Our History

The Harambee Ujima Black Arts Festival was founded to celebrate and preserve the rich traditions of Black culture, creativity, and collective unity!

Rooted in the principles of Harambee (‘pulling together’) and Ujima (‘collective work and responsibility’), the festival began as a community-driven effort to provide a platform for Black artists, performers, and entrepreneurs to share their talents and stories.

Over the years, it has grown into a vibrant annual gathering that not only showcases music, dance, visual art, and spoken word but also fosters education, economic empowerment, and intergenerational connections.

The festival’s history reflects a continuing commitment to honoring heritage while inspiring future generations to embrace pride, purpose, and community solidarity.