The Florida Department of Arts and Culture and the Department of Historic Resources partnered Friday to host the second annual Black History Arts and Culture Festival.
The festival, held at the RA Gray Building, featured local acts such as Omega Lamplighters’ Mighty Right Step team, dance companies Ayoka African Drum and Dance and Avis Barry & Revival. A live performance was held. The festival provided an opportunity to engage with the community, celebrate Black history, and spotlight Black culture through a variety of art forms.
Tallahassee resident Pamela Coleman was invited to the festival by members of the Ayoka African Drum and Dance Company. She said the Black History Arts and Culture Festival has had a positive impact on the community in just two short years.
“Events like this bring people together as a community. Today, I witness young and old demonstrating Black talent through the arts, giving people in the community an opportunity to experience and appreciate Black culture. I did,” Coleman said.
Tallahassee residents Christina and Gregory Downey recognized the need for an event that celebrated positivity within the Black community.
Christina Downey said, “To show the dedication that the Black community puts into the arts and positive organizations within the Tallahassee community, far beyond the negativity that is often highlighted in the headlines. We need something constructive like this cultural festival for the sake of the people.”
“This is a great opportunity for people in this community to see organizations like Omega Lamplighters investing and getting involved to ensure that children in our community have a safe space to express their creativity. It’s an opportunity to understand something,” Gregory Downey added.
The Black History, Arts and Culture Festival featured many Black-owned businesses in Tallahassee. Vendors included razor artist Christopher Barnhart, Johnson Rustic Candles, Crazy Funky Stuff jewelry by Janelle Edwards, and more. Attendees were encouraged to explore the vendor table and show their support for these small businesses.
As Coleman visited each vendor’s table, she noticed one of her students, Janelle Edwards, owner of CrazyFunkyStuff, a handcrafted jewelry business.
“I originally came to see a dance performance by the Ayoka African Drum and Dance Company, and seeing Janelle felt a bit like a family reunion. So many good things. I’m going home with it and I was able to support a small business, which is a great feeling,” Coleman said.
The highlight of Gregory Downey’s evening was the experience of speaking with razor artist Christopher Barnhart about the extreme details that go into his artwork.
“Mr. Barnhart’s artwork really fascinated me, as each piece had so much individuality and detail. By using a variety of African prints and African-centric features for his characters, he “It captured black culture in a very beautiful way,” Downey said.