Moja Festival is in Full Swing

This celebration of African Americans and Caribbean Arts comes from the Swahili word meaning "one". Harmony among all segments of our community and the African and Caribbean contributions to western cultures say "Moja". The city is alive with Dance, Literary Arts, Music, Theatre, Visual Arts, Health and Recreation, and Special Events. The City of Charleston's Office of Cultural Affairs sponsors this ambitious festival.
 
For example, take a look at Jean German Ortiz' “Sister Mariah,” the nosey, noisy Christian Experience the gullas heritage in this this jubilant production. Here's how they describe it. "It tells the story of an old Christian mother who gets in everybody’s business, including the pastor. Though shink that the City is always on medication she is still stressed. This production also includes praise dance and old spirituals, leading up to Sister Mariah grand entrance. A wonderful, joyous evening for the entire family."

There's a little undercurrent of non Moja harmony in that some of the gullah community feel that the City has had a disconnect with the original black community. The feel that they were supposed to be running and conceiving their own festival themselves with the City's blessing and that is not the case now. Consequently it has lost lots of gullah roots and is too expensive for many artists in the community to present in or attend. Surely there will be a meeting of the minds because the Festival is vibrant and definitely a part of the city's core.

Take a look at www.mojafestival.com for more information.