By Lynn Jones
The inaugural Malcolm X Festival and parade took place over the weekend and was filled with African American memorabilia, food, families and fun! The parade began at 9 a.m. at Clanzel Brown Park. Parade participants trekked to Simond Johnson Park for the opening ceremony honoring the memory of ElHajj Malik El Shabazz (Malcolm X) and African American ancestors. The park was filled with over 300 people ready to engage in workshops, chess competitions, one legged races, Kemetic Yoga, bouncy houses and more! Workshops included: Are you ready for a relationship?, Job Readiness, Contracting and how to do business with the city and state, The Call Me Mister Program, Black Men Teaching in Elementary School System, The New Jim Crow Movement and Grant Writing Made Easy.
Also performing at the festival were entertainers MJ Baker, Mal Jones, Lil Rebel, Monica Monet, The I Give, Mr. 24/7, The Peoples Vangaurd, Ahynte The Poet, Ebony Payne-English and Corey C’Frere. The Malcolm X festival was an enriched festival promoting culture, African American history and discussion on economic development and desired results.
Kemetic Empire Festival planner Diallo Sekou was impressed with the turn out and stated, “This is our first festival and we’re proud that so many people have stood with us. The mayor, councilmen and many city dignitaries and officials came to the festival. Many children are here with their parents and vendors selling their wares. Teachers and scholars as well joined us in this occasion. We are preparing for next year’s festival now.”
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