“Let’s unite” is the powerful message of “Harambee,” a Swahili concept. This message resonated throughout the vibrant Harambee Festival at Cascades Park, where music, learning, food and art celebrated Black culture and brought the community together.
Vendors showcased beautiful paintings, handmade jewelry and bold fabrics representing African culture. Each piece reflected deep pride and passion, with artists sharing stories behind their work and cultural influences.
The aroma of fried seafood led many to the Taste of Color food truck, where a growing crowd awaited their New Orleans-style meals. Taste of Color, a food truck from Panama City, specializes in Southern dishes, delivering authentic flavors with every bite.
Thanji Kirk and Jada Taylor, environmental science students at FAMU, were among those excited to participate in the festival. “We heard the Harambee Festival would be celebrating African culture and traditions, and we wanted to be part of that,” Kirk said.
Taylor added, “I’m looking forward to hearing some good music and eating some good food,” a sentiment echoed by many festival-goers.
At the Adderley Amphitheater, the sounds of Black artists filled the air. The festival featured songs by Kirk Franklin, Usher, Anita Baker and many more, along with instrumentalists like saxophonist BK Jackson and violinist Chelsey Green. Their performances blended classical R&B and smooth jazz styles, engaging the audience and highlighting the richness of Black musical heritage.
Beyond entertainment, the festival served as a platform for community engagement and advocacy. Booths were set up by various organizations and passionate individuals dedicated to making a difference.
Abria McNeill, representing the CaRE2 Health Equity Center, emphasized the importance of spreading awareness about health issues affecting Black communities. “We’re promoting community advocacy, especially within the Black community,” McNeill said.
CaRE2 focuses on researching cancers such as pancreatic, lung, and prostate cancer while working to spread prevention and awareness efforts. “The first step in preventing cancer is advocacy,” McNeill added. “By having community volunteers share information, we can fight cancer one step at a time.”
Kandace Pestina, a health science student and volunteer at the FAMU College of Allied Health booth, underscored the importance of representation in healthcare. “I volunteered for the Harambee Festival as an opportunity to represent the Allied Health students at FAMU and reach out to the African American community,” Pestina said. “A lot of people are just trying to figure out life and find their way in the healthcare field.” Passionate about addressing racial disparities in healthcare, Pestina is dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion within the industry.
The Harambee Festival was not just about entertainment — it was a meaningful gathering that promoted unity, cultural pride and community empowerment. The festival brought people together to share music, food, and knowledge while highlighting important community issues. The festival serves as a powerful reminder of our identity and the importance of coming together to honor African culture.