CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Stepping into House of Africa feels like entering a museum of African history. 

“We wanted to bring to America and the world our rich heritage and powerful culture. If you can’t get to Africa, we’ll bring Africa to you, ” owner Pape Ndiaye said. 

What You Need To Know

  • Juneteenth of the Carolinas celebrates 24 years of culture and education

  • This year's festivlal includes a march for the firs time ever 

  • Organizers say they the event is about education and self awareness

Ndiaye said when he came to the United States from Senegal in 1995, he found few places to learn about the continent. So, he created the shop two years later to educate Charlotteans about Africa. 

“House of Africa is not just a place where you buy things. It’s a place where you learn about the history and the culture of Africa,” he said. 

The same year, he founded the first Juneteenth festival to celebrate when the last enslaved African Americans learned they were free on June 19, 1865.

“Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas gives birth to all the Juneteenth around Charlotte and the surrounding area, that’s beautiful,” Ndiaye said. 

This year marks the 24th annual celebration, and Ndiaye said Juneteenth should be celebrated by all Americans. 

“Juneteenth is not just an African-American holiday, but a piece of American history,” he said.

Like House of Africa, Ndiaye said he hopes people who participate in this year’s festival will continue to be enlightened on America’s dark past, using it also as a tool to educate.

The festival starts Thursday and goes through Sunday. For a full list of events, click here.