Adoption STAR’s Sue Reardon provides a recap of last month’s special event.
Adoption STAR closed out Black History Month by celebrating our third annual African and Caribbean Culture Day. The event took place at the Evergreen Commons in Buffalo and nearly everyone noted what a beautiful facility it was!
The children had a wonderful time doing cultural crafts, playing chase with old (and new) friends and everyone enjoyed the entertainment. One vendor commented on the camaraderie among families and how much the children and their parents acted as though they were all one big extended family. It truly is a sight to behold!
We were joined this year by Zandra Skin Care who shared with attendees about products and entrepreneurship. Guests were also afforded the opportunity to make their own sugar scrubs. This was a definitely a hit with our tween girls! And WNY Naturals provided their expertize on proper hair care, including hands on demonstrations.
Chris Way of The Atinga Project also joined us and shared some exciting ways that many here in the U.S. are doing to help families and small businesses in Africa.
Authentic African and Caribbean cuisine was prepared by Aminata, of Kafe InterNational and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. Aminata also performed some traditional dance routines and even invited a small group from the audience to learn several moves.
Daughters of Creative Sound treated us to some wonderful storytelling and drumming. It’s no small feat to gain the attention of a room full of little ones, but these ladies did a fantastic job of it!
Many thanks to all our vendors, performers and participants! We look forward to not only continuing this event but making it bigger and better each year.
Here are some of the comments we received during and after the event:
“It was the first year we could pull it all together to attend! The storytellers were my favorite especially the story about the chicken and the cockroach.”
“This event keeps getting better and better each year!”
“We had an amazing time with the Adoption Star friends and families. Every opportunity to open your heart, mind and eyes to new possibilities, differences and culture is a blessing for sure.”
“Thanks Adoption STAR! Your important work is close to our hearts.”
A full set of pictures from the event can be found via Adoption STAR’s Facebook page.