Home » Festival celebrates Black culture, draws hundreds
Festival celebrates Black culture, draws hundreds
By Maddie Wray on May 25, 2022
The day was hot, sunny and humid, but that didn’t stop hundreds of people from attending the 52nd Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival in Durham last Saturday, May 21. The event, held at Rock Quarry Park this year, celebrates the art, history and culture of Africa and African-Americans. Vendors sold paintings and jewelry, among other wares. Children painted their faces. And there was lots of music and dancing. Here’s what the day was like, rendered in photos:
Durham Mayor Elaine O’Neal (wearing sunglasses) joins festival organizers, community elders, and members of the African American Dance Ensemble cut a ribbon to mark the reopening of Rock Quarry Park and the launch of the festival.
In the festival’s arts and crafts tent, children string beaded necklaces (after getting their faces painted, of course).Balloons in red, green and yellow (the colors of Pan-Africanism) line the walkway leading to the park’s entrance.Takenya Feaster and her son Zayah Feaster enjoy a mainstage performance. Here, in response to the performers, they shout, “Peace, love and respect — for everybody!”Festival goers could choose from an array of clothing vendors, including African Beauty, Jewelry and Artifacts, owned by Dan and Betha Orange.
PHOTOS TAKEN BY MADDIE WRAY, THE 9TH STREET JOURNAL
