NEWARK, NJ — Join the Essex County freeholders on Saturday, Sept. 10, in Branch Brook Park, the Prudential grove area off of Park Avenue in Newark, from noon to 6 p.m. for the Essex County Freeholder’s second African Caribbean Festival. This free event will celebrate, as Bob Marley said, “One love, one heart, let’s get together and feel all right.”
In 2015, lyrics from the great Bob Marley and other prolific artists permeated through the diverse crowd of more than 2,000 people all vibing to family-friendly entertainment. Live performances were made by Rupee, Lyrikal, Ricky Persaud Jr., the Crossroads and more. To see what the festival is like, visit Essex County Freeholder’s first African Caribbean Festival video.
With the continuous theme of “One Love,” good food, quality entertainment, cultural dancers, drums and more, the 2016 festival is expected to be a great time.
This year’s artists include Flourgon, Karry-Ann Scorpian, Zola, Elijah, Ricky Persaud Jr., Rah Rah Panu, Bo Shy, Koleurz Band, DJ Blaze, DJ Zimo and DJ Hollywood.
“With all the calamity in the world, it is nice for everyone to come together as ‘one’ to celebrate diversity and clear your mind with positive music,” said Freeholder President Britnee Timberlake, who started this initiative in 2015 along with freeholders Rufus Johnson and Lebby Jones, and the African Caribbean Festival Committee, which consists of community members Gail Bell, Hector Carter, Elza Cival, Evette Etswick, Deborah Davis Ford, Michelle Gill, Michael Gray, Josiah S. Gordon, Jessica Johnson, Lionel Leach, Lady Ira Lewis, Debra Marvel, Cheryl Murphy, Patrick Reid, Dominic Tamin, Chris Taylor, Brenda Telford, Lillian Torres and Kyle Whitted.
“All are invited to experience such a beautiful cultural experience, bring the family and come enjoy yourselves,” Johnson said.
“This festival showcases and celebrates the African and Caribbean cultures and invites everyone to participate in it,” Jones said.
This year’s festival is sponsored by Covanta, IBEW Local 1158, Aramark, CWA Local 1039, Promocity, Phil & Tammy Murphy, Exit Platinum Realty, Lady Ira Promotions, Partnerships Community Development Corporation, Michelle’s Foundation and Essex County.