Kuumba Festival: Knoxville celebrates African American cultural arts
The Kuumba Festival in Knoxville serves as the largest African American cultural arts festival in East Tennessee. Every year the festival, a four-day, four-night celebration, garners ample attention with its hundreds of live entertainers, world-class African Marketplace, food vendors and more. The event will be held June 24-27.
The Kuumba Festival began in 1989 by local Knoxville artists and community activists. The group was looking to showcase local African American art and artists, and by doing so, sharing, educating and exposing rich cultural art forms to the Knoxville community. African American Appalachian Arts, Inc., the group that hosts the event each year, specializes in the presentation and development of traditional African art and the promotion of social change through culturally-specific artist performances, education and exhibits.
Booming drums, traditional African dances are two of the activities that will be featured at this lively event. Truly a family affair, the festival offers activities and fun for people of all ages. It won’t be uncommon to see young children dressed in native African clothing performing organized dance choreography right along with adults. Hundreds gather around to watch the shows that take place at nearly every corner.
Vendors set up booths to display arts and crafts, jewelry, clothing and food for sale. Don’t own any traditional African clothing? Be sure to bring money to purchase items of clothing at the festival, and while you’re at it, a bracelet or necklace to match. Sizzling grills waft the irresistible smell of freshly-cooked fares for guests to enjoy.
Posted by Leah M. Caudle
