Our Board
Welcome to our little space in the vast cyber world
We, the Sundiata African American Cultural Association produce a cultural festival yearly. We have come to know that Festival Sundiata is a breath of fresh air when it comes to racial relations and cultural competency. We are a volunteer group of folks that plan all year and give our best effort to celebrate and introduce the culture of people of African decent to the people in the Northwest. We would just like to thank you for visiting our website and hopefully you will become a member of the Festival Sundiata family and find yourself at Seattle Center each year during Festival Sundaiata the Black Arts Fest. Each one of our festivals are free of charge to attend, you won’t find a better deal anywhere in the Northwest. Make sure to buy a t-shirt or poster to remind you of this great festival.
Board Members
Roberto Jourdan
President
Grady Austin
Executive Director
Kim Brooks
Vice President
LeKeith Ashpy,
Board
Carl Copeland,
Board Member & Market place Coordinator
Vincent Livingston,
Board Member/Treasurer
Celestine Berrysmith
Board Member
Charles Tatum Jr.
Board Member/ Art Curator
Our Mission & Our Goals
Believing in God’s Word and Spirit
Sundiata was incorporated in 1980, we have more than 40 years of bringing African/African-American Cultural Arts to the Seattle area. Festival Sundiata named in honor of Sundiata Keita the historic and legendary Mansa (King of Kings) of the Mali Empire in West Africa, celebrates the popular traditions of this national hero. King Sundiata rescued his people’s Griot while creating one of the most significant cultural and economic kingdoms in Africa. SUNDIATA (pronounced: Soon-jah-tah), is the Pacific Northwest’s longest running African American festival celebrated in Seattle.
The Festival, continues to showcase art, education and entertainment which depicts the colorful perspectives, culture and history of people of African descent. The partnerships consist of corporate supporters, community organizations and individuals that understand and value the contributions of Black people in society. The depth of talent is breathtaking and the SAACA organization is committed to providing a platform to showcase the blend of artistic abilities for seasoned and new artists alike. Our partnerships in the community allows us to stay authentic and grounded while being at the pulse of what’s new and hip across the generations in entertainment, art and education.
Our Goals
Molding believers, influencing the world
Promote and feature local African-American talents through: production of an annual cultural arts festival. Promotion and/or support of cultural educational lectures, forums, panels, discussions, radio and television programs. Increase the opportunities for African-American children and youth to express their creativity and to be exposed to their cultural heritage. Expand the cultural events and activities supported by SAACA to allow opportunity for regional, national and international exposure. Continue to increase attendance at, and participation in, Festival Sundiata, thus contributing to the education and cultural awareness of a greater proportion of the population. Provide the greatest amount of exposure to African-American and African art, heritage and culture to the largest number of people possible by continuing to host Festival Sundiata free of charge to the public.
Our Mission
Year-round promotion, encouragement and support of public interest in traditional and contemporary African America Heritage, culture, arts and history. Such promotion, encouragement and support includes, but is not limited to, the annual production of Festival Sundiata, a cultural art festival.We are truly about family and intergenerational activities and opportunities.Most of all, we are about you. With the help of over 150 volunteers,Sundiata showcases local and regional Entertainment, Art and Photography Exhibits,Retail and Food Merchants and a dynamic Children’s Place.SAACA is currently soliciting year round support of volunteers and committee members
