As the Tallahassee community rounds out Black History Month, the historic Harambee Festival, hosted by Florida A&M University, serves as a light of celebration, showcasing a cornucopia of black art, culture, and music.
“The festival began in the 80’s which was started by three FAMU women. Now, it’s a team effort from the Office of President, the Office of Communications, and the Office of Student Activities, which provides our volunteers,” said Harambee Festival Project Manager Vernon Bryant.
The 2025 Harambee Festival gathered over 50 vendors and partners, including representatives from multiple colleges and schools, food, fashion, and community partners. Presentations and tabling featured games, prizes, and resources for younger and older generations.
Hosted by Tallahassee radio personality Joe Bullard, alongside music from DJ Loose Kid, the Harambee Festival featured performances from FAMU alumnus and saxophonist B.K. Jackson, Rickards High School Drumline, the FAMU Gospel Choir, and the worship team from Family Worship and Praise Center.
“Performing at the Harambee Festival is important to me because I get to see my future HBCU family,” expressed Jashira Courtney, Rickards High School Marching Raiders Drumline member. “I love the amount of people who came out and expressed their love for Rickards… Harambee is important for our community to gather as a family and celebrate the greatness of black and HBCU cultures.”
An integral aspect of the Harambee Festival has been continuing a bridge of the past with the present, celebrating resilience, artistry, and cultural pride. Many vendors showcased and sold original art commemorating black historical figures and culture.
When asked by Famuan staff about the pieces presented, art devotee and vendor Uche expressed his purpose behind coming to the Harambee Festival.
“I just wanted to come here to showcase this art and bring people another perspective of art from another culture, [especially] another part of the world. As well as bringing art that can be affordable,” says Uche. “Black history is extremely rich and has contributed to giving America a unique flavor. Without black history, America would be tasteless.”
As we enter the final week of February, Black History Month celebrations continue to serve as a reminder and a gathering for African American students and community members to celebrate and honor their rich heritage.
FAMU Alumnus and IMPACT Wesley Foundation at FAMU Pastor Juana Jordan reflects on the occasion and the importance of such events.
“I understand that Harambee in Swahili means “all pull together.” Now more than ever, with our rights under attack and our very history and heritage threatened for erasure, we as black people must reclaim the tradition of community and self-help and pull together,” said Pastor Jordan
Final events this month will include special church services, Island Sunday at Family Worship and Praise Center, the premiere of FAMU Essential Theater’s production of “Confederates” by Dominique Morrissue, and a critical conversation with Tallahassee Mayor Pro Tem Dianne Williams Cox.