Afro Day in the Park STL was founded by Robert Green, a civil rights activist, historian, and artist with deep roots in the St. Louis area. While Green trained and worked as an electrical engineer, he pursued his passion for history and art within the St. Louis African American community. Growing up in the Pruitt-Igoe Projects, he developed a fascination with African American historical artifacts, art, and cultural preservation from a young age.
Green’s dedication to celebrating and preserving the African American culture led him to create both the St. Louis African-American Arts Festival and Bazaar and Afro Day in the Park STL. As a prominent figure in cultural celebrations and community engagement, Green’s efforts have been instrumental in establishing Afro Day in the Park as a vibrant festival that honors Afrocentric heritage, while promoting community unity.
This year’s 2024 Afro Day in the Park will be a three-day event held from October 5th to October 7th, running daily from 1 pm to 7 pm. The festival, in partnership with the North Saint Louis Neighborhood Council and the St. Louis African-American Arts Festival and Bazaar, will take place at Fairground Park in North St. Louis.
This year’s celebration will honor civil rights activist Percy Green, renowned for scaling the partially constructed Gateway Arch on July 14, 1966, in protest of discriminatory hiring practices that excluded Black workers from the federally funded project. Green’s bold action, alongside another activist, drew attention to these injustices.
Afro Day in the Park Schedule:
- October 5th: Afro Day at Fairground Park (Vendors can apply at www.saintlaab.com)
- October 6th: Tribute to Percy Green (Indoor Event)
- October 7th: March from the Old Courthouse to the Gateway Arch
Robert Green seeks to provide the community with an enriching experience in history and culture. This annual event continues as a vibrant celebration of Afrocentric heritage and a vital opportunity to foster unity within the St. Louis community.
For more information, contact 314-243-1021 or visit saintlaaafab.com.