2010 Pan-African Cultural Festival Lights up Veterans Plaza

With the theme of "Unite and Collaborate, Supporting Partnerships for Progress," the 2010 Pan-African Cultural Festival brought a taste of African culture to Downtown Silver Spring's Veterans Plaza. More than 1,000 people were on hand to listen to speeches, enjoy music and sample African fare.

Baltimore's Dehconte Nyepan, originally from Liberia, was invited to play his music to celebrate his home country's role in West African independence. "This is great for Silver Spring – to show diversity and recognize the regions' growing African immigrant population."

One of the food vendors, Tropical Fusion Catering offered attendees Chicken Red Stew, Plantains, Lamb Suya, West African Chim Chim and other African delicacies. Part-owner Stephen Mumuni was pleased with the event "It was well worth our time to come out to this nice area to get the word out to the specific group we cater to. We gave out lots of cards, and possibly even booked a gig!"

26-year-old Jada Jenkins of Silver Spring enjoyed everything, "I'm happy to see culture in the center of Silver Spring – you had to go to DC before."