Jon StojanJoin the celebration of African diasporic traditions and Kara Mack’s legacy in Los Angeles this September.
This September, Kara Mack, a renowned performing artist, choreographer, and the visionary founder of Africa In America®, will celebrate a significant milestone—ten years of dedicated work in preserving and promoting African Diasporic traditions in the United States. The event, set to take place on September 28th and 29th, 2024, will be hosted at The Miracle Theater in Inglewood and Crenshaw Yoga & Dance Studios. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to delve into the rich heritage of African American traditions, focusing on wellness and cultural heritage.
Photo: Kara Mack
A Decade of Cultural Impact
Kara Mack’s journey as an artist and cultural advocate began in Columbia, SC, where she discovered her passion for the performing arts at a young age. Despite being gifted in various disciplines, Mack initially struggled to identify a singular focus. Reflecting on her early years, she shares, “Since I was young, I knew I wanted to be a performing artist, but I just didn’t know specifically what I would be doing or how it would come about since I was gifted in so many areas. I struggled, in the beginning, thinking that I had to make a choice on one and stick with that, but I soon discovered that type of thinking hinders you way more than ‘keeping you focused.'”
Her move to Los Angeles during her 10th-grade year marked a turning point in her life. The transition was challenging, but it also ignited a determination within her to pursue her dreams with fervor. It was in Los Angeles that Mack found herself taking open dance classes at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, where she was exposed to West African dance in a formal setting for the first time. “Though I took West African classes in South Carolina, it was not so formal; it was outside and less structured. However, what connected me was that, for the first time, I saw how every movement I saw in the studio, I recognized through the movements of my own African-American culture…majorette, steppin’, jazz, hip-hop, etc. A light bulb lit up in my brain, and that’s when I committed to, in my one body, learning as many different African Diasporic techniques,” she recalls.
This profound realization led her to establish Africa In America®—a brand that has since become a vital resource for professionals and enthusiasts of African Diasporic arts and culture. Over the past decade, Africa In America® has grown to offer platforms for education, collaboration, and community engagement, all aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of African roots in contemporary culture.
The Celebration: “THE YARD SHOW: A Celebration of African American Traditions”
The upcoming event, “THE YARD SHOW: A Celebration of African American Traditions,” will serve as the centerpiece of this 10-year anniversary celebration. Scheduled for September 28th and 29th, the event will feature a diverse lineup of activities designed to immerse participants in the traditions and practices that have shaped African American culture.
The Yard Show will take place at two iconic Los Angeles locations: The Miracle Theater in Inglewood and Crenshaw Yoga & Dance Studios. The event will include interactive sessions that connect attendees with mindfulness practices and wellness resources rooted in African American traditions. Participants will explore the music and dance history of the African Diaspora, with discussions focusing on the integration of these practices into daily life to enhance overall well-being.
One of the highlights of the event will be the master workshops led by top dancers from the TV and film industry. These workshops offer a rare opportunity to learn from industry leaders in dance and movement. Additionally, the event will honor Congolese Master Dancer and Drummer Mabiba Baegne and the original dancers from the iconic TV show “Soul Train” (1971-1975), whose significant contributions to the black community will be recognized in special ceremonies.
A Community Celebration
The celebration will extend beyond the workshops and discussions, culminating in a public space activation on September 29th. This free event will be held on Crenshaw Boulevard between 54th and 57th Avenue and is designed to bring the community together in a festive atmosphere. Attendees can look forward to live performances, contests, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for African American culture and traditions.
Looking Forward: The Future of Africa In America®
As Africa In America® enters its second decade, Kara Mack remains committed to her mission of preserving and celebrating African Diasporic traditions. The brand continues to evolve, with recent expansions, including the creation of the first-ever online hub through Bopsidy.com. This platform provides an additional avenue for education, collaboration, and the dissemination of African Diasporic arts and culture.
Reflecting on the journey so far, Mack notes, “I had no idea that over 20 years later, the industry would be going in this direction, but it has placed me in many different positions, including choreographer, creative director, singer, founder of my own trademarked brand Africa in America, creating the first-ever online hub through Bopsidy.com, and there is much more to come!”
Join the Celebration
Africa In America® invites everyone to join in this momentous celebration of culture, wellness, and African American traditions. Tickets and additional event details can be found on the official Africa In America® website. The full schedule of events is available online, with various locations hosting different segments of this two-day celebration.
For more information, be sure to visit www.africainamericallc.com and www.kara-mack.com.
About Africa In America
Africa In America®, founded by Kara Mack, is a global brand dedicated to celebrating and preserving the richness of African Diasporic traditions in the United States. Through events, workshops, and an online hub, Africa In America® highlights the impact of African culture on music, dance, fashion, and the arts, fostering education, innovation, and community engagement.