2023 Back To Angola Festival
Oaktree Community Outreach, Inc. hosted a FREE 3-day outdoor festival, Oct 20 - 22, 2023 - Back to Angola Festival 2023. This cultural and heritage festival recounts the history of the Angola Maroon Community that lived along the Manatee River circa 1812, and celebrates the rich heritage of the descendants who migrated to Red Bays, Andros in The Bahamas. The event was held on the very grounds where our ancestors called home, now the Manatee Mineral Springs Park , 1312 2nd Ave East, Bradenton, Florida. The theme "Shoulders We Stand On, Honoring Angola's Freedom Seekers".
Check out last year's festival highlights to get a taste of what's to come in the future!
Back to Angola Festival 2023 Short Video 1 _ Opening, Panel Discussion, Food, Basket-weaving.
Back to Angola Festival 2023 Exhibitors and Presentations by Descendants of Seminole Maroons_Video 3
Back to Angola Festival 2023 _Video Junkanoo Rush Out_Friday Opening Event (Oct 20)
Check out our past Oral History interviews, by University of Florida!
Meet Our Panelists
We gathered some brilliant minds in one place and were thrilled to have a lively discussion!
Meet Our Workshop Presenters
Are you up for trying something new and exciting? How about learning the art of basket weaving, woodcarving, traditional dance, or music? Participants got hands-on experience learning from some impressive experts!
Meet Our Cultural Performers
The vibrant rhythms of Bahamian music and dance filled the air and inspired the audience, they were immersed in the rich cultural heritage!
Meet Our Vendors
Festival attendees enjoyed mouth-watering food, explored stunning jewelry collections, body oils and purchased unique Bahamian souvenirs, and much more. There was something for everyone.
Meet Our Sponsors and Partners
Our amazing sponsors and partners played an integral role in making the Back To Angola Festival possible!
THANK YOU!
EXPLORE OUR PHOTO GALLERY BELOW.
Highlights From 2023 Back to Angola
Black Seminole Descendant, Wilton and Panelists: Vickie Oldham, Dr. Sharon Jefferson, Stefan Moss, Dr. Uzi Baram, Jason Brown(Seminole Descendant), Dr. Canter Brown, Sherry Svekis
Kendrick Wallace is instructing his student on wood carving, previously being taught himself by his father Henry Wallace. (Angola descendant; Red Bays Andros resident)
Angola Descendant and Resident of Andros Island, demonstrates traditional basket weaving
Black Seminole Descendant, Wilton and Panelists: Vickie Oldham, Dr. Sharon Jefferson, Stefan Moss, Dr. Uzi Baram, Jason Brown(Seminole Descendant), Dr. Canter Brown, Sherry Svekis