FESTIVAL ENDS WITH A BAND, CALLED SWITCH

Ten thousand festival goers enjoying the festivities

With a crowd of 10,000 plus, which included a number of children, Switch received an Akron style homecoming. The enthusiastic crowd took a walk down memory lane with Switch, as they recalled fond memories of their teenage years and some of the bands hit songs of the 80's. With lots of graduates from East High and Buchtel, there were many friends and family in the audience.

But, the real story was the successful efforts of Akron's African American Cultural Association in organizing the 31st annual event. Debra Calhoun, Steve Arrington, Mike Irby, Shcarra Benn, Esi Bryant and John Fuller were some of the key organizers of this year's festival, some of which have been involved with the organization of the festival since it's inception in 1979. Everyone involved is to be congratulated for their kujichagulia (self-determination) in, not only keeping the festival alive and well, but in revitalizing an important community event.

The festival began with a tribute to the elders of the community and the ancestors who have passed on, led by Amma Rogers. Harambee, which means "let's pull together," in Kiswahilli is an important first step in many community events, for without the work of those who have come before us, none of what we're doing now would be possible.

Baba Jubal greets a festival goer

Some of the participants, like Baba Jubal of Cleveland, OH stated, "there's nothing like this going on in Cleveland." In fact, Baba Jubal was one of the major successes of the day with his free drum making and playing workshops. This was the first time something like this had been offered at the festival. Over the course of the day Baba Jubal and his assistant helped 50 children make and decorate drums and then gave them a free 1/2 hour lesson on how to play their new drums. The 2 youth booths were busy all day. Parents brought their children for all the activities and some respite from the sun.

Darryl Crosby of Akron stated, "I saw people there I haven't seen in 25 years." The community was definitely out in force. It was hot and sticky, but lots of fun.

A new feature of the festival was the inclusion of an African Village, which included two African huts, African dance workshops and drummaking; storytelling, games and a living breathing Chakaba (stilt dancer), the identity of which is a closely guarded secret. With all of the electronic games, currently in vogue, it was surprising to see how many young people actively engaged in playing Oware for 2 hours solid. The children who really showed an interest in learning how to play Oware were given a gameboard with seeds and instructions on how to play, so they could continue to play and teach friends & family how to play. Kofi Khemet taught workshop participants how to play tournament style Oware, which comes from Ghana, but is now played worldwide.

Festival goers had access to everything Lock 3 has to offer, including the exhibits inside the Akron History Museum. The Dr. Shirla R. McClain Gallery of Akron's Black History & Culture loaned the festival a portable exhibit that was on display all day. Pammie's operated the concession stand inside the building and there was also an opportunity to receive health related information and free screenings. The mentoring group 100 Black Men sponsored a chess tournament that brought out young people from all over Akron.

Serious chess players

There were less vendors than the previous year, but those that came left in good spirits. With the large crowds that came it seems certain they must have done reasonably well. Standouts among the vendors included Shea for Life, selling Vegan Philly Cheese Steaks and fragrance products; the Fruit Cup booth and perennial favorite L & E, with their fried okra and other popular dishes.

Of course, it would not have been much of a festival without all the local talent, like Heartbeat Afrika, with their excellent drumming; The MKE Ensemble with poet Mwatabu Okantah; Hue People; Best Kept Secret and many other great local groups.

The planning has already begun for next year, which promises to be bigger and better than ever. Hope to see you there.