Rhythms Without Borders drives third Cornwall SDG International Afro and Diversity Festival

Music, food, community draw people to Lamoureux Park to celebrate African cultures and diversity.

Article content Cornwall’s Lamoureux Park was an epicentre of upbeat music, vibrant fashion, positive vibes, and much more on the weekend. It was the third-annual Cornwall SDG International Afro and Diversity Festival, drawing in attendance from Friday to late on Sunday afternoon. Recommended Videos “Thank you so much for the support, for your presence in the park, for your participation on the stage,” said festival founder/organizer Flora Cynthia Kra, on the middle day of the event that, just like the other two, was graced with an abundance of sunshine and balmy temperatures.

This festival celebrating cultural diversity and social inclusion had the theme Rhythms Without Borders, and music was a staple all three days, with many live performances at the Cornwall Lions Club Bandshell. Admission was free for a festival that featured interactive workshops, family activities, an array of food options, and art displays. Over at the diversity marketplace, where numerous booths and tents were set up, Shanti Kirton, of Ottawa, and Montreal’s Seven Chery had lots of visitors stop by to check out a variety of items for sale on a display table, and learn more about what’s called UnionJahUniversity, described as a worldwide higher-education program.

Kirton and Chery were visitors themselves, setting up at the event for the first time. “It’s our first time in the park, and I love it,” Kirton said. “I love the city, the fresh air that’s here — it’s beautiful.”

Chery said UnionJah University that he founded and is CEO of is an online cultural university dedicated to preserving and teaching the legacy, history, and philosophies of Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, alongside Rastafari teachings and African diaspora history. “We want to bring back the legacy of Haile Selassie, and do what is righteous, what is good for every nation,” Chery said. “We must all live in peace, unity and love.”

That could double as a theme for the festival, which had its 2026 details revealed news conference at Cornwall Square in April. Then last month, a preview of sorts was held, a Friday night four-hour Afro and Diversity Gala at the MO Events centre. There was little doubt that music was as a big attraction, even for people who had no idea the event was going on until its Friday kickoff.

“We had quite a few people today stop by and say they found out about this when they heard all the music last night,” Kirton said. The organizers — including Myriam Darveau, president of International Afro and Diversity Canada — say the festival and the several ancillary events held throughout the year enhance Cornwall’s reputation as a welcoming destination, and showcase its appeal to families, professionals, and entrepreneurs considering relocation and business investment in the region.