When you combine Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center, you have one of the largest African populations in the state.

“It’s such a great benefit for us to have such a diverse area,” said Natalie Conrad of Minneapolis Northwest Tourism. “Especially with restaurants. The fact that you can try so many different types of cuisine and just experience so many different cultures I think is such a huge draw.”

Events like next Saturday’s Igbofest at North Hennepin Community College highlight that diversity. The festival promotes the culture and tradition of the West-African Igbo people. Local residents say this festival is a way to maintain their culture. But they invite everyone to join in the fun at IgboFest.

Umune Cultural Association President Okechukwu Nnaji said, “You will find Egusi Soup, you will find jollof Rice, you will find grilled meats of all sorts. You will find corn. We call it ‘oka’ in the Igbo language.”

The event takes place on the south side of North Hennepin Community College and is sponsored by the Umune Cultural Association. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., but we’re told it really gets going in mid-afternoon. Find out more information on our website CCX Media.

See the full CCX article here.