Community festivals carry a unique power: they gather people, celebrate culture, and create a space where identity becomes visible and shared. In the Spring 2019 issue of Voices Magazine, the announcement for the 3rd Annual Taste of Liberia Cultural Festival and Gala Event does exactly that — it invites the community into a celebration that blends culture, cuisine, and a meaningful cause.
The magazine clearly states the event is happening on Saturday, September 7, 2019. That date is more than a calendar detail; it’s a marker of continuity. This is the third annual event, which suggests a growing tradition — something that is becoming a consistent cultural moment for the community. Annual events build identity over time, and by the third year, people begin to recognize that this is something to look forward to and take pride in.
The core focus of the festival, as listed in the magazine, includes food, culture, and tourism. Each of these pieces matters because each one represents a different way the community connects to Liberia. Food is memory and comfort. Culture is heritage and identity. Tourism is connection to place and the broader story of the nation. Together, these themes suggest an event designed not only for entertainment, but also for deeper cultural engagement.
But the announcement adds another powerful dimension: the festival will also highlight information and details about Sickle Cell Disease and the fight for a cure. That makes this gathering more than a cultural celebration; it becomes a community awareness moment. It communicates that culture and community responsibility can exist in the same space. When a festival includes health education and awareness, it strengthens the community by encouraging conversations that matter — not only about celebration, but also about wellbeing.
The magazine outlines what attendees can expect during the event. It states the festival will feature a Liberian foods buffet and innovative cuisine sampling. This combination is important: a buffet suggests abundance and variety — a full experience of Liberian flavors — while innovative sampling suggests creativity and modern expression. It shows that the event values tradition while also welcoming fresh interpretations of Liberian cuisine.
The announcement also mentions specialty Liberian alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. This adds another layer of cultural experience. Drinks, like food, often carry cultural identity — flavors, ingredients, and presentation styles that reflect heritage. By including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, the event suggests inclusivity — something for everyone to enjoy.
Another major highlight described is an awards ceremony. According to the magazine, this ceremony will recognize Liberian Americans or Liberian nationals, and organizations that have been pivotal in changing the country’s narrative and moving it to a better future. This is a powerful mission statement. It suggests that the festival is not only about entertainment, but also about recognition — honoring individuals and groups who contribute to progress, upliftment, and positive change.
The phrase “changing the country’s narrative” is especially meaningful. Narratives influence how people view a nation and a community. When a diaspora community organizes an awards ceremony around positive change, it becomes a way of emphasizing hope and progress. It tells the community: we are not only defined by struggle — we are also defined by impact, resilience, and forward movement. Recognizing people and organizations in this way strengthens pride and encourages continued contribution.
A festival like this also creates connection. Many members of the Liberian diaspora live across different cities and states, and events like Taste of Liberia become meeting points — where people see each other, build relationships, and reinforce cultural ties. Even for those who are not Liberian, the event becomes an educational experience — a space to learn, taste, and understand. The magazine’s focus on culture and tourism suggests that it aims to present Liberia in a positive, attractive light — highlighting what makes it rich, unique, and worth exploring.
The inclusion of Sickle Cell Disease awareness shows the organizers are using the cultural platform for something deeper. Health challenges can affect communities quietly, and awareness is often the first step toward change. When a cultural festival dedicates space to health information and the fight for a cure, it shows the community is thinking about both celebration and care. It communicates that showing love for culture also means showing responsibility for people.
The magazine includes a website for further information, which signals that the festival is organized with public access and outreach in mind. Announcements like this in a community magazine matter because they reach the very people the festival is designed for — those who want to stay connected to Liberian culture, those who want to support community causes, and those who want to celebrate and uplift.
In summary, the Taste of Liberia Cultural Festival and Gala is presented as a multi-layered event: a celebration of Liberian identity through food, culture, and tourism; a community awareness effort around Sickle Cell Disease and the fight for a cure; and a recognition space honoring individuals and organizations shaping a better future and narrative for Liberia.
That blend is what makes the event meaningful. It isn’t only a party. It’s a cultural statement. It’s an educational platform. It’s a recognition stage. And it’s a reminder that culture can be celebrated while also serving the community in real and lasting ways.
