Annual African-American festival attracts 300,000

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Tony Martin plays the organ at the African American Heritage Festival on Sunday in Baltimore City. – Jon Clements/For The Examiner

BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Baltimore City’s annual African American Heritage Festival is every bit as much about keeping the community in touch with its culture as well as apprising it of opportunities including homeownership, financial empowerment and voter registration.

But more than that, the event — billed as the largest black festival in the mid-Atlantic region — provides an entire weekend aimed at strengthening family.

This year’s event at Oriole Park at Camden Yards partnered with E-Mortgage Solutions Inc. and attracted more than 300,000 attendees who were treated to the soulful sounds of “American Idol” winner Fantasia, Chuck Brown and Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, among others. 

“I usually try to come out every year,” said Annette Newson, of Northeast Baltimore City.

“This is not about race, but rather a fun and educational way to show others what African-American heritage and culture is all about.”

As the activities wound down Sunday, the seven-year-old festival’s exhausted but happy coordinator Darlene McCain said the event was about keeping the community involved.

“We wanted to make sure, first and foremost, that it was a family event and, secondly, that the community — everyone from children to senior citizens — owned it,” McCain said, adding that more than $600,000 was raised for the festival.

Mark Matthews, a human services worker with the city’s Department of Housing, was among the representatives of more than 100 vendors and service organizations that participated.

He said interest was high at his booth all weekend, as volunteers promoted the department’s gas and electric energy assistance program.

“We participated to let people know that in these tough times there’s help available as they struggle to pay their bills,” Matthews said. 

drowley@baltimoreexaminer.com

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