Who runs Swahili Day
Swahili Day is the annual public celebration of Mundeke Gospel Mission, a registered charity working with East African refugees and immigrants across the Piedmont Triad throughout the year.
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Mundeke Gospel Mission works across the Piedmont Triad throughout the year.
501(c)(3)
EIN 88-4319941. Donations are tax-deductible.
Mundeke Gospel Mission was founded in 2022 by Pastor Prince and Laurette Mundeke, who came to North Carolina through the same route as many of the families it now serves. The organisation produced the first Swahili translation of the North Carolina driver's handbook.
On the day
The day runs continuously from 14:00 and end at 20:00
Main stage
Experience the day at its fullest. The stage is the centre of the event.
Anyone attending, at any point in the day.
Performers from across East Africa take the main stage through the afternoon. Drumming, dance and live sets.
Buy directly from local African-owned businesses.
Visitors who want to shop and support local traders.
The stalls feature African-owned businesses from across the Piedmont Triad, showcasing food, fabrics, crafts, and goods from their home countries.
Eat food cooked by the people whose food it is.
Everyone. Food is the reason many visitors return.
Foods from Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and South Sudan.
See East African textile and design up close.
Visitors interested in textile and design, and anyone who enjoys a show.
A showcase of East African dress, traditional and contemporary.
Leave able to greet someone in Swahili.
Newcomers to the language, children included.
A short, informal session for visitors who want to be able to say something.
Three ways to take part
Swahili Day is run by volunteers and funded by donations and sponsorship. There are three ways to contribute.
Stalls are open to African-owned businesses, artists, makers and food sellers.
Apply for a stallJoin our team and help us bring people together through African culture, food, music, education, community recognition, and cultural exchange while creating opportunities for refugees and immigrants to connect with and positively impact the welcoming community.
Enrol nowBe one the top sponsor for our yearly cultural event
Donate nowBefore you come
Yes. Admission costs nothing and no ticket is required. Food and market goods are sold by the vendors themselves.
Yes. The day is intended for the whole city. English is spoken throughout, and there is a short session for anyone who wants to learn a few words.
Yes. Swahili Day is a family event and children attend in large numbers.
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Mundeke Gospel Mission is a faith-based organisation. Swahili Day itself is a cultural celebration and is open to everyone, regardless of faith or none.
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Mundeke Gospel Mission is a 501(c)(3) charitable organisation, EIN 88-4319941. Funds raised support Swahili Day and the organisation’s year-round work with refugee and immigrant families across the Piedmont Triad.
Reserving a place takes less than a minute. It costs nothing, commits you to nothing, and helps the organisers plan for the right number of people.
Free admission. No ticket required. Your details are used only to plan the day.
If you would rather support the day than attend it, a donation to Mundeke Gospel Mission is tax-deductible.
