2016 African American Festival in Baltimore, MD

I went to the The 30th annual Afro-American Festival.  It was this past weekend but I went on Saturday.  It was held at the Camden Yards Sports Complex and it was a celebration of African-American culture in Baltimore with entertainment from some of the hottest musical acts past and present, food and service vendors, and empowerment pavilions throughout the lots.

Vivica A. Fox and Comedian Jonathan Slocum hosted the event.  Artists included Joe, Estelle and Baltimore’s own Ruff Endz, Goapele, Gospel Artist Anthony Brown and Group Therapy.  Common and Angie Stone headlined the event.  There also was a special tribute for Baltimore’s DJ Reggie Reg who passed earlier this year.

PRE-EVENT

I arrived when everything was being setup.  Over 300,000 people were expected to attend. I wanted to be there before the crowds started to come in.

This young man is a gifted artist.  His prices  start at $5.00.  Too low in my opinion.

 Although I didn't get a chance to see see the performances, I did get a chance to hear Angie Stone and Ro James rehearse.  Security made sure early-arrivals couldn't get close.  Only the media were allowed to take pictures of them rehearsing.

The Health and Wellness Pavilion

 Planned Parenthood of Baltimore engages, entertains and educates women about reproductive care.

THE EMPOWERMENT PAVILLION

Alfred Edmonds, Jr., Editor of Black Enterprise magazine, interviews Matthew Knowles, Beyonce's father and former manager and founder of the female group Blushh.  He's also the author of the new book DNA of Achievers.  Knowles talked about the 10 keys to success. 

Black Girls Vote 

The STEM/TECH PAVILLION

CELEBRITY/MEDIA ROW

FOOD VENDORS

INFORMATION TABLES

FAMILY FUN ZONE

Brown Girl Village Tent

TEEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP PAVILION

M of Princess M. Nail Polish talks about her line under the Brown Girl Village Tent, where teenage females talked about entrepreneurship.

VENDORS

A brand ambassador for Talliah Wajiid natural hair products takes a break from passing out samples.  Tajid was the first woman to create a natural hair product and turn it into a mini-empire.  She produces a large hair show twice a year.

On my way out of Camden Yards, I couldn't help looking at this statue.  I like what the plaque says: "Babe's Dream".  I was there pursuing my dream of being a mainstream photographer.  I had to take a picture of the statue.  

A statue of Babe Ruth, National Baseball Hall of Famer and native Baltimorean, stands at the entrance of the Baltimore Orioles Stadium.

 #BmoreAAF40 #BmoreAAF @BmoreAAF