"Politics and Black Jacksonville"
(Black Democrats vs Black Republicans)
What is Our Faith?
A Discussion with the Ministers-Baptist, Methodist, Muslim, Catholic, Lutheran
FRIDAY
"Family Assistance and Community Health Fair"
The Festival Kicks off with local health experts joining together to encourage better health care and to showcase their services to the community. Focused groups are formed from research collected at each event.
**A special morning session on the issue
of Race in Education will prove to be one of the most important aspects of this year’s festival.
Tribute to the Ancestors
This event debuted last year at the Ritz Theatre and Lavilla Museum. Hosted by Theatre Director Carol Alexander and staff, the Tribute is a “must be there” event. Enjoy special African cuisine, and be entertained by exciting sounds of Jazz and African Music.
And the festival would not be the Festival without NGoma thunder.
Festival Participants, city officials and other dignitaries will gather together to pay tribute to those that helped make Kuumba a success over the last 21 years.
SATURDAY
Great Kings and Queens Parade
This is the signature event of the Festival. This year the Kings and Queens of African will be escorted to the Park via a multi-motorcycle thunder Roll. The Kings and Queens of Africa are dressed in African garments made by w legendary designer, Padrica Mendez.
Stop the Violence/Anti-Drug Youth Rally
This is a permanent fixture of the Festival.
Youth organizations, community groups, local and national entertainment, and a youth activity tent are all a part of this event to address the influx of violence and drugs that plague our community. Local partnerships include MADDADS, Boys2Men Conference, Big Brother-Big Sister, 100 Black Men of Jax and the small business community.
Main Stage Entertainment
Featuring local and national acts which will include singing, dancing, poetry & more.
FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES Preliminary Agenda
Please check back periodically as we are constantly making updates to our program and activities. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for this major event, please do not hesitate to contact Blacksonville.com, the Official Kuumba Marketing Engine at (904) 962-7284.
FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2008
8:00 am- 9:00 am - Continental Meet & Greet Breakfast
9:00 am - 10:30 am -
OPEN COMMUNITY DISCUSSION "When it Comes to Education--Does Race Still Matter? "
10:30 am- 11:00 am - Questions & Answerswith community experts from local social agencies, counseling, economists, educators, youth advocates, Duval County School Board, etc.
11:00 am - 2:00 pm -
"Family Assistance and Community Health Fair"
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - "Tribute to the Ancestors"
*ALL FRIDAY EVENTS WILL BE HELD @ THE RITZ THEATRE Downtown - 829 N. Davis Street
10:00 am - "Kings and Queens Motorcade with Motorcycle Escort"
11:00 am - Park Opens: Festival Activities at Brentwood Park
11:30 am - "Five Minutes of Fame":
Think you got talent? Well now is your time to show us. Come to the stage and you can sing, dance, recite poetry, do tricks, tell jokes---but you only have---- 5 minutes.
(no profanity please)
1:00 pm - Mr. “C” The Christian Clown -
Mr. C, the Christian Clown, brings family fun and plenty of laughter for everyone. Come share the
Mr. C Experience! Enjoy
"Clowning Around" with Mr. C's >
* Puppets * Magic Show * Games with prizes * Balloon Sculptures
*And a whole lot of audience participation.
4:00 pm - The Village of Big Deal Records 5:00 pm - TNT (Temptations Review) 6:00 pm - "Line up TBA " 7:00 pm - Toscha Comeaux 8:00 pm - "Line up TBA "
*Performance times subject to change*
ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
-Local Art on Display
-Performances by Local and Regional Artists
-Vendors in the Park
-Youth Tent opens at Noon
-Workshops Begin at 1:30pm -4:00 pm - 9:00 pm - "Jazz In the Park"
*Local and National Acts to perform (TBA)
ENTERTAINMENT
Featured Local Artist
Kuumba Youth Link Project
A cultural arts and tutoring after school program
presented at various centers throughout the community.
Rhythm Dancers
A cultural arts youth dance and drumming group that performs traditional African dances.
Eastside Theatre Production
A theater arts company organized to help develop young artists and other aspiring theatrical performers.
THE KIDS ZONE
A dedicated part of the park
is set aside strictly for the children to play
and interact with one another in
a safe, chaperoned environment!
