This year’s event theme is “Bi-Nka-Bi,” a West-African expression that translates to “bite not each other,” according to the event news release.
Additional event highlights include health outreach, a COVID-19 vaccination station, a chess tournament, free haircuts by Beyond Expectation Barber College, and a youth tent with free school supplies.
The festival lineup includes:
Saturday, July 23 Youth Family Day, noon-8 p.m. (free admission)
Noon: Youth talent show registration.
1-2:30 p.m.: Youth talent show featuring cash prizes for winners.
3-4:30 p.m.: teen talk, hosted by Akron native and Emmy-nominated musician Kofi Boakye. The live talk features youth presenters who will discuss youth violence, homelessness, mental health and education/employment.
Evening entertainment includes Xposure, spoken word by Alexis Boyd, Jan Marie and Most Wanted Vibes.
Sunday, July 24, noon-9 p.m. (admission is free from noon-3 p.m. and $10 after 3 p.m.)
Evening entertainment includes Just Love to Sing Gospel Singers, Christian Love Community Singers, Forston Gospel Singers, Talent Show Finalists and Boakye.
Dazz Band will perform at the event after party.
The event is sponsored by the Akron African American Cultural Association in partnership with the city of Akron, the Summit County Department of Job and Family Services, Children Services Board, Stewart Calhoun Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services Board, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Equitas Health, Akron National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, First Grace United Church of Christ, Akron AIDS Collaborative, 100 Black Men of Akron, Beyond Expectations Barber College and Home Depot.
