Welcome Home to Diaspora One Tikar One People!
Your journey to preserve the rich culture, arts and language of Africa and reconnection to your roots has just begun……
An Introduction to One Tikar One People
Welcome to One Tikar One People, a passionate, African immigrant-led cultural organization dedicated to building and strengthening the vibrant diaspora communities here in the Twin Cities of Minnesota.
Our vision is to create powerful platforms for cultural expression and heritage preservation, fostering a deeper understanding of Africa’s rich diversity through youth engagement and continuous community initiatives.
The heart of our mission is amplified through our landmark annual event, the Minnesota African Cultural Festival. This celebration is a powerful engine for economic development, designed to provide a crucial stage for African-owned businesses.
We create invaluable networking opportunities, connecting our entrepreneurs with the public, community leaders, and procurement officers from major corporations and government entities.
Beyond the festival, we are deeply committed to fostering sustainable growth. We champion the economic empowerment of our community through targeted training and development in crucial areas like business ownership, healthcare, mental wellness, and wealth creation, ensuring our people and their enterprises have the resources to thrive.
Ultimately, our work is about promoting unity and a shared cultural identity across Minnesota’s African diaspora.
African Cultural Festivals & Gala Nights
This is our great annual family reunion. The Minnesota African Cultural Festival is a vibrant, day-long celebration of our heritage, open to all Africans and friends of Africa.
The festivities begin with a free Park Event, an African Village EXPO filled with vendor stalls, authentic food, traditional music, and joyful entertainment for all ages.
As evening falls, the celebration continues with our elegant Gala Night, a ticketed affair for a night of spectacular fashion, renowned guest artists, and dancing until dawn. It is the cultural heartbeat of our community.
African Fashion Week Minnesota
Our fashion is a bold declaration of our identity. Every year, we host African Fashion Week Minnesota, a spectacular event where tradition meets trendsetting and heritage dances with haute couture.
This premier platform showcases the incredible talent of designers from across the diaspora, who masterfully blend modern styles with the ethnic patterns and elegance of African cultures.
The runway becomes a canvas where every stitch tells a story of resilience, creativity, and the vibrant spirit of our people. It is a movement that celebrates our story with pride and purpose.
Festival of the Returned
Your journey of self-discovery begins here. For many in the African American community, the path to understanding who you are starts with the question of where you come from. We serve as a bridge on that journey, providing resources and guidance for those seeking to trace their lineage back to the continent. We help you navigate the process of DNA testing, transforming a scientific result into a profound spiritual connection. Our purpose is to help you find the roots that were severed by history, giving you a story and a powerful heritage to connect with.
Cultural Impact & Training
To know your history is to know your strength. This program is dedicated to building a powerful connection to the greatness of African legacies. Through history classes, cultural training, and immersive seminars, we share the diverse stories of the continent—the brilliant artists, sophisticated rulers, and resilient innovators. We believe that when the diaspora is deeply connected to its roots, we are inspired to lead with purpose. This training empowers our community, especially our youth, to become proud ambassadors of our shared heritage and to create a positive impact for generations to come.
Celebrating African Arts & Crafts
The soul of Africa is expressed in its art. This project forges a living link between the diaspora and the sacred artistic traditions of the continent. We explore magnificent creations from across Africa—from powerful masks used in ceremonies to intricate sculptures and textiles that define royalty—and celebrate how these traditions have evolved over time. We believe, as our ancestors did, that art is woven into the fabric of life itself. Through our gallery and workshops, we help you connect with this diverse legacy and embrace the beauty of African artistry.
African Business Development
We descend from a legacy of innovators and masters of trade. This program is dedicated to enabling and empowering African-owned businesses here in our community. We provide entrepreneurs with special, high-visibility platforms at our annual cultural festival and fashion week, connecting them with the public, procurement officers, and new opportunities for growth. Our vision is to build a thriving local economy, because we know that the success of our business owners creates a ripple effect of prosperity that uplifts and strengthens our entire diaspora family in Minnesota.
Save the Date
Minnesota African Cultural Festival 2026
Saturday, September 12th 2026
Experience the Soul of Africa in Minnesota. Join us for the Minnesota African Cultural Festival, our landmark annual event celebrating the global African family.
It’s a time for joy, for connection, and for immersing yourself in the sights, sounds, and spirit of our beautiful and diverse cultures.
Come, feel the rhythm of the drums, and find your place in our circle.
Join Our Journey - Become a Part of the Story
This is more than a mission; it is a movement of the heart, a celebration of the unity and strength of the African diaspora.We are the generation that is rebuilding bridges to our heritage and creating a powerful legacy for our children. Your support is the foundation of this work. Join us by donating to our cause, volunteering your time, or attending our events. Together, we can empower our community, preserve our cultures, and ensure the flame of our heritage burns brighter than ever.