What if Little Africa Fest Stopped? A $3.8 million Economic Impact
Testimony to MN House Legacy Committee
The news that Little Africa Fest was cancelled this year was deeply disappointing to many. I have attended the festival since its launch 13 years ago and have seen the area come alive with the sounds of African drums, vibrant dance, memorable food, and artists and vendors who bring Africa to a Saint Paul neighborhood.
Little Africa Fest is organized by African Economic Development Solutions, led by the visionary behind the Little Africa Business and Cultural District, Dr. Gene Gelgelu. Spaces like Little Africa are Cultural Destinations—an economic development strategy that integrates art, music, dance, food, and events into commercial spaces to create places where people enjoy culture and entrepreneurs build wealth.
As Planning Director for the City of Saint Paul, I worked with my team in 2019 to establish Cultural Destination Areas. Soon after, Visit Saint Paul developed a map that incorporated these areas into the city’s vibrant neighborhood landscape (see Visit Saint Paul map attached).
This model has significant potential. It brings people together while strengthening local businesses. It differs from a typical ethnic business district or cultural corridor in one important way: it regularly activates space through art, murals, performances, exhibitions, tours, and events. In Little Africa, that meant not only Little Africa Fest, but also walking tours, art exhibitions, music, and business support. Cultural Destinations are commercial spaces fully activated by cultural assets.
That is why the cancellation of Little Africa Fest is serious for Little Africa, Saint Paul, and Minnesota. Its impact is multidimensional:
- Economic: Even using conservative assumptions, Little Africa Fest has generated nearly $4 million in impact over 13 years.
- Fiscal: The Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 Calculator suggests that festival expenses of $150,228 could support about 9 FTE jobs, generate roughly $12,000 in local government revenue, and $14,000 in state government revenue.
- Infrastructure: The festival is essential infrastructure for a culture-based development model. Without it, core elements of the destination are weakened.
- Public Safety – Neighbors experience safety and a sense of shared community.
- Marketing & Branding – Small cultural businesses increase their visibility and markets
- Culture and Belonging: The festival creates joy, cultural affirmation, and a sense of belonging for entrepreneurs, artists, residents, and visitors.
- Reversal of Progress: When AEDS must redirect festival funds to emergency grants for struggling businesses due to fear and instability, the model shifts from celebration and growth back to survival.
The cancellation of Little Africa Fest is more than the loss of an event. It is the weakening of a long-built ecosystem of culture, commerce, and community. There is an urgent need to act to reverse the decline
