The Toledo African American Festival is a vibrant celebration that brings together the community to honor African American history, health, education, and minority-owned businesses. This annual event offers a family-friendly atmosphere filled with entertainment from national recording artists and local talent.
A Decade of Celebration
For the past 10 years, the Toledo Urban Federal Credit Union has hosted the celebration, starting with a prayer breakfast at Abundant Life Ministries. The festival sees participation from various individuals, groups, organizations, and businesses from throughout the city.
Suzette Collins, CEO and founder of Toledo Urban Federal Credit Union, organized the event.
Community Engagement and Core Values
“For me, as chief diversity officer, community engagement is a UT core value and the event is one of our most important festivals that we host,” said Dr. Shanda Gore, UT associate vice president for equity, diversity and community engagement and chief diversity officer. “It’s a great opportunity for us to welcome the community to the University."
Dr. Gore added, “I find it very uplifting to go and to see so many people have a great time at UT while at the same time get their health taken care of."
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Resuming After Challenges
The festival was canceled one year, and almost didn’t happen another year, but the community outcry begging for the festival to resume was impossible to ignore. “For the community to reach out to us and say, “Please bring it back so we can get some kind of normalcy to our lives.” That said a lot,” she says.
The community jumped at the opportunity to gather for smiles, dancing, and jubilation. After COVID, protests, and a nationwide racial reckoning, a celebration was overdue.
“We’ve been locked up a year and a half. So it’s just nice to hear music and come out of the house and relax and enjoy,” says Toledo resident Cassie Marsunburg.
Celebrating Black Lives and Skills
The festival also showcased local, minority-owned businesses. Artist Nikola Welcome-Bovell, who was selling her original jewelry and artwork at her booth, Nikolacolours Arts The Colours Gallery, says that’s important.
“So that people can come out and see what we’re doing and know that there’s a lot of minority-owned businesses out there. And a lot of people are inventing and designing and creating their own stuff,” she says.
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In a space where Black lives and skills are celebrated, people say it’s easy to find hope.
“It’s been a long, long battle for the last 2 years and we just want to enjoy this moment right here,” says Marsunburg.
“There’s going to be a change. Change is coming. I believe that,” says Marsunburg.
The day started with a parade and then crowds poured into Promenade Park for the festival.
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