Across the globe, African heritage is celebrated through various festivals and events that honor the history, culture, and achievements of Black communities.These celebrations, deeply rooted in historical contexts, provide platforms for education, cultural exchange, and community empowerment.Louisiana celebrates Black history across the state, all year long.
The Origins of Black History Month
Black History Month is an annually observed commemorative month originating in the United States, where it is also known as African-American History Month.It began as a way of remembering events and important people of Sub-Saharan African and Afro-Caribbean ancestry.
The precursor to Black History Month was created in 1926 in the United States, when historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) announced the second week of February to be "Negro History Week".This week was chosen because it coincided with the birthday of Abraham Lincoln on February 12 and that of Frederick Douglass on February 14, both of which Black communities had celebrated since the late 19th century.
The thought process behind the week was never recorded, but scholars acknowledge two reasons for its birth: recognition and importance.In 1915, Woodson had participated in the Lincoln Jubilee, a celebration of the 50 years since emancipation from slavery held in Bronzeville, Chicago.The summer-long Jubilee, which drew thousands of attendees from across the country to see exhibitions of heritage and culture, impressed Woodson with the need to draw organized focus to the history of black people.
Early in the event's history, African-American newspapers lent crucial support.From the event's initial phase, primary emphasis was placed on encouraging the coordinated teaching of the history of Black Americans in the nation's public schools.
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Throughout the 1930s, Negro History Week countered the growing myth of the South's "lost cause", which argued that enslaved people had been well-treated, that the Civil War was a war of "northern aggression", and that Black people had been better off under slavery.Black educators and Black United Students at Kent State University first proposed Black History Month in February 1969.
Six years later, Black History Month was being celebrated all across the country in educational institutions, centers of Black culture, and community centers, both great and small, when President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month in 1976, during the celebration of the United States Bicentennial.
The History of Black History Month
In the United States, Black History Month is commemorated during the month of February.Since its inception, the Black community met the creation of Black History Month was met with enthusiastic response; it prompted the creation of Black history clubs, an increase in interest among teachers, and interest from progressive whites.Black History Month has also expanded beyond its initial acceptance in educational establishments and the business community.
Global Recognition
Black History Month has expanded its reach globally, with celebrations in various countries:
- United Kingdom: First celebrated in October 1987.
- Germany: Observed by the Black German community since 1990.
- Canada: First proclaimed by the City of Toronto in 1979, and then by the Province of Ontario in 1993.
- Jamaica: Observed during the month of February, coinciding with Reggae Month.
- Ireland: Black History Month Ireland was initiated in Cork in 2010.
- France: First organized in 2018 in Bordeaux, with subsequent celebrations in other cities.
- Africa: Celebrated in seven African countries for the first time in 2020.
Louisiana's Vibrant Festivals
Louisiana hosts numerous festivals that celebrate African American heritage and culture throughout the year. These events showcase music, food, art, and traditions that are integral to the state's identity.
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Music Festivals
Louisiana is renowned for its rich musical heritage, and several festivals pay homage to the contributions of African American musicians.
Essence Music Festival
Essence Music Festival began in 1995 as Essence magazine’s 25th birthday party.The festival has become, in the words of its founders, “the largest African-American music and empowerment event in the country,” attracting more than 200,000 people to New Orleans each year.Each year the lineup includes some of the biggest legends in music, including GRAMMY® award winners and nominees.
French Quarter Festival
The French Quarter Festival in New Orleans has been celebrating music since 1984.Billed as the largest free music festival in the South, French Quarter Festival attracts hundreds of thousands of people over three days.Naturally, food is a big star here.
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is, arguably, the biggest and best-attended multi-style music festival in the world.It’s the place to hear and see the great names of Louisiana music like Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Buddy Guy, The Meters, The Preservation Hall Brass Band, Aaron Neville, Dr. John and many more.
While the main stages are always a big draw, a visit to the Cultural Exchange Pavilion is always a must-visit.The Pavilion serves as a hub of cultural exchange, where festival attendees and local artists can mingle with master craftsmen and performers from places like Haiti, Mali, South Africa and more.
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Satchmo SummerFest
Take part in New Orleans' rich musical heritage at the annual Satchmo SummerFest, a multi-day jazz festival celebrating the life of Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong.With seminars, art displays, live music and lots of locally made beer and cuisine, festival-goers are sure to get a taste of New Orleans' vibrant culture.
Experience live music all weekend featuring traditional jazz, contemporary jazz, brass bands and children's programming across multiple stages.Get a deeper appreciation for the festival with a visit to the Satchmo Legacy Stage which features a variety of national and international speakers, including jazz scholars, people who knew and worked with Louis Armstrong, historians, Armstrong House Museum faculty, and musicians.
Cultural Celebrations
Beyond music, Louisiana's festivals also highlight the broader cultural heritage of African Americans.
Congo Square
It was in Congo Square that enslaved African people gathered on Sunday afternoons to practice their ancestral traditions.Catch everything from brass bands and performances by popular Mardi Gras Indian acts, to drum circles and African dances.The combined festivals also feature a large arts market hosting dozens of local artists that showcase their handmade creations.
Black Heritage Festival
The Black Heritage Festival is chock-full of performances and activities.Be awed at live musical performances of genres like gospel, zydeco, blues and feel moved by dance, expressive arts and theater.
Peruse over 70 food and merchandise vendors and shop for goodies like art, books, jewelry, and clothing.Be a spectator at the Soul Food Black Pot Cookoff, where competitors prepare their best soul food dish to be judged based on flavor, presentation and originality.Attend health, wellness and financial workshops or even empowerment, educational, political and business seminars. This event is for all!
Let The Good Times Roll Festival
Join Rho Omega and Friends at Festival Plaza for a three-day festival honoring African American heritage and culture in celebration of Juneteenth - one of the largest in the south bringing in around 25,000 visitors annually.This event truly celebrates the African American community's music, art, fashion, and unity.
Let The Good Times Roll Festival features performances by top names in soul, gospel, hip-hop and R&B.Be sure to check out the lineup with local, regional, and nationally recognized musicians.
Culinary Celebrations
Food is an essential part of any cultural celebration, and Louisiana's soul food festivals are no exception.
Franklin’s Soul Food Festival
Collard greens. Candied sweet potatoes. Black-eyed peas with a dash of Tabasco.If this makes your mouth water, connect to Louisiana’s culinary roots at Franklin’s Soul Food Festival.
Mardi Gras Celebrations
Mardi Gras in Louisiana also has deep roots in the African American community, with unique traditions and krewes.
Zulu Parade
Zulu is one of Louisiana's most historic Mardi Gras parades, started largely by men who belonged to a Benevolent Aid Society.While the group marched in Mardi Gras as early as 1901, their first appearance as Zulus came in 1909.In 1915, the parade saw its first use of floats, constructed on a spring wagon and using dry goods boxes.
Today. Zulus floats are extravagant sights to see, uniquely throwing the Zulu coconut or “Golden Nugget” - one of the most sought-after parade throws in the state.According to the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, the first reference to the coconut tradition traces back to around 1910, when the coconuts were given from the floats in their natural “hairy” state.Some years later, Lloyd Lucus began stripping and painting the coconuts - a tradition that the parade devotedly continues today.Also jaw-dropping are the costumes of the royalty and riders who adorn the floats.
Krewe of Omega
The Krewe of Omega was formed in 1970 to bring Mardi Gras activities to the Black community.The parade is held each year on the Saturday prior to Mardi Gras and fills downtown streets with music, candy, beads, toys and lots of Madi Gras pageantry and cheer.
African American Parade Celebration
Since 1988, Shreveport has hosted the annual African American Parade Celebration, which honors the community every February during Black History Month and features local religious, youth and civic groups to entertain and delight spectators.The African American Parade Celebration held its first parade with only 50 people in attendance and 500 participants.
Over the past 35 years, the celebration has grown to more than 150,000 attendees and 8,000 participants.
Juneteenth Celebrations
Juneteenth, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, is widely celebrated throughout Louisiana.
New Orleans Juneteenth Festival
Head over to Louis Armstrong Park for the free New Orleans Juneteenth Festival hosted by the Louisiana Afro-Indigenous Society.Enjoy multiple performing acts and even a community vow exchange and marriage ceremony in Congo Square, including a Tasting of Sacred Elements, Jumping the Broom and more!
Juneteenth Freedom Festival
Lake Charles sets out to create an event to bring pride to the local community with the Juneteenth Freedom Festival.Local vendors from all around the region will be selling art, music, clothing, jewelry and other wares.Plus, food vendors will serve some of the area's best cuisine.
Madam C.J. Walker Festival
Join in on this multi-day festival where people of all backgrounds can dive into Black culture and heritage.Born Sarah Breedlove, she was the first child in her family born into freedom after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
Enjoy concerts emitting the sounds of blues, hip-hop, gospel and zydeco.And don’t miss the Parade of Legends celebrating historic and famed Black individuals through performances.Be sure to stick around for additional celebrations and entertainment, including Sunday's Gospel concert at St.
Mansfield Juneteenth Celebration
Make your way to historic downtown Mansfield for the annual Juneteenth Celebration.This event truly is a celebration with some of Louisiana's best hip-hop, zydeco, blues and gospel artists hitting the stage.
Opelousas’ Juneteenth Folklife Celebration
Opelousas’ Juneteenth Folklife Celebration takes place partly at the Creole Heritage Folklife Center and honors the folk art, heritage, and traditions of African-American culture in St. Landry Parish.
Toledo Bend Lake Country’s Black Heritage & Juneteenth Celebration
Toledo Bend Lake Country celebrates Juneteenth with its Black Heritage & Juneteenth Celebration.
African-American Heritage Festival in Altoona, Pennsylvania
In 1992, a group in Blair County, Pennsylvania, led by the Rev. Paul Johnson, formed the African-American Heritage Project to address the underrepresentation of African Americans in local history.The group aimed to document, promote, and preserve the contributions of African Americans in the area, focusing on cultural aspects like religion, politics, education, employment, and agriculture.
One of the ways the group decided to celebrate and promote African-American heritage was through a festival.Thus in August 1994, the first Black Arts Festival was held at Garfield Park. His Majesty King Kigeli V, the last king in the abolished monarchy of Rwanda (1961), was the honored guest.
The following year, it was moved to Penn State Altoona and later became the African-American Heritage Festival.The festival showcases local talent while also bringing professional and out-of-area acts to entertain.There are singing groups, dance troupes, and bands.
There are arts and crafts, plus food and other vendors influenced by African-American culture.A newer piece of the festival is the historical display.
The festival provides a platform where the African-American community can be recognized and have something to participate in that is their own.It’s also a way for us to connect with Altoona, Blair County and beyond.It’s good for the young people because it gives them a sense of ownership about their culture. It’s just a great day for people to get together and celebrate.
Savannah Black Heritage Festival
The 1st Savannah Black Heritage Festival (SBHF) was held August 20, 1988, and was originated under the guidance and leadership of the late Westley W. Law and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASAALH), with moral support and general funding from the City of Savannah.The first festival was held in the 500 Block of Huntington Street and on the grounds of the King-Tisdell Cottage Museum.
Subsequently, the festival was held annually in various venues in the City, including the Savannah Civic Center, sometime between the months of August and October until 1999.In that year, then Mayor Floyd Adams and City Council approached the administration at Savannah State University (SSU), the local Historically Black University, requesting that they assume the role as producer of the SBHF for the City, serve as the authorized fiscal agent of record to oversee grant monies allocated by the City for festival operations, and establish February as the official month of celebration for the festival.
Savannah State University (SSU) continues to sit at the helm of operations for the festival, primarily as the authorized Parent Organization.However, the University also commits significant support through in-kind services such as administrative, legal and fiduciary services, dedicated office space with equipment, computer and phone/fax lines, meeting space and venue spaces for SBHF performances, presentations and exhibitions.
Ohio State University African American Heritage Festival
The African American Heritage Festival has always been a venue of celebration, education and collaboration with the African American students as well as the general student population.The African American Heritage Festival, formerly known as the “Block Party,” began in May of late 1970’s as a day for students to come together and celebrate the conclusion of the academic school year.
For several years, the west campus area near the Drake Union accommodated the celebration.By the 1980’s, a great percentage of students attending the events were primarily African American.Because of a heightened cultural consciousness and collective identification as a community, the “block party” evolved into a celebration of African American heritage.
Students later dismissed the name “block party” and adopted “African American Heritage Festival” to adequately represent the purpose of this communal event.The African American Heritage Festival has since evolved into a weeklong celebration!
Twenty-one years ago, a movement to further progress the purpose of the festival was introduced by adopting Swahili words, which is the most widely spoken language in Africa.Heshima, the Swahili word for respect, along with the slogan: “It Takes an Entire Village” was adopted as an integral focal point of the Heritage Festival.
