Cultural Connections is a year-round ecosystem of cultural and educational activities built to bring Afro-descendant and allied communities together to learn, celebrate, and belong. More than a series of events, it's a living network of Guateke Sessions, educational panels, workshops, and community conversations that keeps culture present in everyday life, not confined to a single weekend.

Through live music, dance, and dialogue rooted in Puerto Rican Bomba, Peruvian Festejo, Haitian Kompa, and Afro-Venezuelan traditions, participants don't just watch, they take part. Knowledge here is transmitted through practice, rhythm, and movement, led by artists and facilitators who come from the very communities they serve. Woven throughout is a deliberate focus on leadership, including female leadership, rarely centered so explicitly in Charlotte's public cultural calendar.

Three consecutive years. Attendance growing from 946 to 1,527 participants. A community that keeps coming back. Cultural Connections isn't proving a concept it's building a legacy, one gathering at a time.

Upcoming Events

📍 Educational Panel — Johnson C. Smith University
September 17, 2026
An educational panel exploring Afro-descendant history, leadership, and cultural identity — a conversation designed to reflect, share stories, and connect generations.

Cultural Connections — Harvey B. Gantt Center

September 26, 2026
A one-day community gathering featuring interactive panels, live performances, and facilitated conversations — plus the music and movement of our signature Guateke Sessions.