"Hustle of an Entrepreneur
Polish of an Executive
Heart of an Activist"

Bridging the gap between Culture | Community | Commerce
through strategic partnerships and business programming.

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My Story

“Emerging markets were my expertise, then one became my home.” -Nikoa Evans

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My Work & Services

Strategic Partnerships

Co-Founder | Strategy & Business Development

Inspired by the Oscar Award-winning documentary Summer of Soul, Co-Founders Nikoa Evans and Musa Jackson have reimagined the historic festival of 1969.  Harlem Cultural Festival is a cultural movement that celebrates and preserves the cultural contributions of the black Diaspora in music, media, art, fashion  and entertainment.  Year round entertainment and social impact programming culminates in a multi-day annual cultural festival in Harlem,  while creating an ecosystem to foster health and economic prosperity for Harlem’s diverse communities, artists and entrepreneurs. 

Co-Founder | Co-Chairperson

Harlem Cultural Festival Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit, is dedicated to building a thriving Harlem.  A local footprint with a global impact, the organization’s core values include:

  • MISSION:
    Protect and preserve the legacy of Harlem’s culture; heal the community; provide opportunity and accelerate progress.

    VISION:
    Activate and monetize the talents and strengths of the community.

    PURPOSE:
    Heal and empower the community through health equity, youth development and economic empowerment initiatives.

  • UNCLE WAITHLEY'S VINCY BREW

    Through the small business accelerator, Harlem Local Vendor Program, founded by Nikoa in 2015, Uncle Waithley’s successfully launched in Whole Foods in Spring, 2022. As a strategic advisor, Nikoa continues to identify opportunities to support the brand’s growth strategy through wholesale distribution and other procurement channels.

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  • BLACK INDEPENDENCE AWARDS

    Co-founder, Strategy & Business Development.
    A highlight of the HFC events hosted by Co-Founders Nikoa Evans, Musa Jackson, the Black Independence Awards is part of the annual cultural celebrations that feature an array of immersive and live events.     Follow us @harlemfestivalofculture

    WATCH VIDEO

  • AN AMERICAN STREET MURAL IN HARLEM

    Despite many odds at the height of the pandemic, event and executive producer Nikoa leads a group of Harlem women who bring hope and an iconic BLM Street Mural to a disenfranchised historically Black community in this NYIFA Winning Documentary.

    WATCH VIDEO

  • CRAIN'S FEATURE

    "Cultural diversity is part of New York City's DNA, and it positions the tourism industry to be a key driver of its recovery. By investing in cultural tourism, the city ensures the sustainability of its diverse communities and the economic ecosystems they support." — Nikoa Evans

    READ ARTICLE

Follow Me @nikoaevans

Re-envisioning the power of community.