News Summary
The African American Festival returns to Ann Arbor’s Historical Black Business District, celebrating its 28th anniversary with free admission. Attendees can enjoy activities, music performances, food ranging from Jamaican to soul food, and inclusive activities for children. Emphasizing community significance, the festival honors African American contributions in the area with various vendors and entertainment that reflects the culture’s richness.
Ann Arbor to Host 28th Annual African American Festival Celebrating Culture and Community
The African American Festival is set to return to the Historical Black Business District in downtown Ann Arbor on Saturday, June 7, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. This year marks the festival’s 28th anniversary, continuing its tradition of celebrating the rich culture and contributions of the African American community. Admission to the festival is free for all attendees.
Visitors can look forward to an array of activities that showcase the vibrancy of African American culture, including fashion shows, music performances, and a diverse selection of food options. Notable performers this year include the Willis C. Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale and Athena Johnson of Dames Brown, ensuring a delightful musical experience for festival-goers.
Alongside the performances, the festival will feature live painters and a selection of vendors offering unique items such as clothing, jewelry, and locally produced shea butters. For families with children, a dedicated kids’ corner will provide various activities including bounce houses, balloon twisting, and airbrush tattoos. New this year, activities tailored for children with special needs will also be included, ensuring an inclusive environment for everyone.
Culinary Offerings
The food options at the festival promise to cater to a variety of tastes, with offerings ranging from Jamaican and Nigerian cuisine to soul food, hibachi, vegan selections, and smoked dishes. This culinary diversity reflects the richness of African American heritage and adds to the celebratory atmosphere of the event.
Community Significance
Event coordinator Teesha Montague emphasized that the festival serves not only as a celebration but also as a recognition of the significant contributions of African Americans to Ann Arbor’s history. The festival takes place in an area that holds historical importance, being home to many Black homeowners and businesses during the 1950s through the 1970s. This connection to the past enhances the festival’s role as a cultural touchstone for the community.
Festival Context
The African American Festival is just one of many community events scheduled across Metro Detroit this summer. Other notable festivals include the Motor City Irish Fest from June 6-8 in Livonia, Pawchella 2025 on June 7-8 in Dearborn, and the Northville Art House Art Market from June 13-15 in Northville. Additional events such as the American Polish Festival, Royal Oak Taco Fest, and various art and food festivals will follow throughout the summer months.
As the summer festival season unfolds, the African American Festival stands out as a significant celebration of culture and community spirit. This year’s event promises to bring together people from all walks of life to appreciate the rich tapestry of traditions that make up the African American experience in Ann Arbor.
For more information and updates about the festival, attendees can visit the official website at www.a2festival.org.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: Ann Arbor African American Festival
- WXYZ: Summer Events Across Metro Detroit
- Hour Detroit: Summer Events Preview
- Click On Detroit: Ann Arbor’s African American Festival
- Detroit News: Summer Festivals in Metro Detroit
- Wikipedia: African American Festival
