My presentation will be based on my current book project called Noon in the City: The Story of an African American Festival in Philadelphia.  The book deals with a woman named Lois Fernandez who, 40 years ago started an African Street festival in a predominantly black neighborhood in Philadelphia.

Over the years, the festival, based on an African festival in Nigeria, grew in size and scope and the neighborhood changed, becoming more gentrified. Conflict has arisen about the festival being in the neighborhood.  I will discuss the history of the neighborhood, the history of the festival against the backdrop of the history of Philadelphia over the last forty years and how racial politics have affected how the festival is received in the neighborhood.

LUNCH MENU

• Cornish Beef Stew
• Vegetarian Lasagna (with spinach, porcini mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, four cheeses, basil pesto and spinach-gorgonzola sauce)
• ½ Smoked Turkey & Cheddar Cheese Sandwich with Fresh Fruit Garnish  & Cup of Black Bean Soup
• Whole Smoked Turkey & Cheddar Cheese Sandwich with Fresh Fruit Garnish
• Chef’s Salad

Dessert (optional)

• Vanilla Ice Cream with a Homemade Cookie