The African American Heritage Festival is an annual event that takes place at OSU. The festival, entering its 45th year, has become a staple in the Columbus community; it is held to promote and provide a space for visibility, creativity, and education of African American culture and history.
The goal of the festival is to commemorate and build upon the legacy of the African American experience. This year, the festival will take place from February 24th to March 4th, 2023 and will center around the theme of “Umoja”, which is the Swahili word for Unity.
History of the Festival
The African American Heritage Festival has a rich history in the Columbus community. The festival was first established in May in the late 1970s and was known as the “Block Party,” and was simply a way for students to celebrate the end of the school year. The event was held in its first years on the west campus near Drake Union.
“By the 1980’s, a great percentage of students attending the events were primarily African American. Because of a heightened cultural consciousness and collective identification as a community, the “block party” evolved into a celebration of African American heritage. Students later dismissed the name “block party” and adopted “African American Heritage Festival” to adequately represent the purpose of this communal event. The African American Heritage Festival has since evolved into a weeklong celebration! Students have weaved the event into the natural fabric of Ohio State, as well as the Columbus community,” reads an article on the history of the event.
Each year, the festival features a different theme that reflects the current issues and concerns of the African American community. In the past, themes have included education, health, and the arts. This year’s theme, “Umoja”, is particularly significant as it emphasizes the importance of coming together as a community to support and uplift one another.
The use of Swahili words to give the event a theme began roughly a decade ago, which is why the word “Umoja” is used to describe this year’s event.
This year’s Festival Program
The weeklong festival will feature a wide range of activities and programs, including talent and poetry showcases, intriguing cultural awareness programs, and the annual Gospel Fest. These events are designed to educate and inspire attendees, as well as to provide an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate their heritage.
One of the most popular events at the festival is the variety show, which features local artists and performers from the city and university. The showcase provides a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talent and gain recognition in the community, as well as display the great diversity in city’s artistry. The event will take place Wednesday, March 1 from 6-10 p.m. in the Ohio Union Performance Hall.
The poetry showcase is also a popular event, which provides an opportunity for poets to share their work and connect with others who share their passion for the written word. This year’s event will be a combination of rap and poetry with the theme “Unity and Rap!” The event will take place the day after the variety show in the WOSU building from 6:30-8 p.m.
The cultural awareness programs are also an important aspect of the festival. These programs are designed to educate attendees about the history, culture, and contributions of African Americans. These programs are also an opportunity for attendees to learn about the current issues and challenges facing the African American community. Also, other events allow for African American students to engage in crucial dialogue to help build community and unity in the style of Umoja.
The annual Gospel Fest is another highlight of the festival, which brings together local gospel choirs and other musicians to celebrate the rich tradition of gospel music. This event is a powerful and uplifting experience that brings people together to celebrate and honor the legacy of African American gospel music. The event takes place Sunday, February 26 from 5-8:30 p.m.
For more information on dates, times and events, click here.
Overall, The African American Heritage Festival is an important event for the community as it provides a space for people to come together and celebrate their heritage. The festival is also an opportunity for people to learn about the history, culture, and contributions of African Americans. It also serves as a platform for emerging artists and performers, as well as an opportunity for poets to share their work and connect with others who share their passion for the written word. The festival is also an important opportunity for education and awareness about the current issues and challenges facing the African American community.
So, take some time away from your studies and work, and learn more about your own or other’s heritage and story this Black History Month. Together, through education and love, we can all get a little closer to achieving Umoja, be it in the African American community, Columbus or society as a whole.