United States Committee for the First World Festival of Negro Arts Press agent's files

1964-1966

The First World Festival of Negro Arts took place April 1-24, 1966, in Dakar, Senegal; it demonstrated the cultural ties between African nations and the rest of the world, and the impact of Black culture upon world culture. The festival involved the participation of forty-five African, European, West Indian, and North and South African countries. Conceived by Senegalese President Leopold Sedar Senghor, the festival highlighted Black literature, music, theater, visual arts, film, and dance.

The festival was held under the auspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the government of Senegal, and the Society of African Culture. While most other nations relied on governmental procedures to arrange participation in the festival, the United States formed a private, volunteer committee. Mrs. Virginia Inness-Brown and Dr. John A. Davis chaired the U.S. Committee and coordinated American representation at the festival. Broad-based funding sources included the U.S. State Department, the U.S. Information Agency, Agency for International Development, foundations, corporations, and private donors.