- In a recent 2014 independently conducted survey, our Festival was voted the #1 event in Leimert Park Village and the main reason why people visit Leimert Park Village.
- Since the Festivals' inception in 2009, it has been the largest privately produced cultural event in Leimert Park Village, and the largest 3-day Labor Day Celebration in Los Angeles.
- The Festival is the signature event of The Leimert Park Village Group whose mission is to promote culture, commerce and community.
- Th Festival showcases a broad spectrum of Black creative works including fine arts, quality crafts, music, dance and other performing and visual arts.
- The festival brings together people of diverse cultures, races and lifestyles which promotes dialogue, and a broadening of one's cultural understanding.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
- The Festival generates meaningful revenue for local merchants, area businesses and participating vendors.
- Our event is co-sponsored by Councilmember Herb Wesson, Jr., and supported by The Leimert Park Village Task Force, The Crenshaw Area Business Improvement District, Community Build, Inc. and The Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, the Leimert Park Village businesses and Stakeholders.
- Our exhibitors and sponsors travel from abroad: Africa, Switzerland, nationally: New York, Michigan, Florida, Nevada, Georgia, regionally from all parts of California and locally.
CULTURAL IMPACT
- A city-wide event that attracts people from across all council districts, in addition to attracting regional, national and international visitors.
- An arts festival that features fine arts, including painting, sculpting, fine jewelry, ceramics, wood working, fiber arts, and quality crafts that reflect a Pan African aesthetic.
- World renown musicians Randy Crawford, Azar Lawrence, and Leon "Da Lion" Mobely, as well as well-established artists Barbara Morrison, and LTD have performed on our main stage.
- Participating fine artists have included: Carlos Spivey (our Featured Fine Artist in 2013), Charles Bibbs (our Featured Artist in 2010); Ramses (our Featured Artist in 2011 and 2012); Azziz Diagne (our Featured Artist, 2009); Sika of Sika's Fine Jewelry; Reginald Lewis; and more.
EDUCATIONAL IMPACT
- This Festival provides special programing that focuses on health/wellness, economics/business, arts/culture, literacy/education, leadership/mentorship, (H.E.A.L.L.) for children (ages 2-12), and teens (ages 13-18), many of whom have little access and/or exposure to the arts.
- Our age-appropriate, interactive activities may include doll making, mask making, jewelry making, t-shirt design, drum lessons, quilting, storytelling, photojournalism, healthy cooking demonstrations, writing contests, physical activities, workshops, speakers and competitions.
MEDIA IMPACT
- Coverage of the Festival has included local print, radio, and television advertising and a strategic use of social media marketing though websites, blogs, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, & more.
- Community and civic leaders that have attended the Festival include LA City Council President, and Councilmember Herb Wesson, Jr. (10th District); Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas; LA Councilmembers Bernard C. Parks (8th District), Curren Price (9th District); CA Assemblymember Holly Mitchell; LA County Commissioner Mike Davis; LA Councilmember & Freedom Rider Robert Ferrell; Thomas A. Mesereau, Jr. Esq., (best known for his defense of Michael Jackson in 2005); Actors Baba Olatunji, Milena Gay & Bookem Woodbine; Comedians Michael Collier and Stevie Mack; Reverend Michael Beckwith (Author of "The Secret") & Ricki Byers-Beckwith, Co-Founders of The Agape Spiritual Center; Ayuko Babu, Executive Director, The Pan African Film Festival; Asantewa Olatunji, General Manager, The Pan African Film Festival; Reverend Jewett Walker, President 100 Black Men of Los Angeles; Jan Robinson-Flint, President, Black Women for Wellness; Shelia Smith Johnson, President, Black Women's Network; Cynthia E. Exum, Founder & Producer, The Leimert Park Book Fair; Miki Turner, award-winning photojournalist/producer, and Miss Black California (2009) and more..
SOCIAL IMPACT
We frequently partner with local groups and organizations to bring health and wellness, education, and social services resources to our audience. Past partnerships have included:
- 100 Black Men of Los Angeles
African American Health Institute
American Red Cross
Art N' Food
Balle Fette bu Senegal
Black Women For Wellness
California African American Genealogical Society
California Highway Patrol
Calvin Walker Community Building
- Charles Drew University
Community Build
Congress of African People
County of Los Angeles Fire Department
Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles
First Responder CPR
Five Points Youth Foundation
Ford Theatres
Healthy African American Families, Inc.
Intercoast College
Kids Are 1st
Levitt Pavilion Pasadena
Lotus on the Nile Wellness Center
Operation Hope
The Mesreau Free Legal Clinic
- The Pan African Film Festival
The Children's Dental Center of Greater Los Angeles
