aug. 11, a campaign called “Friend of the African Marketplace” was launched, Burke said.

“The economics of producing events such as the African Marketplace have become more and more of a struggle each year, but we’ve managed to persevere despite this fact,” he said. “This year, however, the climb up the ladder has been more difficult than ever. Consequently, we’re appealing to the people who make our event possible each year – our audience.”

Still, when the gates open Aug. 16 for the three-weekend event, those in attendance can expect to see a unique amalgamation of authentic music, foods, arts, cultures and people that come together in one place.

“You have food from South Africa, Belize, Trinidad and Tobago, New Orleans, Nigeria, Cote de Ivorie, as well as music, dance and culture from these countries as well,” said Joyce Maddox, a spokeswoman for the marketplace. “It’s a trip around the world without leaving home and a history lesson that teaches you about the influence of Africa on every region in the world.”

Festivities will include an Inspiration Faire Aug. 16 and 17 featuring choirs, praise dancers and spoken word artists; a Brazil Music and Trade Festival Aug. 31; a Reggae Festival Sept. 1 and “Cinema After Dark,” which first opened last year.

“Cinema After Dark is a showcase of films that are shown in an outdoor environment with a big, inflated screen,” said Rashid Bahadi, producer of the event. “We show films in the tradition of Africa. We show films outside. Some of the films are from the continent of Africa or from the (African) Diaspora.

“There are a lot of stories coming from the (African) Diaspora that, in this country, we don’t get a chance to see. We would like the community to come out and experience these films. It’s a very unique concept to our community. This is something that is new for our community that we feel that we could do and have a good time in a safe environment. Bring the family if you like.”

In order to join Friends of the African Marketplace, Burks said pledges of $50 or more can be mailed to 3347 W. 43rd St., Los Angeles 90008. Checks can be made payable to the African Marketplace Inc., or payments may be made at www.africanmarketplace.org. All donations are tax deductible.

General admission to the African Marketplace and Cultural Faire is $8; senior citizens pay $5 and children under 10 are free. Fore more information, call (323) 293-1612.