Seattle Center Festál: Festival Sundiata Presents Black Arts Fest, starting at 1 p.m., Sunday, June 21, online at: http://festivalsundiata.org or https://www.facebook.com/FestivalSundiataBlackArtsFest, shares traditional and contemporary African American heritage by showcasing local and national artists. This year’s virtual presentation includes dance, music, art, a history exhibit, special “Sundiata Moments” and more. The engaging and entertaining line-up includes:
Opening Remarks & Entertainment
Greetings by Sundiata African American Cultural Association President Roberto Jourdan, Seattle Center Director Robert Nellams and City of Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan
Buffalo Soldiers Color Guard
National Anthem by vocalist, Mariah Vann, and keyboardist Lucia Francine Wiggins
“Story of Sundiata” presented by Kouyote Arts
Sundiata Moments – noted performances from past festivals
Dramatics featuring Willie Ford
Wale
ConFunkShun
Steve Arrington
Rose Royce
Midnight Starr
The Dazz Band
Angela Bush
Sundiata Tribute
Mr. Mohammed Shaibu, a legendary musician and veteran Sundiata performer who passed away in April, will be remembered by his longtime partner, Yaw, in a special tribute.
Music | Dance
NW Tap Connection
William Demps
Funk E Fusion with Lizzie Sunchine & CT Thompson
Mach X Band with Zhanea June, Zachary Bruce and Lucia Farncine
Art
Art Presentation by Kimberley Phillips: Iconic Black Artist Jacob Lawrence
Readings | Storytelling
Untold Truth, by Delbert Richardson, chronicling the rich history of Africans beginning from before they arrived in America, through slavery and the Jim Crow to today – and highlighting the many contributions of African Americans in the areas of culture, science and technologies.
Sundiata 2020 Special Appearance
Howard Hewett & Saeed Renaud
Closing Remarks
Roberto Jourdan
Seattle Center Festál highlights the culturally rich communities who help shape the character and course of our region. The series provides a forum for cultural groups to come together, where they can share their stories with the greater community–and where all can feel a sense of belonging. The series began in 1997 to offer a central place for festivals to invite the public to join in their unique cultural expression.
Seattle Center presents Festál:
Festival Sundiata presents Black Arts Fest in partnership with Sundiata African American Cultural Association as part of a series that provides a stage and platform for the traditions and accomplishments of the participating communities. Streaming is free of charge. For more information, visit www.seattlecenter.com/festal or call 206-684-7200.
About Seattle Center Festál:
This enriching series of 24 ethnic cultural festivals on weekends throughout the year seeks to connect people in ways that build understanding, dispel stereotypes and generate pride among the generations who participate in these shared experiences. Seattle Center Festál is produced with the generous support of KUOW 94.9 Public Radio, Coca-Cola, T-Mobile, Lyft, 4Culture, the City of Seattle and Seattle Center Foundation.
