FAMU and City of Tallahassee will host annual Harambee Festival

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Florida A&M University will collaborate with The City of Tallahassee to host its inaugural Harambee Festival Feb. 28 at Cascades Park from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Harambee, which means “let’s pull together” in Swahili, describes this year’s festival theme: Inspiring Unity in the Community. The Harambee Festival connected Tallahassee residents and the university as they work together to educate future generations.

Charlene Balewa, marketing manager for FAMU’s Office of Communications and Harambee Festival coordinator, explained that this is an event that everyone can benefit from and said that it is important for people in the community to experience the rich legacy of African culture.

“It gives an opportunity for those that may not understand the history of African-American culture the chance to experience the rich legacy of our culture and to see all the great things that are happening at FAMU,” Balewa said.

Vendors from across the region will showcase cultural art, dance, fashion, eclectic jewelry, healthy foods and live performances.

TaShavia Graham, third-year FAMU psychology student and Harambee assistant, is excited to see the outcome of the event.

“The outcome of this event will be great. This event will provide a sense of togetherness among the university and the community,” Graham said.

Twenty years ago, an event similar to the Harambee Festival was held in Tallahassee. This year FAMU will pay homage to all of the founders of The Harambee Arts & Cultural Heritage Council.

Joe Roache, one of the original founders, will be honored at the festival. He is the father to Aja Roache, director of Foster Tanner’s Fine Art Gallery.

The Harambee festival is expecting at least 1,000 attendees.

For more information regarding festival activities visit The Harambee Festival’s webpage at www.famu.edu/harambee.