Welcome to the celebration of heritage and community as Seattle's Festival Sundiata presents Black Arts Fest, honoring its 45th year on August 23 and 24 at the Seattle Center Armory Food & Event Hall and Mural Amphitheatre. Known for fostering a bond among residents of all backgrounds, this free, family-friendly event merges learning with celebration, showcasing the dynamic panorama of African American culture.
An integral part of the Seattle Center Festál, Festival Sundiata encourages cross-cultural trust and appreciation, a mission echoed by Roberto Jourdan, Board President of Sundiata African American Cultural Association, who told Seattle Center Spotlight, "The divide between cultures has broadened in recent years. The more we know about each other, the more we can come to trust, admire, and even treasure each other," with the festival serving as a touchstone for societal unity, particularly important for young adults, children, and the elderly.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the Ultimate Art Experience exhibit, featuring notable artists such as Robert H. King, LeShawn Gamble, and Devonna Roy. The live music lineup boasts an array of eclectic talents, including The Bar-Kays and Binky Womack, as well as local favorites like Andy Stokes and Toni Bailey and Friends, offering rhythms and melodies that span the spectrum of Black musical genius.
An additional draw is the festival's marketplace, rich with vendors like Afrocentric Essentials and Dae2Dae Creations, displaying goods and services that reflect a myriad of Black entrepreneurial endeavors alongside a culinary feast at A Taste of Sundiata, which brings together flavors that span the African American culinary spectrum with local vendors cooking up everything from barbecue to sweet treats. Seattle Center's own Managing Artistic Director of Cultural Programs, Heidi Jackson, celebrated the festival's legacy and focus, stating, "Festival Sundiata’s Black Arts Fest is a tribute to Black culture, Black brilliance, and the deep love we share for our community," per Seattle Center Spotlight.
