For the fifth year in a row, our mayor, Sylvester Turner, declared that one day a year in Houston should be dedicated to Africa.  In 2022 it was Friday, May 20, and one section of the George R. Brown Convention Center was rocking!  Angola was well represented by both Ana Paula do Nascimento, consul general of Angola in Houston and Fatima Benge, president of the Houston-Luanda Sister City Association (HLSCA).  Nearly a dozen ambassadors of African countries were also in attendance, arriving in Houston from Washington, D.C. 

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Various African organizations in Houston—be they restaurants or shops—set up booths and sold their wares.  Angola was represented in another way—by the few remaining pieces of art by Manuel Ventura that closed off one end of the exhibition space.  Ventura was the Angolan artist featured at the gala in Houston last year celebrating Angolan independence.

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Of course, there were many speeches, including from the mayor and other dignitaries.   All other times attendees were surrounded by African music, provided by an on-site guitarist with a great voice and his partner on the saxophone. More often than not, the women attendees were attired in African fabric, often in native dress.  Even some of the men followed suit.  There were many families, making it a great opportunity for African children born in the U.S. to absorb aspects of their heritage.

 

All-in-all, it was an outstanding evening.  More Angolans living in Houston need to make a point of attending next year.  You’re sure to enjoy it!