Rochester, New York is getting ready for its seventh annual Black Culture Festival on July 24 and 25. The event will take place at Parcel 5 on East Main Street and is free for everyone. This year's theme is "Homecoming," encouraging attendees to wear clothing that represents their schools or historically Black colleges and universities. Professional fraternities and sororities will also be present.
The festival will feature classic neighborhood activities like a Spades card game championship, Double Dutch jump rope contests, and roller skating. There will also be play areas for children, a fashion show, and trivia games. Festival founder Will Powers hopes to set a record with a large Soul Train line dance, honoring the famous TV show that was important for Black music.
Powers started the festival to celebrate current cultural influence and modern achievements, not just history. He said, "This was a by us, for us thing." He wants the weekend to feel like the biggest family reunion in the city.
More than 50 local groups, food vendors, and businesses will have booths, helping money stay within the Rochester community. Edwin Spencer, CEO of Sun Lion Financial Group, whose company has sponsored the event for three years, believes such events promote community happiness. Local musicians will perform, and on July 25, a "Ribs & Rhythm" event will offer food sampling and cooking demonstrations for $20. The festival also supports the future by honoring Black educators and offering the BCF Next Step Scholarship for graduating students pursuing further education or careers.