Celebrating a rich heritage

From staff reports
Published: September 17, 2008

From staff reports
The African-American Heritage Festival is celebrating its 19th year of events Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. each day, at the John Moxley stadium parking lot just off Thornrose Avenue next to Gypsy Hill Park.
New this year is a short dramatization, titled “Sunjata Arises.” The story goes that the first king of the medieval Mali Empire was Sunjata Keita and the story of his life is still told and retold today in word, movement and music.
Following that presentation is a drum workshop. Senior high school student Obyanna Olumide comes from Richmond to lead an hour-long drum workshop. Some jembe and other African-style drums are available for use,  but if you have an African drum, please bring it along.
These two new additions are especially geared toward music enthusiasts young and old. Special invitations have been sent to all area schools and music departments. Saturday continues with an opening program at noon, and continues with African dancers and music by local and ou-of-town entertainers. For young children there will be three free kiddie rides.
Omebe Onyejekwe, Nigerian consultant to the Frontier Culture Museum, will make a short presentation about the West African exhibit being constructed at the museum and will have many crafts on display.
Sunday morning begins with an old-fashioned informal church service at 10 a.m. and the afternoon promises a gospel extravaganza with liturgical singing and step dancing.
The festival is stocked with ethnic and American foods, and many arts and crafts vendors who are local as well as from places like Ohio, New York, Georgia and Northern Virginia.  The mission of the African-American Heritage Foundation is to display the contributions of African-American ancestors in an educational and entertaining way. The Event is handicapped
accessible.

SATURDAY
n 10:30-11 a.m. — “Sunjata Arises” — A story in word, movement and music
n 11 a.m.–noon — Drum workshop with Bruce Penner, of WJTU radio in Charlottesville
n noon — Opening ceremony, color guard presentation by Fishburne Military School, Waynesboro; Opening selection by Sekena Martin; Prayer given by Dr. John H. Fisher, retired Methodist minister; Welcome by Karen Scott; Greetings by Staunton Mayor Lacy King
n 1-2 p.m. — P.M. Chihamba African Dancers, Charlottesville
n 2:15-3:15 p.m. — Bootsie Daniels Band, Staunton
n 4-6 p.m. — The Groove Train Band, Charlottesville

SUNDAY
n 10 a.m.-noon — Church service at Gypsy Hill Park, Staunton; Sunday afternoon hosts include: Elder Thomas Johnson, Deacon James R. Robinson
n 1 p.m. — Gathering, gospel and praise
n 1-1:30 p.m. — Erin Renee’,  Strikeback Entertainment
n 1:35-2 p.m. — Praise Dancers, Pleasant View United Methodist Church
n 2:10-2:35 p.m. — Praise Dancers,
Ebenezer Baptist Church
n 2:40-3 p.m. — Nikki Brown, soloist  
n 3:05-3:30 p.m. — Praise dancers, Shiloh Baptist Church  
n 3:35-4:05 p.m. — Ever Young Singers,
n 4:10-4:35 p.m. — Voices of Praise, Community United Methodist Church  
n 4:40-5:05 p.m. — Praise Dancers and Steppers, Oak Grove Baptist Church  
n 5:10-5:40 p.m. — Disciples of Harmony
n Closing words of appreciation – Marguerite Johnson ; Closing remarks – Thelma Newman, president, AAHFF; “God Bless America” sung by Levis Johnson; Closing prayer – Elder Thomas Johnson