(ACCoCA)

By Alessia Proietti

Tickets and sponsorships available

First annual Afro Caribbean Cultural Event comes to Red Deer this November

Oct 6, 2022 | 12:15 PM

The first annual Afro Caribbean Cultural Event will be held in Red Deer this November.

On November 18, the African Caribbean Centre of Central Alberta (ACCoCA) will be hosting the event from 6 – 10 p.m. at Festival Hall (4214 58 St) with live entertainment, ethnic food, dancers, 50/50 prizes and more in a celebration of culture.

The new non-profit organization (302e-5013 50 Ave) was registered as a society on June 8, 2022 within the Societies Act of the Alberta Government with eight diverse professionals serving on the board of directors.

“Our vision is to be part of a central Alberta community that is socially and culturally cohesive,” said Zainab Mohamoud, Founder & Executive Director of the ACCoCA. “Our mission is to support and enhance the well-being of the African Caribbean diaspora by exchanging knowledge and promoting social inclusion.”

The organization says they plan on supporting social development through education on legal, mental health, employment and financial matters as well as providing cultural exchanges, referrals and support.

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The event will have keynote speaker Dr. Love Nwigwe, founder and president of Red Deer’s International Women of Purpose Cultural Association and the Amor Natural Health & Wellness Clinic.

Alongside an African Caribbean DJ, Rochelle Ignacio will be Master of Ceremonies (MC). Ignacio is the Co-Founder and Operations Business Officer of Black-Owned Market in Edmonton.

Entertainment will consist of various performers including:

• “Veritas” band with Crux Phiri & Enoch from Edmonton
• Singers and songwriters Dean Ray and Chura Montgomery
• Dancer Martha Elena Cortés Polo performing a Colombian cultural dance
• Adult and youth Cameroon Dancers
  (ACCoCA)

Other community leaders and elected officials like Mayor Ken Johnston will also be in attendance, with some delivering speeches.

Items are still being accepted for the silent auction and sponsorship opportunities are also available beginning at $200.

With the goal of raising $150,000 through the event and a GoFundMe page, the organization intends to use the funds for start-up costs such as office furnishings and supplies, technology equipment and staff salaries.

“We strongly believe our organization is equipped and qualified to provide culturally appropriate services to African Caribbean populations in central Alberta,” said Mohamoud. “We want to close the gap in human social services in central Alberta.”

Tickets are available on Eventbrite or at various sponsor locations, beginning at $45 per person.

(ACCoCA)