The late August warm midmorning sun heats the Rohnert Park green near the library as dozens of newly erected kiosks bustle with preparations to feed, entertain, and inform the newly arriving visitors. Culinary scents waft through the festive scene accompanied by melodious strands of gospel and soul music as children splash through a shallow waterway and smiling parents and grandparents survey the offerings of the vendors and a variety of information booths representing a multitude of community concerned organizations.
The Fourth Annual African Soul Festival slides gently into celebration. Sabrinna Woodward opens the jubilation with a thankful prayer grateful for “the opportunity to celebrate joy and build relationships, all standing together.” She declares that “the ultimate joy in our lives is to cultivate love and joy.” Joe Salinas follows advising all peoples to “support one another and share love, love all creations.”
Rubin Scott, founder of Community Equity Foundation, speaks to the motivation of the festival: “The purpose of the African Soul Festival is to bring people together. It allows the community to understand that we could all come together as professionals. Individuals and businesses have an impact and bring happiness and wellness to our community.”…