Photos -- Umoja 2012

I've uploaded another set that was previously on Flickr up to Google+/Picasa.  Tonight's offerings are a series of shots from the 2012 Umoja Festival in Johnson City, Tennessee.

Umoja is a Swahili word meaning "unity".  The Umoja Festival is an annual occurrence in Johnson City, and marks several days of festivities in the downtown area celebrating West African and other international cultures.  Events include a parade, live music, dancing, games, cooking competitions, and storytelling while both downtown businesses and street vendors stay open into the night.

From the album -- A Zulu Connection stiltwalker

Since moving to Johnson City I've been able to attend two of these festivals, and I plan on going to to this year's.  I have to admit that as both a Southerner and an anthropologist its really makes me happy that a festival of this nature can take place in a (albeit probably more liberal leaning) town nestled in the Appalachian Mountains.  The crowds are always friendly and engaging, and they are made up of people from all ethnicities and backgrounds.

The full album can be found here.  More information about Johnson City's Umoja Festival can be found here.

Photos were taken with a Nikon D70.