ABOUT
This year marks the 33rd Anniversary of the Africa In April Cultural Awareness Festival. The Festival is scheduled for April 17 - 21, 2019 on the Internationally famous Beale Street & Robert R. Church Park from 8:00 am - until.
We will showcase the Republic of Nigeria from an international perspective using a multiplicity of mediums education, economics, culture, fashions, arts/crafts, music, history, and cuisines. Participants from Shelby County and Parochial Schools, area Colleges, Universities, Community Organizations, and Institutions will participate and enjoy a diverse cultural marketplace.
Africa In April is four days of fun, festivities, and food with a different theme each day. Make plans now for the celebration.
FOUNDERS
DAVID L. ACEY, SR
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
David L. Acey, Sr. is a Retired Assistant Professor of African American Rhetoric and Interracial Communication at the University of Memphis in the Department of Communication. He served as Director of African American Studies at the University from 1979 to 1985 and designed several Afrocentric courses currently taught in the department. He has dedicated most of his professional life to improving the status of African Americans in higher education. Acey’s focus has been to develop strategies to encourage participation in public life and improve inter group communication and race relations from a multi-cultural perspective. An understanding and an appreciation of one’s tradition / heritage will increase respect for other’s ethnicity. As a result of his continued commitment to improve communication between groups and foster academic excellence, approximately thirty-one years ago, Acey organized an annual event honoring an African Country. He serves as the Executive Director of Africa In April Cultural Awareness Festival, Inc. This yearly festival links and connects the University with the larger community locally, regionally, nationally, and globally.
YVONNE B. ACEY
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
Yvonne B. Acey, Associate Director of Africa In April Cultural Awareness Festival, Inc., former President of the Memphis Education Association, is a retired educator from Memphis City Schools as an English/African American Literature and Creative Writing instructor. Her last assignment was a Project Specialist with Memphis City Schools. Mrs. Acey received a B.A. Degree in English from LeMoyne-Owen College, a Masters Degree in Special Education& Rehabilitation from The University of Memphis and ninety hours toward her Doctorate Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision. Yvonne is married to David L. Acey, Sr. and they have one son, David L. Acey, II. Her community service, civic, and humanitarian involvements are extensive representing several decades with numerous organizations-founder/Associate Director of Africa In April Cultural Awareness Festival, Inc., former President, Women in Education, Inc., member of professional educational organizations(MEA, TEA, NEA, Memphis/Shelby County Retired Association-President - Elect, The National Sorority of Phi Delta, Inc., Beta Eta Chapter, The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. BEO Chapter( Life Member), AKA Graduate Mentor's Council (U of M/ LOC.), AKA Connections, Communication, Membership, Fundraising, Constitutions & By Laws and Standards. Mrs. Acey is a recipient of enormous of awards and honors- AKA Soror of the Year, Phi Delta Kappa South Eastern Soror of the Year, AKA South Eastern Humanitarian Award, AKA International World Community Honoree, Memphis / Shelby County Women of Achievement Honoree,
Memphis/Shelby County Educator, AKA Teenage Improvement Club (Founder/Organizer), TEA Political Action Leadership Award, TEA Susan B. Anthony Honoree and Worldwide Who's Who VIP Executive of the Year. Currently, the Aceys are members of The Mt. Vernon Baptist Church- Westwood, Inc.