The Black Arts & Cultural Center of Kalamazoo has offered our city intentional and culturally relevant festivals for the past 31 summers. Filled with fun for the entire family, vendors, entertainment and a focus on black arts and culture, the Black Arts Festival is a wonderful way to unite the people of Kalamazoo in order to enhance the community and radiate positivity. To continue the tradition of offering a multitude of activities for guests of all ages, this year’s festival will include a youth day, a unity call to action by local clergy, the kick off of Face Off Theatre Company’s third season and a focus on using culture to promote unity. Starting July 13, we invite the Kalamazoo community and beyond to join us for four days of exposure to black arts and culture.

“There is no better time than the present to advocate for unity through culture.” says Yolonda Lavender, Executive Director, Black Arts & Cultural Center. Lavender goes on to say, “In light of the climate of our nation, BACC is proud to provide an opportunity for all people from all walks of life and cultures to unite.”

The first festival in 1986 and was orchestrated by Gail Sydnor, Lois Jackson and James C. Palmore. Later in order to keep black arts and culture in the forefront, the Black Arts and Cultural Committee was created the same year changing its name to ‘Center’ in 1990. Since its founding, the Black Arts Festival has maintained its legacy of showcasing the unique aspects of Black arts and culture. This year’s festival will represent the work of the Black Arts & Cultural Center and its commitment to continue uniting the Kalamazoo community for years to come.

 

 

 

 

 

July 13th

Youth Day-11am-3pm- Bible Baptist Church 1700 N. Drake Rd.  Kalamazoo, MI 49006- ages 7-17, FREE FOOD, games and more! FREE ADMISSION!

Face Off Theatre Company Production of “In the Blood”-7:30pm- Epic Center 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall Kalamazoo, MI 49007 – Ticket prices: $8 (groups of 8), $10 (BACC Members), $15 (students/ seniors), $20 (general)

July 14th

Face Off Theatre Company Production of “In the Blood”-7:30pm- Epic Center 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall Kalamazoo, MI 49007 – Ticket prices: $8 (groups of 8), $10 (BACC Members), $15 (students/ seniors), $20 (general)

July 15th

Unity Through Culture Weekend-11am-8pm- La Crone Park 535 W. Paterson St. Kalamazoo, MI 49007- Vendors-Food-Live Entertainment-Kids Activities-African Drum & Dance Tent and More! FREE ADMISSION!

Summer Black Party-9pm-1:30am- Rootead 1501 Fulford St. Kalamazoo ,MI 49001 Sounds by DJ Conscious -$10 admission-21+

July 16th

Unity Through Culture Weekend-11am-6pm- La Crone Park 535 W. Paterson St. Kalamazoo, MI 49007- Vendors-Food-Live Entertainment-Kids Activities-African Drum & Dance Tent and More! FREE ADMISSION!

 

Visit blackartskalamazoo.org or contact BACC at info@blackartskalamazoo.org or 269-349-1035 for more information. Follow us on Twitter & Instagram- @blackartskzoo