Ep 4. First Friday

First Friday is the fourth episode of the eighth season of the popular television show Afropop: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange. This episode celebrates the rich arts and culture of African Americans in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The show follows a community that gathers on the first Friday of every month for a vibrant celebration of culture, music, art, and food.

The episode gives audiences an insider’s look into this monthly tradition as the community comes together to celebrate their African American heritage with a wide range of festivities. During the main event, the streets of Pittsburgh come to life with lively music, soulful dance performances, and an abundance of delicious food. From mom-and-pop shops to renowned restaurants, food vendors of all types join in on the First Friday celebrations to showcase unique flavors and local dishes from all regions of the African American diaspora.

Audiences get to meet some of the most fascinating artists, performers, and entrepreneurs in Pittsburgh’s African American community. For example, the episode highlights Gwen Elliot, founder of the Pittsburgh Black Arts Festival. She explores what it has meant to be a Black artist in Pittsburgh over the past few decades and shares how being a part of the arts scene has helped her and others express their experiences in powerful and poignant ways.

The episode also features an interview with Dr. Cheryl Ruffin, who explains how the events of First Fridays have a deep and historical significance within African American culture. She shares the importance of these events as a way to preserve and pass on cultural traditions to future generations, and how this monthly celebration serves as a reminder of the resilience of African Americans in the face of oppression.

In addition to being a time to celebrate and showcase their culture, the First Friday events are also a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses. The episode features innovative business owners such as Richard Bynum, owner of Kribi Coffee. Bynum shares how he started his coffee business and explains how his brand reflects the rich culture of Cameroon, where his coffee beans are sourced.

First Friday showcases the importance of community building. The episode highlights the efforts of organizations like the August Wilson African American Cultural Center and their dedication to providing a space for Black artists to thrive. The center offers programming year-round to educate and offer opportunities for creativity for both local and international audiences.

Music is also an important part of the First Friday celebrations, and the episode features dynamic performances by Pittsburgh artists such as the Afro Yaqui Collective, who fuse Indigenous and African rhythms. The show ends with a rousing performance from the musical duo, Brown Bey, whose unique sound blends traditional African beats with contemporary styles.

Overall, First Friday is a celebration of African American culture, art, food, and music, and through the episode, audiences get a glimpse into one of the most vibrant and lively communities in Pittsburgh. The episode showcases how communities can band together in the face of adversity to celebrate and honor their past, present, and future.