By Dominique Heath
Staff Writer
KNIGHTDALE, N.C. — Music filled Knightdale Station Park while dancers took the stage, spoken word artists shared stories and residents joined together in celebration during the Town of Knightdale's annual African American Festival on June 13.
Held in recognition of Juneteenth, the festival transformed the park into a showcase of African American culture through live performances, food, art and community engagement. Despite temperatures climbing into the 90s, families gathered beneath umbrellas and tents throughout the afternoon and evening, settling into lawn chairs as performers took the stage and vendors welcomed visitors.
The day's entertainment opened with a performance by the Spade Music Group featuring Joshua Harris, setting the tone for an event centered on artistic expression. Later, spoken word artist Petrina Bryant, known professionally as Trina Thoughtz, captivated attendees with a performance that blended storytelling, reflection and empowerment, demonstrating the enduring role spoken word continues to play within Black cultural traditions.
The celebration of culture extended beyond music and poetry. During the Divine Nine Roll Call hosted by DJ Fatz The Governor, members of historically Black fraternities and sororities proudly stood to represent their organizations. The moment highlighted the legacy of Black Greek-letter organizations and their longstanding contributions to leadership, service and community building.
Dance remained a central part of the festival throughout the evening. Performers from Expressions in Rhythm Studio showcased their talent before an attentive crowd, while a later line dancing session led by Z-Fitness invited attendees to become part of the entertainment themselves. Residents left their seats and gathered near the stage, turning the area into a community dance floor as music played across the park.
The festival also recognized local youth, including members of the Lady Knights football program, whose accomplishments were celebrated before the crowd. The recognition reflected the event's commitment to highlighting the next generation alongside established artists, performers and community leaders.
Away from the stage, attendees explored a variety of vendor booths featuring handcrafted products, jewelry, clothing, baked goods, wellness items and specialty beverages. Community organizations and local businesses lined the festival grounds, providing opportunities for residents to learn about local resources while supporting entrepreneurs.
Food remained another important part of the celebration. Vendors including Beef Street and a Pig, Devour, Fancy Faye's, Lil's Cheesesteaks, Taste of Baltimore and WaffleDup served a variety of options throughout the day, while frozen treats and lemonade vendors helped festivalgoers stay cool in the summer heat. Long lines formed at several food trucks as attendees sampled offerings between performances.
As the evening progressed, the crowd continued to grow in front of the amphitheater stage. Musical performances by Klaxton Brown and headliner Elle Varner brought attendees closer to the stage, closing out a day that showcased the many ways culture can be expressed through music, movement, storytelling and shared experiences.
While Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States, Knightdale's African American Festival demonstrated how that history continues to be honored through living traditions. From spoken word and music to dance and community gathering, the event highlighted the creativity, resilience and cultural contributions that continue to shape communities across North Carolina.
