Will Rogers, Chicago Reader, Patrick Woodtor, founder of the African Festival of the Arts, Tracy Baim, publisher Chicago Reader, Africa International House (AIH) Board Member Maavi Norman, and Chair of the AIH Board Shaffdeen Amuwo. Photos by Sonya Hughes

Past Grand Yeye Dr. Carole Adams passes the torch to this year's Grand Yeye Maudlyne Ihejirika. Photos by Sonya Hughes

Timuel and Zenobia Black at the African Festival of the Arts Gala. Black is a former Grand Baba of the Festival. Photos by Sonya Hughes

Noted media personality Merri Dee and Don Jackson, Central City Productions at the African Festival of the Arts Gala. Dee has served as Grand Yeye and Jackson Grand Baba of the event. Photos by Sonya Hughes

Patrick Woodtor joins Africa International House Board Members Pam Morris and Chuck Bowen in recognizing this year's Grand Baba Hosea Sanders of ABC 7. Photos by Sonya Hughes

Singer Taylor Iman. Iman will be performing at the Festival on Saturday, August 31. Photos by Sonya Hughes

Performer Melody Angel, she will take the stage at the Festival on Saturday, August 31. Photos by Sonya Hughes