Organizers of the 30th annual African Street Festival say their event promotes a message of peace and unity and that it's a message that needs to be heard during uncertain times like these.

Angry mobs have been protesting in northern Africa since a controversial film, allegedly made in the United States depicted the Muslim prophet Mohammed in a negative light.

"All Egyptians should take to the streets to express their anger," one protester said at a rally in the north-African country.  "What happened is not acceptable."

On September 11th, armed men set the U.S. Consulate in Libya on fire, killing the U.S. ambassador and three other Americans.

While the violence continues to unfold overseas, right here in the midstate artists from all over the African continent are using their art to promote peace.

"It's important to understand that we have an opportunity to make a difference by reaching out," Mustafa Abdul-Aleem said.

Hundreds of artists, musicians and vendors are proudly putting their cultures on display at the 30th-annual African Street Festival this weekend at Hadley Park.  The theme of the festival is one organizers say everyone, from Benghazi to Music City needs to hear.

"One love, one heart, one world," said Sandra Brown, event organizer.  "That goes back to a Jamaican saying that we are all in this world together."

Abdul-Aleem has been a part of this festival for 30 years and says while an event like this won't bring peace across the world, it is a great place to start.

"It's important that people communicate," Abdul-Aleem said.  "So having an open-air environment where everyone is invited, it starts the conversation and when the conversation is going on, then we are listening and learning."

The African Street Festival runs through Sunday at Hadley Park.African Arts Festival Promotes Peace - Eric Alvarez