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A new festival celebrating African and African-American cultural heritage will make its debut Aug. 5 at Springwood Avenue Park.

The inaugural Universal African Heritage Festival is being held to encourage cross-cultural communication among communities, artists, youth and all others interested in various forms of culture and art from Africa and its Diaspora, organizers said in a written statement.

“Maintaining one’s culture, values, and traditions instills awareness, guidance, and pride that lets them know who they are, so they know where they’re going,” said Founder BiBi Bennett.

Sponsored by the Zamir Ahsaad A. Dunbar Foundation, the event will feature live music, dance, spoken word performances, arts and crafts, face-painting, fashion, food vendors, and an awards ceremony honoring the community’s unsung heroes.

The emcees for the day are Tyrone Laws, Keemah Solomon and the “Wonder Twins” Kelly and Kyle Weedon.

On the bill are performances by The Chosen, Michelle White Jones and Higher Ground, St. Stephen AME Zion Youth Choir, Makayla Serrano, SJDub, A1 Dope, Joe College, 1st Eye LeSky, HD Picasso, Hip Hop Illusions, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. Steppers, Sister Isis Drummers and Capoeria Sol Nascente.

The free event will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug 5 at Springwood Avenue Park, located between Sylvan and Atkins avenues.

For more on the inaugural event, contact Founder Bibi Bennett at universalafricanfestival@gmail.com, or visit the Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages.

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