The annual African American Festival (AAF), a celebration of life, music, and culture, celebrates 40 years of stellar performances, empowerment seminars, and non-stop fun for the entire family at Baltimore’s Camden Yards Sports and Entertainment Complex, July 2-3, 2016.
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As the largest cultural festival on the East Coast, Baltimore has welcomed over 200,000 attendees annually who experience wellness, beauty, technology and more, while enjoying the sultry sounds of national recording artists and emerging talent.
This year, the African America Festival will return bigger and better to feature additional cultural activities and services for the community. There will also be exciting experiences and broadened partnerships to celebrate the festival’s 40th anniversary. Hosted by actress and producer Vivica A. Fox and actor and writer Jonathon Slocumb the festival main stage will be on high energy with this dynamic duo.
“The African American Festival has been a cultural gem in the Baltimore community for 40 years and I am proud to continue to make this a free event for the entire family to enjoy. We look forward to hosting everyone during the 4th of July holiday weekend,†stated the Honorable Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, mayor of Baltimore.
This year’s confirmed 2016 AAF Performance Lineup:
- Common
- Goapele
- Angie Stone
- Joe
- Anthony Brown
- Estelle
- A special tribute to Baltimore’s DJ Reggie Reg
“This year’s festival will include several new programs and experiences. We’re expanding our footprint to include more activations that touch the heart and health of our community,†says Shelonda Stokes, African American Festival producer.
The AAF will debut expanded experiences that will be must-see attractions during the weekend:
- Brown Girl Village —Young girls will be introduced to several inaugural events, such as Brown Girl Code, a session which will expose brown girls to STEM and the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
- Community Connection — An interactive festival partnership between Outward Bound and the Baltimore Police Department.
- Bronner Brothers Beauty Bar —This fashion & beauty pavilion will introduce festival attendees to new products and services that help maintain or create a new look!
- Health and Wellness Pavilion —Attendees will have the opportunity obtain health screenings, fitness demonstrations and information on achieving optimal health, sponsored by Care First.
- Citywide Prayer — Prominent pastors will come together on Sunday for fellowship and a citywide prayer.
- Culture Tent — Attendees will have the opportunity to research their DNA and Genealogy.
- Next Level — This employment & education tent includes education institutions and employers who will provide resumé enhancement tips, interview formalities, education and career opportunities.
The African American Festival takes place at the Camden Yards Sports and Entertainment Complex on Lots B & C, between Oriole Park at Camden Yards and M&T Bank Stadiums. Follow the conversation using hashtag: #BmoreAAF40, #BmoreAAF @BmoreAAF
For festival updates and more information about the African American Festival, please log on to http://www.AfricanAmericanFestival.net.