Deputy Mayor for Neighborhood Engagement Margarita Muñiz greets members of the Newark African Commission and dignitaries from Ghana at the kick-off ceremony for the First Annual African Diaspora Festival, at City Hall, on July 30, 2009. The three-day festival, which will take place in Military Park and the newly-opened Nat Turner Park, will offer music, family activities, and international soccer competitions. Friday, July 31, 2009: Family Day, Noon – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Military Park, Broad Street and Raymond Boulevard
Information: Bring the entire family along to Downtown Newark’s Military Park for a day filled with fun activities, for adults and especially children. Highlights of the day will include original talent competitions for adults and children. Food and drinks will be available.
Saturday, August 1, 2009: Diaspora Soccer Tournament, 10 a.m. – 5p.m.
Location: Nat Turner Park, 251-289 18th Avenue (between Boyd Street and Muhammad Ali Avenue)
Information: 20 adult soccer teams from across the world, including Brazil, Liberia, Haiti, Ghana, and New Jersey, will compete in the “Diaspora Soccer Tournament.” The seven-hour tournament is the first of its kind.
Sunday, August 2, 2009: All Day Cultural Festival, Noon – 10p.m.
Location: Military Park, Broad Street and Raymond Boulevard
Information: Live cultural plays and performances from across the African continent, The Caribbean, and South America, will entertain Newark residents throughout Sunday afternoon and evening. Located in downtown Newark between Broad Street and Park Place, and close to public transportation, the festival is easily accessible to residents from all over the region.
About the City of Newark, New Jersey
Newark, commonly referred to as Brick City, is the third oldest city in the United States and the largest in New Jersey, with a population of over 280,000 people. Newark sits on one of the nation’s largest transportation super-structures including an international airport, major rail connections, major highway intersections and the busiest seaport on the east coast.
With a new Administration as of July 2006, Newark continues to see signs of a strong revival. In population, it is one of the fastest growing cities in the northeast. Its 6 major colleges and universities are further expanding their presence. The production of affordable housing has doubled, businesses are returning and crime is going down. There is still much work to be done but Newark is on its way to achieving its mission: to set a national standard for urban transformation.
Photo Caption: Deputy Mayor for Neighborhood Engagement Margarita Muñiz greets members of the Newark African Commission and dignitaries from Ghana at the kick-off ceremony for the First Annual African Diaspora Festival, at City Hall, on July 30, 2009. The three-day festival, which will take place in Military Park and the newly-opened Nat Turner Park, will offer music, family activities, and international soccer competitions. African Festival kick-off 01
