The city of Worcester has a rich history of celebrating African and African-American culture through various festivals and events. These celebrations underscore milestones, looking both to past accomplishments and to future goals.
The first African Festival and India Day, celebrating 60 years of the India Society of Worcester, was held on a summer Saturday afternoon. The African Festival was organized by the Massachusetts Organization of African Descendants, commonly known as MOAD. The festival represented an important moment for members of MOAD, with city leaders recognizing the achievements of Worcester's African community, representing at least 17 nations, from the north coast, including Egypt and Morocco, to South Africa.
On the Worcester Common, several booths represented artists, businesses, and community organizations. Parents and kids queued up for face painting, and the warm air carried the music everywhere. Among those who attended were Kevin and Ruth Moriarty, and their son, Padraig, 3. Ruth said, "We were just in Kampala (Uganda) visiting family for a month."'To signify our unity' For members of MOAD, the festival represented an important moment, with city leaders recognizing the achievements of Worcester's African community, representing at least 17 nations, from the north coast, including Egypt and Morocco, to South Africa.
Kamara recognized the many individuals and organizations both serving African residents, and the contributions to the community in all respects, including education, entrepreneurialism, government and clergy. "One thing it really does is to signify our unity," Kamara said.
The Massachusetts Organization of African Descendants received the Key to the City at the first African Festival. For Tshiguvho, the award represents both honor and a mission: "Solidarity among African immigrants, and all the other residents."
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WORCESTER - A kaleidoscope of colors and rhythmic beats spanned the downtown area over the weekend as the Massachusetts Organization of African Descendant (MOAD) held their first African Cultural Festival on the Worcester Common. Over 52 countries were represented by local immigrants who participated in the event, as native and foreign born Worcester residents gathered to embrace the rich tapestry of traditions, music, cuisine, and arts from across the African continent.
Over 40 vendors lined up and down Franklin Street, some selling traditional African art and food while musicians performed on a nearby stage. “I think this went great,” said MOAD President and event organizer Jermoh Kamara. The festival was the first of its kind in over a decade to celebrate African heritage in the city. A previous yearly festival organized by African immigrants to celebrate their cultural heritage was held at Green Hill Park up until 2013.
The African American and Juneteenth Festival
The city was abuzz with cultural activity. The sound of music - from gospel to R&B - filled the park at the annual African American and Juneteenth Festival. The performances included traditional African music and modern-day African-American songs.
“The drums were compelling,” said Ms. Weinstein, of Worcester, who was looking for gifts among a slew of African objects for sale, including embroidered handbags, wooden masks, beaded bracelets and bold-patterned shirts.
Jocelyn McMullen of Worcester was selling T-shirts with designs ranging from fun to inspirational. One shirt showed the faces of African-American sports legends, including Muhammad Ali and Jackie Robinson. Another showed civil rights leaders Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. and President Barack Obama. Lita Killebrew of Worcester was selling little dolls that she designed and made. “I like being able to express all the different cultures,” Ms. Killebrew said.
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In the history tent, there were objects and artifacts from ancient times to present day. On one end of the long display were Egyptian hieroglyphics, on the other end, Barack and Michelle Obama figurines. One section of the tent was devoted to important African-American figures in the city's history, including Sarah Ella Wilson, one of Worcester's first black schoolteachers, and Marshall W. “Major” Taylor, a world champion cyclist.
“It's one thing to have marketing and music at a festival, but it's very important to have education as well,” said Joel Mackall of Boston, who set up the history exhibit.
The festival marked the celebration of Juneteenth, the day in June 1865 when slaves in the South were informed that the Civil War was over and they were finally free. Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that all enslaved people in the United States of America were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation- which had become official on January 1, 1863.
“It's our opportunity to really celebrate African and African-American culture in America,” said Keesha LaTulippe of the Henry Lee Willis Community Center, which organized the festival. “It's to honor the legacy of those who fought for our freedom to be Americans,” she said. “Some people would say we're still struggling for that.”
Key Figures and Artistic Expressions
Major Taylor Discussion / Feb. Cyclist Marshall W. “Major” Taylor is considered to be the first internationally famous African-American athlete. Black musician James Dargan is bringing to the forefront five celebrated Black musicians, Paul Robeson, Roland Hayes, Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, and Robin McFerrin Jr. The Worcester Historical Museum and Worcester Black History project have partnered to bring “Discovering Black Roots in Worcester” to life.
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Artwork by local, national and international artist were part of efforts to create an appreciation of an inclusive artistic esthetics; to expose the community to established ALANAA artists and address the need of business for a welcoming organizational and community environment for their diverse workforce. The artwork and printing of posters was sponsored by corporations and institutions such as T. D. Bank formerly Banknorth and Worcester State University and later featured in their and other sponsors’ public spaces. Artists gave workshops at various educational organizations such as Clark University, Worcester Center for Crafts, and Bancroft School.
Over a four - year period dance, art, and vocal interpretations of the song, Lift Every and Sing, were created by dancers, artists, youth and elderly members from the community. The focus of the Enslaved in the Americas festival was slavery throughout the New World - North and South America.
The POW! WOW! Worcester public art festival continues to produce artwork representing diverse communities.
