By Maxine Rishton
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
The 19th annual African American Cultural Festival held Sept. 19 at Towson Court Patriots Plaza hosted a series of stations dedicated to different aspects of African American culture, all ranging from business, clothes, food and music for the people of Baltimore.
The cultural festival is dedicated to celebrating and educating the public on historical African American involvement in Baltimore County. The vendors showcased jewelry, handbags, clothing, black art, food trucks and music. The festival began with line dancing and live entertainment from local artists.
Nnene Essien, 37, of Montgomery County, said she’d been to the festival before but it was her first time there as a vendor. Her stand was one of the many that sold African apparel at the festival.
“I love the cultural aspect of this festival, everything is so unique and artistic,” Essien said. “I mean look at everybody here. They bring the culture to the festival as well. We’re here selling cultural items but the people alone bring so much to this festival.”
Nearby vendors were pitching their products to attendees, but the men of the Baltimore Metropolitan Chapter 9th & 10th Cavalry Association Buffalo Soldiers stood by their table welcoming all those who seemed interested in learning the history of African American soldiers after the Civil War, focusing on the time period of 1866 to 1898.
“We tell the story of the black soldier through narratives, questions, pictures and artifacts,” said Manny Lock, a member of the association. “We don’t stop telling the story here at the festival. Throughout the state we visit several schools and churches sharing the story.
Lock said he enjoyed the outlet the festival provided the association because celebrations like the cultural festival always gave them a wide audience to educate and enlighten.
The festival has brought some faithful attendees over the years. Baltimore resident Sandra Major said she attends the festival every year.
“I love the black history of Towson and the vendors,” she said. “If you want to have a nice, quality time, this festival is the place.”
Major said she has seen how the festival has changed from year to year. Major said there’s not as many food stands as there used to be but one thing she’d like to see added to the festival are more ethical and healthy food stands.
“Where’re the African people at with the African food? This is an African American festival,” Major said. “All they have is the fried fish stand. It’s $10 for a fish sandwich but you don’t get any sides with it. We need more options that cater to all types of people in the community.”
Whether a first time visitor or returnee of the festival, Essien said, you can’t go anywhere else to get a unique, enlightening experience.
“Literally, anybody can come,” she said. “Kids, families, whites, blacks, Asians, no matter the age everyone can gain something from this festival.”