By Jordan Meadows
Staff Writer
This past Labor Day weekend, downtown Raleigh was transformed into a celebration of heritage, creativity, and community during the 16th Annual African American Cultural Festival (AACF) of Raleigh and Wake County.
Drawing an estimated 50,000 attendees, the free, family-friendly event stretched across Fayetteville Street and Hargett Street and embraced this year’s powerful theme: “Heritage Heartbeat: 16 Years of Rhythm.”
Festival organizer Pam Thompson Smith explained the inspiration behind the theme, saying, “When you come out here, there’s all kinds of rhythm. It’s not just in the drums, it’s in the food, it’s in the celebration.”
The festival offered a multisensory experience that blended visual, performance, and culinary arts into a dynamic showcase of African American culture. Visitors browsed a bustling vendor marketplace featuring nearly 100 local and national vendors selling handmade jewelry, dashikis, artwork, and soulful food.
Enthusiasts praised the diverse offerings, ethnic crafts, and the event’s warm, welcoming atmosphere. Among the many talented visual artists was “Mellow,” who described his work as a reflection of motivation and the essence of African American history and identity.
Live entertainment was a major highlight, with performances across two stages, including national recording artists Blackstreet, DJs Brian Dawson and DJ Skilz, and a wide mix of reggae, jazz, and comedy acts.
Standout events included a gospel comedy show featuring Chinnita Morris, a high-energy dancing workout session, and the “Boots on the Ground” community conversation—a panel discussion calling attention to the role of district court judges. Sunday morning offered a spiritually uplifting moment with the “Church Without Walls” service led by Wake Chapel Church, uniting the community in worship on the main stage.
The AACF also placed a strong emphasis on creativity and hands-on engagement with a variety of interactive art activities throughout the festival grounds. Children and adults alike participated in projects like the tie-dye tent, chalk art walls, puppetry workshops, mural painting, and theater workshops. These interactive spaces encouraged exploration, storytelling, and self-expression, offering festivalgoers of all ages a chance to create and connect.
Free health screenings were available, and local service organizations offered access to vital social resources.
One of the festival’s hallmark programs, the AACF Youth Art Grant Program, continued to support high school students by funding creative projects that bring arts education to underserved communities.
