On Saturday, September 24, 2016, the Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival will return to the Annapolis City Dock for another exciting year of cultural celebration. In its 27th year, the festival is a free event for all ages to enjoy live performances, world foods and artisan vendors, as well as heritage and history. The festival will be held at Susan Campbell Park at the Annapolis City Dock, 10:00am – 7:00pm.
Highlights of the festival are:
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Live music and dance performances all throughout the day
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Delicious cuisine by world food vendors
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Unique and handmade arts & crafts, including African art and fashions
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Children’s Activity Tent sponsored by Chesapeake Children’s Museum
Free parking can be found at the Calvert Street Garage at 19 St. Johns Street, Annapolis, MD.
The original Kunta Kinte Celebration was held in September 1987. The festival continues to be a historical occasion for people from all walks of life to come together and celebrate cultural heritage.
History of Kunta Kinte
In 1767, Kunta Kinte was brought aboard the ship Lord Ligonier from The Gambia in West Africa to the Annapolis city dock to be sold into slavery. This legendary character is known from Alex Haley’s best-selling novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family and the recent History Channel remake, Roots (television mini-series). Kunta Kinte never lost his connection to his African heritage despite many years in bondage. Kunta Kinte’s experience symbolizes the struggle of all ethnic groups to preserve their cultural identity.
To learn more about the history of the Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival or obtain information about the event, please visit the site at www.kuntakinte.org or email us at kuntakintecelebrations@gmail.
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