Discover Black Heritage at the 38th Annual Warren African American Festival | News, Sports, Jobs
WARREN — Celebrating the beauty of black culture, the 38th annual African American Achievers Association will fill the courthouse square in downtown Warren over the weekend, providing insight into the black experience across food, music and community unity.
The event, which began on Friday, saw around twenty sellers invade the square. Part of Mahoning Avenue NW and High Street NW, across from the courthouse, are blocked off to accommodate children’s games, as well as a basketball court and an area set up for Zulu boxing, which is expected to accommodate a plethora of amateur boxing fights this evening. .
The event will feature a parade starting at 11 a.m. There will also be a talent show and a performance by the Ohio Players will also take place. On Sunday, the closing day will be Gospel Sunday.
In addition to several food vendors, community organizations are also created so participants can learn about health services and other resources available.
The festival’s opening ceremony began with a performance by Nielah Shaw, whose rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” also known as the Black National Anthem, filled West Market Street.
After the performance, Robert Davis, chairman of the board of directors of the Trumbull County African-American Achievers Association, paid tribute to its founder, the late Van Williams, who started the Hall of Fame festival and dinner in 1985 to celebrate fraternity and ease tensions in the neighborhood. After his passing, Davis said Williams’ wife, Carolla Williams, continued to keep things going in 1993, but was unable to attend this year’s festival.
Recognizing the founders was “primordial” Davis said. “Because without them, we wouldn’t exist.” »
“Van Williams had a vision and a mission and his value was to bring everyone together. We tried to keep this legacy and this dream alive,” he said.
When Van passed away, Davis said Carolla took the reins and continued to build on the legacy Van started. “She continued to bring people together on committees and say ‘listen, we’re going to get this done’ and she was instrumental in everything we do here.”
“We are grateful for 38 years and look forward to 38 more.” » Davis said.
Over the 22 years Davis has held the position, he has seen the festival transform, noting that at first the festival had only five vendors.
“It’s great to see him develop, to see him improve every year. » Davis said. “The committee has done a great job of continuing to work and bringing people together, new vendors, more arts and crafts and more African products.”
Walking around the festival, Davis said it brings him joy seeing “our heritage and culture be celebrated in this way. »
A portion of the proceeds from the weekend event will benefit the Hall of Fame Banquet which will provide five $1,000 scholarships to Trumbull County students. Warren Mayor Doug Franklin emphasized that the event was about coming together in the name of food, music and camaraderie. But Franklin also said the event is about doing these things safely.
“Let’s be mindful and prioritize safety and respect for each other. » he said. “We must all be united against conflict or violence in any form that could threaten the peace and harmony of this event. »
He urged attendees to report any concerns to security forces patrolling the event.
Franklin said: “The spirit of this festival is one of unity, understanding and love. » and in the spirit of these things, the mayor asked the participants to look out for each other.
Do you have an interesting story? Contact Chris McBride by email at cmcbride@tribtoday.com. Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, @TribToday.
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