African American Appalachian Arts, Inc. (AAAA) and area sponsors are delighted to present one of Knoxville’s most anticipated and attended events the 30th Annual KUUMBA Festival, “Uplifting the Legacy of our Ancestors”, June 28 thru June 30, 2019 at Downtown Market Square & Stage and Haley Heritage Square/Morningside Park.
KUUMBA (Ki-Swahili for “creative”) Festival is a multi-event celebration with more than 200 entertainers performing on the Market Square Artist Stage, demonstrations, and service by more than 100 crafts’ people and food vendors. (AAAA) Chair says, “This is going to be the best KUUMBA ever and a marvelous time that people will remember for years to come.” The KUUMBA Festival is the largest African American Cultural Arts Festival in East Tennessee. “This is more than an event, it is a cultural celebration,” said the late Avon Rollins, Former Director of the Beck Cultural Center.
On Friday, June 28, Market Square, from 12 Noon – 10 PM. A Drum Circle Drum Jam will take place at 12 Noon and will follow with African Dance Class. Festival goers can feel free to enjoy the African Market Place on Market Square with traditional crafts, clothing, and foods. On the schedule of events there will be a showcase Local performers and the Kuumba Watoto Dance and Drum Company will be highlighted throughout the day. The Junkanu Parade processional will kick-off at 6PM. Starting at 8:30PM on Market Square, Ogya – World Band – Performing Live until 10PM!
On Saturday, June 29th – Haley Heritage Square/Morningside Park, from 12 Noon – 10 PM. Festival goers can come and enjoy the African Market Place throughout the park with traditional crafts, clothing, and foods. The schedule of events will consist of performances and showcases by local artists; the Kuumba Watoto Dance and Drum Company, a Kuumba Pageant for youth to showcase their talents and pageantry. An Ujimia Rally to promote local political candidates and voting registration. At 8:30pm – Sista Zock Solid from New York will perform on the Main Stage.
On Sunday, June 30th – Haley Heritage Square/Morningside Park, from 12 Noon – 10 PM festival goes can enjoy more programming of performances and showcases of local artists and groups, like Kuumba Watoto Dance and Drum Company; and the African Market Place throughout the park with traditional crafts, clothing, and foods.