Photographer: Mathias Bishop
Staff Writer: Jordan Meadows
The African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh celebrated its 15th year. The event took place over the weekend on Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh. Known for attracting over 40,000 attendees, the festival aimed to unite and educate through the celebration of African American culture.
Highlights included performances by The Ray Band and the Singo Dance Troupe, interactive art projects, and a variety of food vendors.
Unfortunately, severe storms swept through central North Carolina on Sunday, leading to flooding and crashes across Wake County. Due to the adverse weather conditions, the festival’s final day was delayed and ultimately canceled. The storms also caused disruptions at other local events, including a postponed Stone Temple Pilots concert and a delayed North Carolina Courage soccer match.
The festival showcased an impressive lineup, including DJ Tres & Unity Mas Band, Chelsi Yvonne & Take2, Aaron McCoy Sax Band, Unity in Motion: Divine Nine Roll Call, The Ray Band, and DJ Nabs & Company. Attendees of all ages enjoyed interactive art activities designed to spark creativity and exploration.
Among the highlights were Art Walls where participants could use vibrant chalk to express themselves, Puppetry workshops that introduced children to character-building and storytelling, Mural Projects featuring works by North Carolina’s talented local artists, and Theatre workshops that allowed attendees to collaborate on original performances.
These art projects offered a unique chance for visitors to engage with the creative spirit of the festival. From visual art to live performance, these experiences were crafted to inspire curiosity and foster community.
