Westchester County Department of Parks

June 18, 2024 – Join us to celebrate African-American culture and raise awareness about Physical and Mental Health at the African-American Heritage Festival on Sunday, June 23 from noon to 6 p.m. at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla. 

 

County Executive George Latimer said, “We gather at Kensico Dam Plaza to celebrate and take the opportunity to learn about the different cultures that make up the fabric of Westchester County. African American culture includes values and principles such as unity, patriotism, social cohesion, respect for authority and elders, and a sense of community life. This sentiment, communalism, is the belief that the success of the individual and the group are inseparable. By being culturally aware, we can recognize and appreciate other people's beliefs, customs, and values to interact with them without prejudice or judgement. This leads to more cultural connections and fewer interpersonal conflicts arising from cultural differences.”

 

Parks Commissioner Kathleen O’Connor said, “African American culture has had a profound impact on music, giving birth to various genres such as jazz, blues, gospel, R&B, hip-hop and reggae. Music is the universal language that unites us all, so dust off those dancing shoes and get your grove on with family and friends on the great lawn at Kensico Dam Plaza.”

 

There will be live entertainment, music, dance, drama, poetry, ethnic foods, line dancing, cultural arts and crafts, health vendors, educational vendors and much more.

 

The festival will be held rain or shine. Seating is informal; bring blankets or folding chairs for seating on the lawn. No coolers will be allowed. Admission and parking are free. Carpooling or taking mass transit is encouraged. A free shuttle service will be offered (by Accredited Limousine Service) to and from Valhalla and North White Plains Train Stations from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

 

The other heritage festivals in the series are:

The African-American Heritage Festival is co-sponsored by Westchester County Parks and the Coalition of African American Organizations.

 

 

Please be advised that on Sunday, June 23, the Bronx River Parkway will be closed for Bicycle Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. between Scarsdale Road in Yonkers and the Westchester County Center in White Plains. The park can be accessed via Route 22, from the north or south.